china travel money

A Practical Guide to Chinese Money

For the newcomer to any country, it is crucial to get a feel for the currency, as well as how to obtain it and how most wisely to use it. China is no exception. Indeed, it presents some unique challenges. This practical guide to money in China will help you prepare for your visit.

An Introduction to Chinese Cash

The official Chinese currency is the China yuan (CNY) or the renminbi (RMB). This translates as 'the People's money'. The basic unit is the yuan, and you will most commonly see it signified with the Chinese character 元 in shops. For ballpark calculations, reckon on six RMB to one United States dollar. In conversation and in shops, you may also hear yuan signified with the word kuai . Thus, san kuai or san kuai qian would mean 'three yuan'.

The yuan itself divides into ten jiao (or mao colloquially). Jiao, in turn, divide into ten fen, but fen, (though notes are still issued), are now too devalued to be of any practical value and you will rarely, if ever, see the bank notes associated with them. The yuan itself comes in paper denominations of 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, and 1. 2 yuan notes are occasionally seen, but these are going out of circulation. There are also 5 and 1 jiao notes. Coins come in denominations of 1 yuan, 5 jiao, and 1 jiao.

One practical consideration arising from this is the relatively low value of the highest denomination (100 yuan) bank note in China when compared with other currencies, which means you'd a bigger wallet for making cash payments. Fortunately, (international) banking and apps mean carrying large amounts of cash is seldom necessary in China.

Credit Cards

Most star-rated hotels and department stores accept major credit/debit cards such as Master Card, Visa, JCB, and American Express , but there are still many places where foreign credit cards are not accepted in China.

Credit cards and bank cards associated with China's own Union Pay system are becoming ubiquitous in their use, i.e. cards from one of China's banks.

Expect to pay in cash most of the time , though, if you don't have a China bank account or payment app. Most establishments in small cities and the countryside don't accept foreign bank cards. So you must carry sufficient yuan for any shopping/eating/transport and non-pre-paid activities you want to do.

Exchanging Money

Exchange major foreign currency (USD, EUR, GBP…) in large denominations at the airport, branches of the Bank of China, and large hotels in China.

Most five-star hotels will have a foreign exchange service dealing with both cash and with travelers' checks. However, rates may be uncompetitive with the banks, and these are your best option.

Most banks will be able to make an exchange, but forms will need to be filled in with questions that, at times, seem a little intrusive, such as your purpose in changing the money. It is best to answer any such questions with the most innocent answer given it is all-but inconceivable there will be any follow-ups unless your answer looks like it may lead to trouble. You will also be required to show your passport.

Banks will only accept foreign bank notes that are undamaged. Notes that are even slightly torn will be rejected.

Travelers' checks can be a secure solution if traveling for an extended period, but we now don't recommend them as ATMs and currency exchange are easier and more readily available solutions. However, please note that these may not be recognized in many places, so it is best to change them in advance at a bank or some other outlet before disappearing off into the rural hinterlands.

ATM Cash Withdrawals Using Visa, Mastercard etc.

In only recent years, more and more banks around China have made this possible to the extent it is becoming standard. You should not have a great deal of difficulty with this. However, if using an ATM to make a withdrawal, please be sure to check out our item on ATMs. These machines may not be as welcoming as they are back home: the English language option may be hard to find or awkwardly translated.

Obtain Chinese currency by withdrawing directly from an ATM using a major card brand.
See our Chinese currency converter for accurate exchange rates, and our policy on currency fluctuation.

Western Union

For availability in China, check the Western Union site for options: www.westernunion.com . Please note, there will be a fee charged for transactions, and it would be best to check the amount before one is undertaken. It enables transfering money to/from 27,000 locations in China or to an Alipay user using an online WU account, by App, or using the on-site service.

Changing Yuan Back to Your Currency

The RMB is becoming increasingly transferable overseas, but is still largely restricted. Do not overchange your foreign currencies, especially into non-100-yuan notes or old notes (the maximum allowable through China's customs check is 20,000 RMB). RMB may be readily changed in Hong Kong if you're stuck with a large amount of it, and traveling.

Limits tend to be set on how much RMB you can change to a foreign currency in a single day in China itself, and these limits may be fairly low. Whether you're even able to do that is dependent on what foreign currencies that particular branch has available on that particular day.

One thing you must do is save all your receipts for foreign currency to RMB conversions. This will smooth the path when it comes to changing money back again, either at a bank or, possibly, at the airport upon your departure, though as always with such matters in China it is best to check if this is possible in advance.

Please remember that changing money with currency traders who wait outside banks is illegal, albeit that they may offer you a better rate and many assurances. But still, don't do it.

Stability of the Yuan

The yuan tends to be protected against large fluctuations through government intervention. Previously pegged to the US dollar, it is now ostensibly pegged to a basket of currencies, but how remains a mystery to such an extent that many suspect it rises and falls according to the government's will. It is unlikely to undergo any dramatic fluctuations, its movements characterised by steady rises and falls over months, even years.

We at China Highlights currently quote tour prices in US dollars. We are currently reviewing our policy in this matter. Should a revaluation of the Chinese renminbi occur, we will honor all quotations for tours that have been fully paid at the time of the revaluation. Customers who have not paid for their tour in full at the time of any revaluation will be required to pay the difference between the old and new price calculated in renminbi.

How to Recognize Fake Money and Other Tips

There is fake money in circulation in China and unscrupulous traders particularly look for opportunities to give it in change to foreigners or other unsuspecting people. See also Avoiding Tourist Traps for tricks to beware of. Particularly check 50, 20 and 10 yuan notes fro the following:

The image of Mao Zedong should not be blurred and you should be able to feel the embossed surface of his coat shoulder.
The metal strip should be of the correct width and in the correct position, well-embedded in the note.
The number showing the denomination of the note on the front bottom left should be white and sharp when you hold it up to the light.
The round symbol with a square in the middle (like an old coin) next to it, front bottom left, should line up with the like image on the back of the note when held up to the light.

Given that higher-denomination bank notes are often forged, it is best to carry a selection of lower-denomination notes (obtained from reputable establishments) with you for minor transactions rather than breaking a 100 yuan note and receiving most of it back in change from a taxi driver or street trader.

With your cash, as well as other valuable possessions, be wary of pick pockets , particularly in crowded areas such as travel hubs. Do not carry your money around with you too openly. In a shop, produce your money and put it away again within the shop itself to prevent passers-by making a note of where you are keeping it or making an opportunistic grab.

When dealing with foreign currencies, foreign bank cards etc., it is best to remember that the regulatory environment in China when it comes to these things can be chaotic. Bank staff can prove very helpful and understanding in this given they find the rule changes no less tiresome than their customers. Be patient with them, and you will find the bank's employees are very much on your side, and eager to help.

Finally, it cannot be said often enough... remember to bargain . Particularly in tourist areas, in markets, and on the side of the street, as a foreigner you are a target for price hiking, and some of those hikes can be impressive.

Let China Highlights See You Through

Since 1998, we have been guiding foreign tourists in China through their holidays, along with everything else. We can help you through problems large and small, whether it be supplying you with a full itinerary tailored to your taste and a guide to go with it, or merely supplying you with a knowing person to lead you through the vagaries of the Chinese banking system. Why not contact us and see what we can do for you?

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China Money Tips 2024 | Currency, Exchange, & ATMs

January 12, 2024 By China Mike

Understanding Chinese currency – how to get it, exchange it and use it – is crucial while living or traveling in China.

This guide will walk you through the best (and cheapest) ways to get money while you’re in China, how to exchange any foreign currency you have, and China money tips you need to know to pay for things easily.

For all intents and purposes, China is a developed country and the Chinese currency is both stable and strong.

No matter where you are in China, you will find a wide range of banking services including bank branches and ATMs. That’s not to mention the exchange services available at international airports, high-end hotels and even some luxury shopping malls.

In this simple guide to money in China, we’re going to cover the following topics:

Overview of the Chinese currency
Cash vs Card vs Mobile Payment
Exchanging Cash vs Using an ATM
Banks in China
Can you still use traveler’s cheques?

