Foreign exchange Harbin

Question

Can anyone share some info (name, location) of a 'money changer' in Harbin. Foreign exchange banks in Beijing take nearly an hour to change USD500 with no other customers around.

Answer

In Harbin, foreign currency exchange is not as widely available as in Beijing or Shanghai, but there are still reliable options. Most travelers exchange money at major banks rather than standalone money changers, as official banks are safer and regulated.

Here are some options:

Bank of China (中国银行) – Harbin Branch: Located on Zhongyang Street (Central Street). This is one of the most reliable places to exchange USD and other major foreign currencies. Service is generally efficient, though during busy hours it may take 15–30 minutes.
Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) – Harbin Main Branch: Situated near the Harbin Railway Station. They provide foreign currency exchange services and can handle standard amounts like USD500 relatively quickly.
China Construction Bank (CCB) – Harbin Branch: Located along Zhongyang Street and other central locations. Offers standard currency exchange services, usually less crowded than Bank of China.

Additional tips:

Bring your passport as it is required for all official currency exchange in China.
Avoid small, unofficial “money changers” as they may offer worse rates or could be risky.
If you are staying near Harbin Taiping International Airport, there is a Bank of China branch at the airport that handles currency exchange, though the rates may be slightly lower.
Timing can make a difference; early morning or non-peak hours are usually faster than late afternoon.

In summary, the most reliable way to exchange USD in Harbin is at major bank branches, especially Bank of China, ICBC, or CCB. They are centrally located, safe, and efficient for amounts like USD500.

Foreign exchange Harbin

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