Chinese Bank and Post Office Phrases: Money, Transfers, and Shipping

At a Chinese bank counter, start with 我想换钱 or 我要换外币. Say 我想把美元换成人民币 to exchange US dollars. Ask 今天的汇率是多少 to check the exchange rate.

The clerk may ask how much: 你想换多少. Reply with the amount, such as 换五百美元. For euros say 欧元, for pounds 英镑, for yen 日元. You may also need your passport: 请给我你的护照.

For wire transfers, say 我要汇款 or 我要转账. Key questions include 手续费多少, 几天到账, and 对方什么时候收到. The clerk may ask 收款人姓名 and 收款账号.

If you need to open a bank account, say 我想开户. Bring your passport and residence permit. Useful words: 银行卡, 信用卡, 储蓄卡, 活期, 定期, 存钱, 取钱, and 余额.

At the post office, say 我要寄包裹 or 我要寄快递. The clerk will ask 寄到哪里 and may suggest 普通包裹 for regular mail or 特快专递 for EMS express.

You may need to fill a form: 请填一下这个单子. Weight questions: 这个有多重, 多少钱一公斤. For fragile items say 易碎物品. To buy stamps say 我要买邮票. For a postcard abroad say 寄到国外多少钱.

If the ATM swallows your card, say 我的卡被吞了. For a lost card say 我的卡丢了 and ask 可以挂失吗. If the transfer did not arrive, say 钱还没到账.

Common clarifying questions: 需要什么证件, 需要排队吗, 有英文表格吗, 可以帮我填吗, and 在哪里签字. Most large bank branches have a number ticket machine — look for 取号.