My hope is that this will answer your most pressing questions about money in China. Also, I hope to give you confidence as you enter China that you’ll be able to pay for everything you need.

Note : Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means that at no extra cost to you, I may be compensated if you choose to use some of the services listed here.

Overview of Chinese Currency (Renminbi)

Mainland China’s currency is the renminbi (人民币), which is often shortened to “RMB”. The literal translation for this is “the people’s money”.

When talking, however, most Chinese people refer to units of money as yuan or kuai (pronounced “kwye,” which rhymes with “sigh”).

When in China, you’ll deal mostly with paper bills as opposed to coins. The most common bill denominations are: 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, and 1 yuan.

For more information, read this complete guide to Chinese currency .

Counterfeiting used to be a big problem in China, but extremely harsh punishments (i.e. death penalty) have discouraged the practice.

Old habits die hard, though, and you’ll still see merchants inspect your bills from time to time. This is especially true of the 100 RMB note, which is the only common scam in China you’ll find with using cash.

For years, the Chinese government pegged the yuan to the dollar at about 6.8yuan = US$1, which has helped their export-driven economy grow.

In June of 2010, the Chinese government — under pressure from the U.S. for complicated reasons involving trade deficits – agreed to make the yuan more flexible (but it’s basically remained the same, more or less).

Hong Kong and Macau have retained their separate currencies. The Hong Kong dollar (HK$) is pegged to US dollar at rate of HK$7.8 = US$1. The HK$ can be used in Macau and China’s Special Economic Zones (SEZ) in Shenzhen, just north of Hong Kong. Unlike the yuan, the HK$ can be exchanged internationally.

Methods of Payment (Cash/Card/Mobile)

It’s amazing how times have changed in China. It used to be that cash was king.

Now, everything has migrated to mobile payments.

There is one thing that has stayed the same in China, though. Credit cards still aren’t widely accepted .

Let’s cover the three most important methods of payment you can use in China.

Using Cash in China

Even though almost everybody in China has migrated to a mobile payment system, cash is still readily accepted.

As a tourist or short-term visitor, cash still is your best option when shopping for anything in China . It’s only as a long-term expat that you can consider other forms of payment.

Thankfully, it’s easy to get cash at the numerous ATMs throughout every city (more on that below) or you could exchange your foreign currency at the airport.

Using Credit Cards in China

While foreign credit cards can be used to purchase flights, trains and hotels online, there aren’t too many places that accept your card in person.

It’s better to arrive in China assuming that you won’t be able to use your credit card easily.

Perhaps you’ll be pleasantly surprised, but most people find that they rarely use their foreign issued credit/debit cards.

The only exception: ATMs.

Many (but not all) ATMs accept Visa/MasterCard that will allow you to withdraw money from your account at home. The ATM will spit out Chinese RMB and your bank will charge you an exchange fee.

Do your research: some banks don’t charge ATM fees or foreign exchange fees. If you’ll be in China for a while, reducing these fees could save you a lot of money in the long run.

Mobile Payment in China (WeChat / Alipay)

In China, you’ll find that most locals pay for things using their phones. More than likely, they’re using either WeChat or Alipay to make those payments.

It doesn’t have to be a large payment, either. Mobile payments can be used for large purchases or even to buy a piece of fruit from a street vendor.

The problem here is that you can only use these apps if you have a Chinese bank account.

Short-term visitors can’t open a Chinese bank account .

Over the past couple years, both WeChat and Alipay have made an effort to make their platform available to tourists, but so far those efforts have been a failure.

The only alternative that shows promise is a UnionPay card.

Unblock the Chinese internet with ExpressVPN

Exchanging Cash vs Using an ATM in China

As mentioned above, your best bet for cash is to pull out money from an ATM machine. It offers a good rate and it’s extremely quick.

The only downside is that you’ll typically be charged a foreign exchange fee by the Chinese bank, as well as a fee from your own bank. For this reason, I recommend you withdraw the maximum amount, which in many ATMs is up to 3000 RMB or about US$420.

You’ll be surprised at how easy it is to find an ATM that accepts foreign credit and debit cards in China. They’re practically everywhere.

Tip for Using ATMs in China

Let your bank know that you’re traveling in China so they don’t freeze your account for suspected fraud when you use an ATM. It’s happened many times before!

Another tip to remember is that you’ll need to know your PIN in order to get cash from your debit or credit card. Make sure you know what it is!

What about Exchanging Foreign Cash?

Many travelers are under the impression that exchanging foreign cash is a good option.

It works, but it’s not a simple process.

Major currencies are accepted and exchanged at major bank branches, but it’s a time-consuming process that requires you to stand in line and show your passport.

It’s possible to exchange cash at kiosks in the airport or at high-end hotels, but the exchange rate you’ll get is terrible. For this reason, I only recommend this method for emergency cash.

Finally, you can also exchange cash on what’s known as China’s “black market”. Although the exchange rate you’ll get is probably on par with banks, it’s a risky transaction and one that isn’t necessary with all the ATMs available.

Recommended Chinese Banks

Whenever possible, use ATMs operated by the largest banks that you can find.

In Hong Kong and Macau, major banks and ATMs that accept international cards are everywhere (I prefer HSBC Bank, which is the biggest player in town).

In mainland China, your best bets are:

Citibank , with offices in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, has ATMs that accept wide range of cards.
Bank of China — which has most extensive network in the country and accepts most foreign cards. English instructions should automatically appear on screen. They have ATMs and branches everywhere but here are some main branches if you need other banking services: Beijing : Asia Pacific Building, 8 Yabao Lu, Chaoyang district, 100020, 1 Fuxing Men Nei Dajie, 100818
Other major nationwide banks : Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, China Construction Bank, Agriculture Bank of China, and China Merchants Bank.

Traveler’s Cheques in China?

Although traveler’s checks have historically been considered the safest way to carry large sums of money internationally….they’re definitely NOT the most convenient in China

Good luck finding a bank in China that still accepts these cheques.

In my humble opinion, if you have a backup ATM and credit cards, traveler’s checks aren’t worth the hassle.

If you do decide to use them, keep your proof of purchase slips in case of loss or theft, as well as your slips so you can re-convert any leftover RMB at the end of your trip.

Finally, forget about wire transfers —they take several weeks and a lot of paperwork and patience. If you’re in dire straits, you’re better off wiring money to China through a service like MoneyGram .

They’ve got offices around the country, (often located in post offices). Again, don’t forget your passport.

Final Thoughts on Money in China

It’s getting easier and easier to pay for things in China, thanks to advancements in mobile payments and international ATMs.

However, for most short-term travelers, the best method is still cash. Pulling cash from an ATM is the easiest, cheapest option for most people.

Finally, you can forget about using mobile payment options or traveler’s cheques. Neither are good options for travelers right now.

Using a mobile phone and internet in China

About China Mike

China Mike offers trusted resources about China and its history based on more than a decade of study and personal travel experience. His knowledge and writing on China has been used and referenced by universities, news publications and numerous online blogs.

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How to Exchange Money in China 2024 & Where To Do It

January 21, 2024 By Josh Summers

What is the best way to exchange money in China and where can you do it at? Whether you’re an expat in China or just a traveler passing through, getting cash exchanged into Chinese yuan (or renminbi) is a priority. There are a number of ways to get it done (and some alternatives I’ll share), but these are my favorites.

The best ways to exchange money in China

The problem I know a lot of people run into is the inability to obtain Chinese yuan before they enter China.

Chinese currency, known in Chinese language as “renminbi” or RMB for short , is not a freely convertible currency. You can’t just hop into your bank at home and request to exchange your money into RMB.

In most cases, that means entering China without any RMB in your pocket.

It’s a scary thing, no doubt, but it doesn’t have to be.

