Banks

"Morgan Stanley has built a very successful franchise in China, having worked with many clients there over the years. Morgan Stanley became the first international securities firm to participate in China's first joint venture investment bank, China International Capital Corporation Limited, in 1995. The Firm is also the first among its peers to have acquired 100% of a domestic bank in China, previously known as Nan Tung Bank Ltd. Zhuhai, in October 2006. The bank is now called Morgan Stanley Bank International (China) Limited.

Money transfers via Western Union arrive in just 15 minutes, but the steep fees make this option recommended only for stranded travelers who need money in a hurry or can’t access their bank accounts. With counters at China Post and the Agricultural Bank, Western Union has the convenience of thousands of locations in China (including more than 500 in Beijing). (800 820 8668, China Post Beijing 6659 9111 ext 8459)

The ninth-largest bank in the world and the largest in China. 20,000 branches in China and 106 branches overseas, including in London, New York City, Frankfurt and eight other major cities worldwide.

Eight branches, including at China World, the Lufthansa Center, Lido and Financial Street. 22 ATMs, including at most Carrefours and The Place.

Thirty-one branches in Beijing, including at Pacific Century Place, Kerry Centre, Zhongguancun and Yosemite Villas. (check their website for more).