I’d like to share with you my favorite and most reliable ways to exchange money in China. I will dive into pros and cons of each in this article, but first, let me share with you my recommended “money strategy” for travelers to China :

Recommended China Money Strategy

Notify your bank that you’ll be traveling to China (so they don’t freeze your card when trying to use it).
Take the equivalent of a few hundred US dollars in your home currency with you. This is your “emergency fund”.
When you’re in the airport, either at home or when you land, exchange about US$100 worth of that cash into RMB. This is your initial exchange that will allow you to at least take a taxi and eat on your first day. Exchange rates are bad at the airport, which is why we do very little.
For the remainder of your trip, use your debit card or global payment card to pull cash from the ATM (usually 2,000 RMB at a time). This will give you the best exchange rate without having to wait at the bank.

Before I go any further, I feel the need to make one thing clear:

As travelers, we are only allowed to carry the equivalent of US$5,000 or 20,000 RMB into or out of China . Anything more than this will need to be declared and in some cases will require a legal warrant.

I never recommend that people carry this much cash on their person while traveling. However, I’ve written about smart packing for China and this includes carrying at least a little cash for emergencies.

Where to Exchange Money in China

When carrying foreign currency into China (such as Euro or US dollars), there are numerous places where you can exchange cash. You’ll need to take into account the exchange rates, the overall convenience and the risk involved as you choose your method.

The three primary places to exchange foreign currency in China are

The airport exchange kiosks, and
The black market

Here’s a quick explanation of each.

Chinese Bank Currency Exchange

Chinese banks have traditionally been the most reliable way to exchange money in China. Banks will offer the most reliable exchange rate with the least amount of risk.

The problem with using a Chinese bank to exchange cash in China is the convenience factor. I rarely spend less than an hour waiting in a Chinese bank and I’ve been known to wait 2-3 hours.

That’s not to mention the fact that you can’t rely on a bank to have an English-speaking employee. If you have little time and even less skill in the Chinese language, you might need to avoid the banks in China.

On the other hand, if you’re an expat who will be spending at least a year in China, I highly recommend you open a bank account in China .

Airport Currency Kiosks & Hotels

For travelers, the most popular way to exchange cash in China is at the airport or at your hotel. The exchange rate is abysmal but the convenience is sometimes worth it.

For the most part, you’ll find the airport kiosks located outside the baggage claim in Chinese airports. Sometimes the employee can speak English but for the most part it isn’t necessary. Give them the cash you want exchanged and they’ll hand you over Chinese RMB.

The same goes for Chinese hotels. Smaller hotel chains might not be willing to exchange cash, but most of the four- and five-star hotels will.

Convenience is key here.

You don’t have to wait in line at a bank, although the exchange rate you’ll get will be at least 10-20% worse than at a bank.

Black Market Money Exchange

As you near any major bank branch in China, you might find yourself approached by currency speculators with bags full of cash. I used to avoid these people, but I’ve learned to appreciate their service.

For the most part, these people spend all day speculating on currency changes. They want your US dollars in order to make a few bucks on the exchange. They can also sometimes be the reason that bank wait times are so long.

There’s a risk to dealing with these black market exchanges. Unless you’re intimately familiar with Chinese currency, it’s easy for them to give you fake bills without you knowing.

That being said, you can get near-bank level exchange rates with a 5-minute convenience you won’t get at a bank.

A Note about Travelers Cheques: I used to use Traveler’s Checks in China when I first arrive 10 years ago. I don’t anymore. The problem with Traveler’s Checks, besides the fact that you have to wait in line at the bank, is that not every bank will accept them anymore.

You can always get a bank to accept cash. It is up to their discretion whether or not they accept Traveler’s Checks.

Exchange Money in China | Alternative Methods

Of course, exchanging cash isn’t always the fastest – or best – way to get Renminbi in China. Hands down, the quickest and easiest way to get money in China is to use the China bank ATMs .

You might be surprised to find out how many ATMs there are in China. To me, it feels like two on every street corner. Most Chinese ATMs will show a sign above that indicates whether or not they accept Visa, MasterCard and Diner’s Club.

The exchange rate will be good, but you’ll likely be charged a fee, both from the Chinese bank and from your bank at home. For this reason, I’m a big advocate of a global payment card like eCard (US residents only).

Applying for the eCard – which is absolutely free – provides you with a UnionPay card, a network that is accepted at every single ATM in China with a flat fee.

You simply load the card from your bank before your trip and use the card to either pay for things or pull cash from the ATM.

Using something like Visa or MasterCard can work sometimes, but it’s still not universally accepted throughout China. Most major hotels, restaurants and stores will accept your credit card, but you’ll want to have cash handy for taxis, souvenirs, and those snacks you’ll find along the street.

Other Things to Consider Before Traveling to China

Now that you know how you’re going to exchange money in China, there are a few other things you should consider before you jump on your flight headed for China.

Will your phone work in China? More and more travelers are relying on their smart phones to help them with maps and translation as they travel. This will require you to have network access in China, which isn’t always as easy as it sounds. Here’s how you can use your phone in China .
Have you downloaded a VPN? Popular social networks like Facebook, Instagram and Twitter are blocked in China. So are Gmail, YouTube and many other news sites. If you want any hope of using these apps in China, you’ll need to install a VPN like ExpressVPN . It’s a paid service you need to set up before you enter China and it allows you to legally circumvent China’s censorship of the internet. Almost every expat in China uses it and personally, I have three!
Did you alert your bank about your upcoming travel? If you plan to use your ATM card or credit card in China, you’ll want to call your bank to let them know so they don’t freeze your account on suspicion of fraud.

I could go on and on with more tips, but instead I’ll just point you toward one of my favorite PDF downloads that I created called 44 Things You Must Know Before Traveling to China .

Traveling or Moving to China Soon?

Download "44 Tips You MUST Know Before Traveling to China". These simple but often overlooked tips could make or break your trip !

Download the Tips Here

About Josh Summers

Josh is the founder of TravelChinaCheaper.com who has been living in China with his family since 2006. Over that period of time he has traveled by plane, train, car, motorcycle and even camel to explore almost every corner of the country.

Reader Interactions

December 10, 2017 at 1:19 pm

Hi Josh here you say that banks at airports and hotels all use the same official exchange rate but in a previous section you said it is a mistake to change money at the airport and that there the rate is likely to be worse, so travellers should try to bring in a few rmbs and then change on arrival at hotel. Which is it please?

December 12, 2017 at 7:29 am

What I mean is that most ATMs will give you about the same exchange rate. I advise against going to the money exchange booths at the airport since you usually don’t get a good exchange rate there.

August 18, 2018 at 3:44 pm

you can purchase money outside of china. we are a currency exchange and we sell it to a lot of tourist. it is not illegal

August 20, 2018 at 1:31 pm

I’m sure you can, but why? It’s so much easier to just get it at an ATM in China.

August 19, 2018 at 9:59 am

Hi Josh, We have SoMe laos kip left over and waNt to exchange it. We are in jinghong. Can we change this in a bank? Are some better than others? Or do we need a traVel exchange place? Thanks

August 20, 2018 at 1:32 pm

Unless you have tons of time, I recommend exchanging the money at an airport kiosk. You’ll have to find a primary Bank of China in order to accept foreign currencies like that. Bank branches probably won’t be able to help you.

December 13, 2018 at 1:24 pm

Josh, I still find your comments about exchanging currency at the airport bank exchanges confusing. Yes, it is more convenient to use Atms, but in case your american debit card (and mine is a capital one 360) doesn’t happen to work, i understand that the bank exchanges and all banks use the fixed chinese government exchange rate. is there a handling charge at these bank exchanges? also, do you know if there is any problem with using a capital one 360 (mastercard) debit card at most atms in china? we are going to guangzhou and xiamen.

December 13, 2018 at 1:58 pm

Sorry for the confusion. The currency exchange kiosks are not based on the fixed government exchange rate. They have their own rate that is very favorable to them. You get a much better rate via an ATM.

While not every ATM will accept Visa/MasterCard, you will most certainly find a lot that will. If I were you, I would have a backup account and card in case that doesn’t work.

May 17, 2019 at 4:40 pm

First I want to say that this website is the most INFORMATIVE and comprehensive one I’ve found yet. I’m going to visit a friend of mine that teaches English in north east China. I’ve had a hard Time finding the info I wanted and it’s all right here. Thanks for that. Also wanted to ask and its probably a silly question, will a visa debit card from navy federal credit Union work in china?

May 18, 2019 at 5:29 pm

Visa and Mastercard can be used in many ATMs across China to get cash, so you should be fine 🙂

May 18, 2019 at 3:51 am

I just was told today that I can’t exchange money with a tourist visa. I’m not sure if this is the case all over the country, but they refused to exchange my money and told me to find a Chinese friend. Though I didn’t have an account, it was a bank of China in a provincial capital.

May 18, 2019 at 3:56 am

Go find a Chinese friend who has an account so they can exchange for me, that is.

June 5, 2019 at 2:13 pm

I’m a Canadian traveling china and Asia (as a tourist) the past few years, over my stay I did open a Chinese bank account. I need to change a signifigant amount of RMB into American currency to go into Cambodia and traveling a few other countries as well over the next few months. I need to change equivilent to aprox 7,000 usd from rmb .. any advice?

June 5, 2019 at 3:41 pm

You should be able to go to a larger bank brand to do the exchange, but they might have limits. The other option is to use the black market money changers, but there’s obvious risk there.

June 27, 2019 at 9:51 am

What about Canadian Credit Cards?

June 27, 2019 at 11:33 am

The important factor isn’t the country of origin, it’s the card network. Is it Visa? MasterCard? UnionPay?

July 24, 2019 at 3:15 pm

Hello JOsh i came to china with little cash. I have via, mastercard n a debit card. WHich do you reco to UsE in BEIJING? Am here 22 days with my sister who works here on a Permit but is in the hospital upon m6 arrival. Thanks

July 28, 2019 at 2:56 pm

I recommend using your debit card as long as you know your PIN number.

October 21, 2019 at 7:08 pm

My sister lives in china and was wondering if there is anyway to exchange Chinese yuan back to Us dollars electronically so I could take care of some payments she has here in the States.

October 21, 2019 at 8:20 pm

It depends on how much money. Smaller amounts can be sent via a service called Swapsy (as long as she has WeChat or Alipay). Otherwise, if it’s larger amounts she’ll need to go through a Chinese bank, which isn’t nearly as easy.

October 26, 2019 at 4:48 am

I’ve found in my TRAYS some old bank notes, from a previous travel in the 90’s. do you know if they are still operating ? thanks.

October 29, 2019 at 4:28 am

A Chinese bank should still accept them, but if I were you (unless it’s a lot of money), I would hold onto the cash as it might become a collectible.

November 9, 2019 at 4:37 pm

Do banks and currency exchange kiosks at Shanghai Pudong airport have a commission ? If so, how much?

November 10, 2019 at 7:50 pm

They absolutely do. It may not be a separate charge, but the exchange rate is terrible at the airport.

November 25, 2019 at 6:53 am

thanks for your infomation.

I saw on another website that advise something else. In particular, that the best way to change money in Beijing is, with the best rate and No exchanGe FEES: – from the Bank of China(BOC) branch in the Beijing airport’s arrival area, just before the exit of the arrivals gate and enter the terminal.

Instead changing at a BOC branch in the city does not change the rate but will be exchnage FEES!

From your experience, Can you please clarify these info.? Are they correct?

November 25, 2019 at 7:19 pm

It’s possible, although I can’t be for sure. Also, was the other website talking about the new airport or the old one?

My advice remains the same: exchange a little bit at the airport for emergencies and to get a taxi to your hotel, then use ATMs to get your cash.

Are you planning to travel or move to China soon?

Don't miss out on these 44 money-saving tips!

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China Travel Guide

Last Updated: April 29, 2024

China is a country filled with micro-cultures, languages, cuisines, and ethnicities. Rapid change has attracted curious people from around the globe and there is a thriving expat scene for anyone looking to teach overseas.

While I dislike the pollution of many of the big cities, the countryside, the food, people, and the history you’ll discover here will leave you in awe and forever changed. This is a country with layers where everything is filled with meaning and history.

This travel guide to China can help you plan your visit to this gigantic country (there’s over a billion people here covering 9.5 million square kilometers) with advice on things to do, how to get around, stay safe, save money, and much, much more!

Things to See and Do
Typical Costs
Suggested Budget
Money Saving Tips
Where To Stay
How to Get Around
How to Stay Safe
Best Places to Book Your Trip
Related Blogs on China

Click Here for City Guides

Top 5 things to see and do in china.

1. Visit Hong Kong

Hong Kong is bustling metropolis that combines high rise buildings with traditional street markets and temples. You have a large expat population, good shopping, fantastic nightlife, and delicious food. It’s one of my favorite cities in the world and I never get tired of visiting!

2. Explore Shanghai

One of China’s largest, busiest, and most visited cities, Shanghai is like visiting the future — fast trains, lights everywhere, efficient organization, and a cosmopolitan vibe. I love Shanghai. To get a sense of historical China, head to the Old City and see the YuYuan Gardens. For some of the best shopping in China, head to Nanjing Road.

3. Wander Beijing

Visit Tian’anmen Square, the Forbidden City, countless shopping malls, the Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, and of course, the Great Wall. There’s nothing like Beijing in the world, and, though horribly polluted and with awful air quality, it’s still a city you have to visit in order to understand modern China and its dynamism.

4. The Great Wall of China

Stretching over 21,000 kilometers, the Great Wall offers both busy tourist sections as well as secluded ruins (you can even camp beside it in some areas). If you’re on a budget, you can take the public bus to the wall near Beijing. The bus is 12 CNY and admission to the wall is 40 CNY (45 CNY in the summer).

5. See Xi’An

Xi’an is one of the ancient capitals of China and home to the famed Terracotta Army (which is over 2,000 years old), city wall, and architecture of the Muslim quarters. Those three things are pretty much why everyone comes here but there’s also an incredible hike on Mount Hua if you’re looking for adventure.

Other Things to See and Do in China

1. tian’anmen square.

You’ve no doubt seen it in films and on TV, but it is hard to get an idea of the sheer size of this square until you’re standing square in the middle of it. There’s plenty to see here including the Tiananmen Tower, the Great Hall of the People, the People’s Heroes Monument, the National Museum and Mao Zedong’s mausoleum. While you are allowed to take photos in the square itself, you cannot use your camera in the mausoleum.

2. Gorge on food

China is a food lover’s paradise. Eating here will certainly put your take-out back home into perspective. In such a huge country, it’s no surprise that different areas have different culinary delights. It’s entirely possible to enjoy the four styles of Chinese cooking (Cantonese, Beijing, Shanghai, and Sichuan) while on your trip. For spicy food, head to Sichuan or Hunnan in Central China (be sure to try the hot pot while you’re there).

You’ll find more salty items like dried meats and pickled vegetables in the north (where fresh produce is less common) while in cities like Beijing, Hong Kong, and Shanghai you can pretty much find everything!

There are plenty of options for vegetarians in China as well, and even vegans can get by without too much difficulty.

3. Cruise the Li River

For a true sense of natural beauty, cruise down the Li River. The river is 272 miles long and has dozens of places to explore along the way. Some of the best photography spots can be found in Xiaolong, Laozhai Hill, and the karst mountains near Guilin. For tours, prices start at 500 CNY per person, depending on how long (or luxurious) of a cruise you want.

4. Visit the Forbidden City

This famous attraction in Beijing was the imperial palace from the time of the Ming Dynasty to the Qing Dynasty (1420-1912 CE). The “city” covers over 175 acres and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, welcoming over 16 million visitors each year. Today, the Palace Museum holds artifacts from both dynasties and is a great place to learn about China’s history. The buildings, which cover over 180 acres, have been heavily renovated over the years but it’s still an epic complex worth visiting.

5. Travel (part of) the Silk Road

Dating back over 2,000 years, this unofficial route is a must-see for visitors looking to get off the main tourist trail. There is no “official” road to follow, but you can trace your way along the traditional route as far and wide as you’d like (the Silk Road originally spanned from Chang’an to Romend, Italy). Its total length was over 3,800 kilometers (2,400 miles), half of which was within Chinese territory. Be sure to see the Mogao Caves in Dunhuang, the ancient city of Turpan, and the Rainbow Mountains near Zhangye.

6. Explore Tibet

Also known as “the Roof of the World”, this area is perfect for adventurous travelers that are looking for unique attraction. Explore the snowy mountains, exotic customs, and Buddhism. Tibet has had tumultuous past, so during your visit, it’s wise not to bring up the Dali Lama. The region was annexed by China in the 1950s, forcing the Dalai Lama and his government into exile. Some 400,000 Tibetans were killed directly or indirectly by the occupation, with other estimates placing that number over 1 million. Avoid talking about the history and politics of the region as is it understandably a very sensitive subject for both sides. You’ll need a special permit to visit the region as well.

7. Potala Palace

This Tibetan palace was home to the Dalai Lamas up until 1959, when he was forced to flee or be killed. Established as a holy site in the 7th century, the many halls, temples, and courtyards have been constructed from wood and stone. The current building, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, dates to the 17th-century and has poured copper in its foundation to stabilize it against earthquakes.

8. Take in the Karst mountains

Illustrated on the back of the 20 yuan banknote, these mountains are a stunning sight to see in person. They’re huge! You can take a boat trip down the Li River, and enjoy the breathtaking views of the mountains. You can also rent a bicycle to explore the quieter backroads and take in the picturesque landscape. Prices begin around 20 CNY for a half day. Guilin is a great hopping-off place for this.

9. The Mogao Grottos of Dunhuang

Also known as the Thousand Buddha Caves, these grottos are home to the largest, best-preserved, and richest Buddhist art in the world—the first cave was carved here in 366 AD. There are almost 500 individual temples here and it’s one of the main stops on the Silk Road if you are tracing the footsteps of Marco Polo.

10. Take a free walking tour

All of the major cities in the country offer various types of walking tours, many of which are free and last a few hours. If you want to learn about the history of China’s major cities, this is a great way to start! Whenever I land in a new city, this is how I kick off my trip as it helps me get the lay of the land. Free walking tours are available in Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Xi’an, and many other cities around the country. Just Google “free walking tour in X” to find the companies that are available during your visit. Just be sure to tip your guide at the end (that’s how they get paid!).

11. Let loose in Macau

Macau is considered the “Las Vegas of Asia” and is a fun destination for anyone looking to splash out. Macau started as a Portuguese colony and remained one for over 300 years so the city has an interesting mix of Chinese and Portuguese cultures. Like Hong Kong, Macau is a “Special Administrative Region” which means it has a lot of autonomy from the mainland government It is also home to the highest bungee jump in the world, boasting a plunge of a whopping 233 meters (764 ft)! I don’t love the city as much as I do Hong Kong but you’ll find a lot of good food and architecture here. If you’re not here to gamble, you only really need one night here!

12. Visit the Pandas in Chengdu

Pandas are an endangered species and rare to see in the wild. If you want to get your fix while in China, head to the Panda Research Base in Chengdu. If you get there early you can beat the crowds and watch the pandas relax, eat, and sleep (that’s all they really do — but it’s still worth seeing!). Admission is 55 CNY per person.

13. Take a class

Calligraphy classes, cooking classes, tea ceremonies — you can find all sorts of amazing, culturally-enriching classes and lessons in all of the major cities in China. Some last an hour, some last multiple days, but no matter what you’re interested in you can find a class to teach you something new! Expect to pay between 300-900 CNY for a calligraphy class while cooking classes start at around 300 CNY per person. You’ll find the most options in Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong. Viator.com is a great resource for finding classes near you. You can also use cookly.me to find cooking classes and prices all around the country as well.

China Travel Costs

Accommodation – Prices start at around 30 CNY for an 8-10 bed dorm in many of the smaller cities. Expect to pay closer to 85 CNY in Hong Kong and Beijing. For a private room, prices begin around 110 CNY though expect to pay almost double that in the larger cities. Hostels here are generally well equipped and have free Wi-Fi, drinking water, lockers, and even warm blankets in the winter! Hostels in cities will have western-style toilets, though in more remote parts of the country you may find squat toilets more common.

Budget hotels begin around 75 CNY per night for basic accommodations, with higher prices in Hong Kong. Budget hotels will usually include heat or AC, your own bathroom, a kettle, and TV (though you’ll only get Chinese stations). Keep in mind that any hotels offering free breakfast will likely be serving a Chinese breakfast (dumplings, rice congee, vegetables, etc.).

Airbnb is plentiful in China and can be found in all the major cities though it’s much less common in rural areas. Prices range from 175-750 CNY depending on the city and the type of apartment.

There are plenty of campgrounds around the country. Expect to pay around 20 CNY per night for a basic plot. Wild camping is a grey area; it’s both legal and illegal at the same time to allow local authorities the final say. I would avoid wild camping and stick to official campgrounds as to avoid any problems.

Food – Food in China is cheap. I mean, really cheap. A meal from a street vendor usually goes for around 7-14 CNY. For this, you might get noodles, rice, pork buns, or soup. A full meal in a sit-down restaurant will cost between 15-54 CNY plus the fee for a bowl of rice and clean bowls (yes, these cost extra!), which is often around 4 CNY. If you stick to the local food, you’ll find it hard to go broke. You could spend less than 70 CNY for an entire day’s worth of food.

In western China, southwestern China, and the interior, food is much cheaper than in the big cities and you can eat for under 35 CNY per day — about half the costs of the big cities as long as you stick to street food/local restaurants.

For Western food, you can expect to pay much higher prices for food that will be a disappointment compared to home — especially if you’re outside of the more Westernized cities like Hong Kong. A western-style sandwich or fast food meal can run about 40 CNY and a cup of coffee can be similarly-priced to back home — sometimes more!

Vegetarians and even vegans will be able to get by relatively easily in the cities with a little planning as China’s history with Buddhism has made the country quite veg-friendly.

Since food is so cheap, there’s no need to self-cater or cook your own meals. You are better off eating the street food and at the restaurants. Moreover, many hostels don’t have kitchen facilities for you to use even if you did go grocery shopping. Therefore, self-catering is not something I recommend. The food is cheap and plentiful, so enjoy it! If you will be buying your own groceries, expect to spend between 250-400 CNY depending on your diet.

Activities – In general, sights are affordable in China — even popular attractions such as the Great Wall or the Forbidden City are under 68 CNY. While the Great Wall never kept out invaders, it’s beautiful and is only 45 CNY, the Forbidden City is 60 CNY (40 CNY if you visit between November and March). Smaller temples, activities, and sights are much more reasonably priced and cost under 20 CNY.

While attractions and temples are less than 70 CNY, prices for hikes and outdoor activities tend to be more expensive, often costing around 200 CNY. For example, a trip to the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain costs around 200 CNY, a visit to the Jiuzhai Valley is also 200 CNY (as much as 2,000 CNY if you want to go as part of a tour) and a three-day pass to the Wuyi Mountains in Fujian province is 140 CNY while admission to the Yellow Mountains in Anhui province is 190 CNY. You’ll still need to pay for transportation to these places as well.

Backpacking China Suggested Budgets

How much does it cost to visit China? Here are some suggested budgets you can use to help you plan, based on your individual style of traveling. Keep in mind that if you’re staying in cities like Hong Kong, Beijing, or Shanghai you should expect to spend at least 20% more.

On a backpacker’s budget, you should plan to spend between 215-285 ($30-50 USD) per day. This is a suggested budget assuming you’re staying in a hostel dorm, eating fast food occasionally but mainly cooking your own meals, using public transportation, and participating in basic activities like visiting museums.

On a mid-range budget of 645-1,000 CNY ($90-140 USD) per day, you can stay in budget hotels, take buses between destinations, eat fast food, and do more excursions.

For a luxury budget of 1,500 CNY ($210 USD) per day, you can afford to stay in nice hotels, take the high-speed train, do some guided tours, and eat out for every meal.

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in USD.

China Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Given the size of China as well as its general affordability thanks to cheap food and accommodation, there are plenty of ways to save money when you visit here. Here are some of the best ways to save money during your next trip:

Use sleeper trains – Use sleeper trains (doorless compartments with bunks) to travel overnight since distances between cities can be quite large. Spending a night on the train will save you paying an extra night of accommodation. Lower bunks are less expensive, so purchase a few days in advance to take advantage of these savings. Some stations have ticket offices for foreigners if you need help navigating your options.
Ask for Xiao Pan – If eating alone, ask for “xiao pan”. These are small portions and work out at 70% of the size and price of a normal dish.
Hard Seats – Travel on the “hard seats” on trains or buses. These are the cheapest and most basic seats but are not “hard” as the name would lead you to believe (they’re just regular seats).
Take a walking tour – Free walking tours are available in most Chinese cities. They generally last a couple of hours and are a great way to get the lay of the land and learn some of the local history.
Avoid Golden Week – Golden Week is the busiest holiday of the year and is a time when the entire country is off. Held at the start of October, prices will rise, transportation is booked out weeks in advance, and the large cities are essentially gridlocked. Avoid visiting during this time. (Or, at the very least, avoid the big cities!)
Stick to public transportation – You can get pretty much anywhere in all the major cities by bus or subway — and it’s super affordable. Do as the locals do if you want to save money.
Buy water jugs – Instead of buying bottled water every day (as the tap water is not potable), bring a reusable water bottle and buy the biggest jugs you can find. They are only around 15 CNY and will last weeks. If you’re not staying that long, get your fellow travelers to chip in. You’ll save money and prevent more single-use plastic from ending up in a landfill. Conversely, bring a LifeStraw or SteriPen to purify your own water.

Where To Stay in China

Hostels are common all across China. Here are my recommended places to stay in the country:

Hong Kong Hostel (Hong Kong)
Kelly’s Courtyard (Beijing)

How to Get Around China

While most cities in China are great to discover on foot, the pollution can be quite hard on the body for extended periods. Be sure to check the air quality every morning before heading out.

Bus – Buses are generally cheaper than trains when it comes to intercity travel so they are your best bet for short distances (anything under 8-10 hours). For example, the 9-hour ride from Beijing to Anshan is around 220 CNY while the train is between going to be at least 350 CNY (and the train only saves you 90 minutes). The two-hour bus ride from Beijing to Tianjin is around 80 CNY while the trip from Shanghai to Hangzhou is 3 hours and costs around 120 CY.

To find bus routes and prices, use BusBud .

Train – For long-distance travel around the country, trains are an affordable and often unique choice. On a high-speed train, the ticket from Beijing to Shanghai is around 555 CNY for 2nd class, around 935 CNY for 1st class, and around 1,800 CNY for a VIP seat. The journey takes around 4.5 hours.

For the full-day train that takes between 14-22 hours, a soft sleeper ticket is 525 CNY while a superior sleeper is 880 CNY. You can also get a regular hard sleeper seat for just 180 CNY but 22 hours in a seat is asking a lot!

The 5-6 journey ride from Beijing to Xi’an will cost 515 CNY for a second-class seat, 825 CNY for a first-class seat, and 1,630 CNY for a VIP ticket.

For overnight trains, keep in mind that the lower bunk is usually cheaper as it is closer to the noise. Top bunks will be more expensive, though they occasionally have very little space to offer (even though you pay more); it is not uncommon to be unable to sit all the way up. But you do get more privacy, which is worth it in my opinion!

Flying – There are plenty of regional carriers in China when it comes to flights. In fact, there are over 30 domestic airlines in the country! Some of the larger ones are Air China, China Eastern, China Southern, and Southwest Airlines. Just keep in mind that many flights rarely leave on time, so be mindful of your connections when booking!

Round-trip flights from Beijing to Shanghai can cost as little as 1,150 CNY for the two-hour journey.

From Beijing to Hong Kong will cost at least 900 CNY and take just under four hours. Xi’an to Shanghai will cost at least 950 CNY and take just over two hours. Beijing to Taipei will cost around 1,600 CNY and take just over three hours.

Car Rental – China does not recognize the International Driving Permit, making it virtually impossible to rent a car here unless you apply for a Chinese license. I don’t advise renting a car here.

When to Go to China

Since China is such a large country, climate and temperature change drastically from region to region. Sub-tropical Hong Kong is going to have much different weather than the steppes of Inner Mongolia or the mountain ranges of Tibet and Western China.

Summers in China (June-August) is the peak time to visit, though it also the hottest time. Temperatures will soar into the 30s (87-92 F) and can get quite humid. The pollution and air quality can also be ongoing concerns during this time. Expect inflated prices and larger crowds during these months.

September-October is a great time to visit China, as long as you can dodge the hectic Golden Week holiday in early October. The weather will cool to just under 20C (68 F), which is much more pleasant for hiking and exploring.

Traveling to China in the winter is rare, unless you’re heading to Hong Kong where the weather is still pleasant at 20C (68 F). Places like the Great Wall are occasionally closed due to weather, and regions like Tibet can drop to -13 C (9F) overnight. That being said, China has a fun winter festival called the Harbin Ice and Snow Festival where you’ll find huge, record-breaking ice sculptures.

How to Stay Safe in China

China is quite safe for travelers owing to its heavy crack down on crime and the fact that it is a full-on surveillance state. However, there are still a few things you’ll want to keep in mind to stay safe during your visit.

For starters, watch what you eat. Sanitation standards are not exactly the most stringent here, so always use hand sanitizer before you eat and make sure you only go to restaurants that appear clean. Street food — while delicious — can also cause some upset so be prepared. You may need some time to adjust to the local cuisine upon arrival.

Petty theft is rare, though you should still take precautions. Don’t flash your valuables or leave them in unsecured pockets. Most petty thefts occur when travelers don’t pay attention to their things. Don’t be one of those travelers!

As a tourist, you’ll also likely get ripped off here and there. Expect to see inflated prices often, so be sure to ask your hostel/hotel staff for price estimates in advance if you need to go to a market. While commercial supermarkets and shops won’t be an issue, local markets and small stores might try to fleece you. Be firm and barter hard when you have to.

As for scams, they are unfortunately common here. The most common is when someone approaches you and asks to practice their English with you (they are usually a “student.” You’ll head to a café, have some tea and food, and then you’ll be stuck with the bill. As a general rule, if folks ask you to practice English with them just politely decline.

Traffic in China can also be a bit of challenge. Pedestrians don’t have the right of way, so always look both ways before crossing. When in doubt, stick to the locals and follow their lead. They know what to do!

China cracks down on drug use very hard, dishing out hard labor and death penalties to anyone caught with large amounts of drugs. You may also get extorted by the police for a bribe if you’re caught with drugs, so it’s generally a good idea to avoid all drugs while you’re here.

When you’re here, you’ll also want to avoid talking politics — especially when it comes to regions like Tibet and Hong Kong. Information about these regions is highly censored and political discussions are highly monitored online. Play it safe and avoid talking politics.

Lastly, try to avoid using illegal taxis. Marked taxis will use a meter and have set prices, so stick to them (or use the ride-sharing app DiDi). When looking for a cab you’ll likely get approached by illegal taxis. Avoid them if you can unless you’re comfortable negotiating a fare and taking an illegal ride (which I don’t recommend).

Worried about travel scams? Read about these 14 major travel scams to avoid .

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

China Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

China Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on China travel and continue planning your trip:

The 23 Best Things to Do in Hong Kong

Hong Kong Itinerary: What to Do in 4 (or More) Days

My Favorite Restaurants in Hong Kong

What Hitchhiking Solo as a Female in China Taught Me

7 Lessons Learned from 3 Months in China

How to Travel the Trans-Siberian Railway

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A Complete Guide to Using Money, Exchange and ATMs in China

So how do you manage your money and foreign exchange during your trip to China?

When I was younger, travelers checks were the way to go. You kept the little numbers separate from the checks themselves and you didn't have to worry. You could spend them anywhere - even after you arrived back home if you didn't use them during your trip. Easy.

These days, with the global network, ATMs and credit cards, travelers checks are no longer a necessity.

Read below to understand all you'll need to know about money during your trip to China.

Changing Your Money

You need some cash but you don't know how much. You don't know if you should change some at the airport. Surely taxis take credit cards? Find out all about how to change your money into Renminbi , the currency of the People's Republic of China. It's actually quite easy and you don't need to be worried about being taken advantage of - exchange rates are fixed.

Understand what you need to know about changing your money in China.

Using Your ATM and Credit Card

China has become much more of an ATM and credit card country than it was over a decade ago when I arrived. In those days, you could hardly find an ATM machine that carried international symbols. Nowadays, they are just about everywhere. The only problem you will likely encounter is exceeding your bank's daily withdrawal amount.

Understand what to expect when using an ATM or credit card in Mainland China.

Chinese Currency - the RMB

RMB, kuai, yuan, CNY, Renminbi - it all means the People's Money or the official currency of the People's Republic of China. You'll get used to seeing Chairman Mao's face as you buy your treasures during your travels in China. Here you'll find a description of all the denominations of Mainland China's currency.

Banking Hours and Holidays

It's rather amazing how convenient public services in China can be. One can find a bank branch (or post office) open on almost any given day. But there are holidays where the banks are indeed closed - thank goodness, everyone needs a holiday once in a while.

Find out what days the banks are closed in China.

Tipping in China

No. The answer is no! You do not have to tip in China. Not anywhere. Not to service people, not to bellboys, not to chamber maids. Not at Starbucks even though they have a jar out!

Service fees are tacked on. Of course it's nice and if you're a non-Chinese looking person and you're staying in a big fancy hotel, then leaving a tip won't surprise anyone.

But tipping is not required nor expected (except on tours! Read below.)

Tipping During Organized Tours

Aha! Tipping is expected on organized tours! I don't know why this came to be but there you have it. Tipping drivers and guides is actually expected and they'll feel like they did a bad job if you don't leave a tip. Although, if they did do a bad job, then that's your prerogative.

A tipping guide for guides and drivers on organized tours.

A Bargaining Guide to Shopping in China

Just by stepping foot into one of the big tourist or "fake" markets in China puts every price up. For a lot of these things there is no set price so the vendor is going to take all he or she can get. It is your job to get the best - and lowest - price possible. So practice your bargaining skills on lower priced items that you don't really care too much about and then get busy with the big ticket treasures. See this link for more tips on bargaining in China.

Here are eight rules and two myths about bargaining and shopping in China.

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How to Make Payment in China & Currency Exchange 2024

Don't fret about paying in China! While cash was once king, rumors of a cashless society can be misleading. China is embracing foreign visitors, and especially in popular tourist destinations like Beijing, Xian, Shanghai, and Chengdu, you'll find a variety of payment options to make your travels smooth. In Beijing, Shanghai, Hainan and many other places, many stores start to use POS machines that supports foreign cards. Alipay and Wechat have simplified the process of verification. You can even find many Foreign Guest Payment Service Centers in the airports of Beijing, Xian, Chengdu, Zhangjiajie, Kunming, etc where you can go to consult and experience digital mobile payment, exchange currency and withdraw cash.

Payment Methods in China

Credit and debit cards may not cover all your expenses in China. With the widespread popularity of digital payments, many businesses no longer offer point-of-sale (POS) systems for credit and debit card users. However, you can still use your bank cards via POS systems at selected hotels, shopping malls, and larger restaurants. Cash is still widely accepted. It is also very reliable. You’d better always bring some cash with you including some small changes.

Digital payment is the norm in China, with Alipay and WeChat Pay leading the way. Since July, 2023, they've started accepting international cards through their apps, though success may vary depending on the user's country and bank.

- How to Use Alipay (Zhifubao) in China - How to Use WeChat Pay (Weixin Pay) in China

Chinese Currency

Renminbi (人民币) or RMB is the official currency of China, and it means “people’s currency” in Chinese. The basic unit of RMB is yuan (元), and the sign of yuan is ¥. CNY is the abbreviation of Chinese yuan, which is also been used widely to refer to Chinese currency. The subordinate units of yuan is jiǎo (角) and fēn (分), and one yuan equals 10 jiao and one jiao equals 10 fen. At present, fen is too cheap to purchase anything, thus, there is almost no circulation of fen on the market.

The denominations of Chinese banknotes are ¥0.1 (1 jiao), ¥0.2 (2 jiao), ¥0.5 (5 jiao), ¥1, ¥2, ¥5, ¥10, ¥20, ¥50 and ¥100. Coins are available in denominations from 1 jiao, 5 jiao and 1 yuan. Now, China is circulating the fifth series of Renminbi banknotes and it includes banknotes of ¥1, ¥5, ¥10, ¥20, ¥50 and ¥100. And 2 yuan banknote stopped issuing since the fifth series of Reminbi, so ¥2 banknote is rarely to be seen on the market.

(1)Chinese people often call yuan as “kuai”, both of the two pronunciations are used among China. For example, 1 yuan can also be called as 1 kuai.

(2)Renminbi is the legal tender in mainland China, however, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan has different currencies. Hong Kong is Hong Kong Dollar (HKD $), Macau is Pataca (MOP $) and Taiwan is New Taiwan Dollar (NT $). Some stores in Hong Kong and Macau also accept Renminbi, and it’s easy to exchange Renminbi in those places to local currencies.

Currency Exchange

Even though China has quickly adopted mobile payment systems like WeChat and Alipay, they are not available for every foreign tourist. Credit cards aren't readily accepted especially in small stores, local markets, etc. Cash is still king for international tourists. It's advisable to plan your currency exchange needs in advance to ensure you have the necessary funds during your stay in China. You can exchange some Chinese cash in your home country, as your “emergency fund”. But please note, as Chinese Customs regulations, each traveler is advised to ensure they carry no more than RMB 20,000 in cash when entering the country.

After arriving in China, you can find many places to exchange Chinese currency, such as the exchange vendors in the major international airports, hotels, offices of local banks, and ATMs across the region. Exchanging major international cash, such as U.S. Dollars, Euros, Pounds, etc. into Chinese Yuan is not difficult in China. The exchange rates are regulated; however, the commission fees are varied from different banks, hotels and airports.

The Banks - the most reliable way to exchange money in China. Banks will offer the most reliable exchange rate with the least amount of risk, but you may have to wait in long lines.

Exchange vendors - can usually be found in the airport and hotels. The exchange rate is not as good as banks but the convenience is sometimes worth it.

ATMs - the quickest and easiest way to get money in China is to use the China bank ATMs which can be found easily in bigger cities. Most Chinese ATMs will show a sign above that indicates whether or not they accept Visa, MasterCard and Diner’s Club. The exchange rate will be good, but you’ll likely be charged a fee, both from the Chinese bank and from your bank at home. All ATM machines in China have instructions in English and you can follow the instructions to cash the money. ATMs in China will dispense cash first, and then return your card. This may be opposite to some countries where return card first and then dispense money. So remember to pick up your card after you cash the money.

Can I use my Credit Card or Debit Card in China?

You might be able to use your credit card or debit card in China, but it depends on a few factors:

Card network: Visa, Mastercard, JCB, and Discover are generally accepted in China, especially in major cities and tourist areas. However, American Express acceptance is less common.

Location: Larger stores, hotels, and restaurants in major cities are more likely to accept foreign cards than smaller shops or rural areas.

Specific merchant: Even within major cities, some individual businesses might not accept foreign cards.

Your bank: Check with your bank to see if they have any foreign transaction fees or limitations on using your card in China.

Here are some alternative options to consider:

Cash: Carrying some Chinese Yuan (RMB) is always a good idea, especially for smaller purchases or taxis.

Mobile wallets: Linking your foreign credit card to a mobile wallet app like Alipay or WeChat Pay (if your bank and the app allow it) can be a convenient way to pay in many places, especially in larger cities.

UnionPay card: If you travel to China frequently, consider getting a UnionPay card, which is the most widely accepted card network in China.

How to Identify Counterfeit Money

Travelers may receive counterfeit banknote in the travel, especially the banknote of ¥100 and ¥50, so knowing simple ways to identify the counterfeit money is very necessary. Just like other currencies, the main ways to identify the fake money are by watermark, color change, texture and braille dots, etc.

1. Feel the texture of Chairman Mao’s collar and the braille dots besides him, the texture of these parts are rough; while the fake money doesn’t has this texture and feels smooth.

2. Hold the bill against the light with the Mao side facing you, you can see two watermarks, one is the image of Chairman Mao on the left blank space, and another is the number equal to the value of the bill on the left bottom next to the denomination number.

3. The color of the denomination number on the left bottom of the Mao side will change from different angle. For the ¥100 banknote, the number is green when you look from the front and will change to blue when you tilt the banknote upward. As for the ¥50, the number is golden from the front and turns to green when you tilt the banknote upward.

4. In the upper right corner of the Mao side, you can see an oval shape under the denomination number. Hold the banknote to the light and tilt is in a sharp angle, you can see a number in the oval equal to the value of the bill.

If you are unlucky to receive counterfeit money, please give it to the bank so that they can destroy the counterfeit money to reduce the circulation of the fake money.

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Chinese Money: How Much Money is Enough for a China Trip

We should never take money for granted – because without it your holiday would be spoilt. On your holiday in China you need to understand the value of the money in your hand in order to use it well.

Table of Contents

What is the Chinese "dollar"? What currency does China use?

An in-depth look at the chinese yuan renminbi, is cash still the king in china, what is chinese money worth compared to other currencies.

How much cash should I bring when I fly to China?
Will my credit card be accepted?
Can I use Travelers’ Checks?
Can I tip my tour guide and driver with US dollars?
Is there counterfeit money in China?
Where is the best place to exchange Chinese currency?
How do I check a RMB bank note to make sure it's real?
What is the schedule for Chinese banks?
What are the other payment methods in China?

The main unit of Chinese money, what we could call the Chinese “dollar”, has several interchangeable names, which can be confusing.

You may hear Chinese money referred to as Renminbi (人民币), or RMB, which means simply “Peoples Currency”. So in this case you may see prices quoted like this: RMB 10

You may also hear the Chinese dollar referred to as “Yuan” (元). The abbreviation CNY is used, sometimes written as CN¥ or just ¥, and so you may see the same prices quoted as CNY 10.

You will commonly hear people use the word “kwai”, which is still exactly the same thing. The price would be stated as “10 kwai”.

There are also names for denominations smaller than an RMB / Yuan / kwai:

Jiao or mao are both the name for a tenth of a yuan. A fen is a hundredth of a yuan.

What are the denominator, buying everything with “plastic” on your bank cards. However, in China, you need to be comfortable handling cash. Your card will be useful mostly for withdrawing cash from ATMs.

If you take cash out of an ATM you will only receive red RMB 100 notes. However, this is too large a denomination for most transactions, so you will need to get hold of some of the others:

There is an RMB 50 note, which is a greenish blue, and an RMB 20 note which is brown. The RMB 10 note is blue, and the RMB 5 is brown. There is also a purple-brown RMB 1 note as well as a coin. All of these small denominations will be most useful at street stalls.

You will also find uses for the 1 jiao coin and note, and the 5 jiao coin and note. Occasionally you will even come across fen notes and coins.

The renminbi (literally "people's currency") is the legal tender in the mainland of the People's Republic of China. It is issued by the People's Bank of China (PBOC, central bank). The official abbreviation is CNY, although also commonly abbreviated as "RMB". China has experienced rapid economic growth over the past few decades, becoming the second-largest economy in the world. This growth has led to an increase in China's influence and trade volume, making the yuan more significant in global transactions. In November 2015, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) made an announcement acknowledging the increased importance of the renminbi. As a result, the renminbi was added to the IMF's reserve currencies, joining the ranks of the U.S. dollar, euro, British pound sterling, and Japanese yen. These reserve currencies are utilized for intergovernmental loans and are part of the IMF's Special Drawing Rights (SDR) system. The renminbi officially attained its new status in late 2016.

Renminbi (RMB) vs. Chinese Yuan(CNY): What’s the Difference?

In everyday usage, the terms "Renminbi" and "Chinese Yuan" are often used interchangeably to refer to the currency of China. However, there is a subtle difference between the two:

Renminbi (RMB): Renminbi is the official currency of China. The term "Renminbi" translates to "people's currency" in English. It encompasses the broader currency system, which includes banknotes, coins, and digital currency in China.
Chinese Yuan (CNY): The term "Yuan" specifically refers to the basic unit of the Renminbi currency. 1 Yuan is equal to 10 Jiao or 100 Fen. When people say "Chinese Yuan," they are typically referring to the basic unit of the Renminbi currency used in everyday transactions.

To summarize, Renminbi is the official currency of China, while Yuan is the basic unit of the Renminbi currency. So, while they are often used interchangeably, Renminbi refers to the broader currency system, while Yuan specifically denotes the basic unit of the currency.

Chinese paper money usually comes in 1 fen (rare), 2 fen (rare),5 fen (very rare), 1 jiao, 2 jiao, 5 jiao, 1 yuan, 2 yuan, 5 yuan,10 yuan, 20 yuan, 50 yuan and 100 yuan.

One yuan is divided into 10 jiao. One jiao is divided into 10 fen, pennies in English. The largest denomination of the renminbi is the 100 yuan note. The smallest is the 1 fen coin or note. RMB is issued both in notes and coins. The paper denominations include 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 yuan; 5, 2 and 1 jiao; and 5, 2 and 1 fen. The denominations of coins are 1 yuan; 5, 2 and 1 jiao; and 5,2 and 1 fen.

In spoken Chinese, "yuan" is often called as "kuai" and the "jiao" as "mao". Fen-denomination RMB is rarely used, except at supermarkets.

Yuan (CNY/RMB): Yuan is the base unit of the Chinese currency. It is often referred to as "yuan" in English and carries the symbol "¥". When you see a price or amount written in yuan, it typically refers to a whole number amount. For example, ¥10 or ¥100. The different denominations of yuan are:

Jiao: Jiao is the subunit of the yuan, and it is equal to one-tenth of a yuan. It is often referred to as "mao". One yuan is equivalent to ten jiao. However, in practice, jiao is rarely used in transactions anymore, and prices are commonly quoted and paid in yuan. There are three kinds of Jiaos, Yi jiao(one jiao), er jiao (two jiao) and wu jiao(five jiao).

Fen: Fen is the smallest subunit of the yuan, and it is equal to one-hundredth of a yuan. Similar to jiao, the fen is seldom used in everyday transactions. Instead, prices are rounded to the nearest jiao or yuan. There are three kinds of Fens, Yi fen(one fen), er fen (two fen) and wu fen(five fen).

To simplify, you can think of yuan as dollars, jiao as dimes, and fen as pennies. While yuan is the main unit, jiao and fen help to differentiate smaller amounts within the currency system.

The Renminbi is issued in the form of banknotes and coins. Here are the commonly used coins of RMB:

Please note that while these coins are still in circulation, electronic payments and mobile payment apps are widely used in China, reducing the reliance on physical coins and banknotes for daily transactions.

Key Chinese characters that help you to understand the money:

When closely examining Chinese currency, you will notice a combination of Arabic numerals and intricate Chinese character numbers. The main purpose of utilizing complex Chinese character numbers on Chinese banknotes is to include special fraud-resistant characters. These special characters, exemplified by "壹圆" instead of "一元" for "one yuan," are purposely designed to increase the difficulty of counterfeiting. Their intricate nature makes them more challenging to replicate accurately. By incorporating these distinct characters on banknotes, the Chinese government aims to enhance security measures, combat counterfeiting, and protect the integrity of the currency.

History of Chinese Yuan

The history of the Renminbi (RMB) dates back to the establishment of the People's Bank of China (PBOC) in December 1948. Here are some key milestones in the history of the RMB.

Introduction and Early Years (1948-1955)

The first series of 500 yuan banknote of Renminbi

The People's Bank of China (PBOC) introduced the Renminbi currency on December 1, 1948, as the "Renmin Yinhang Quan" or currency of the People's Bank of China. This was during a period when the Communist Party of China was engaged in a civil war with the Chinese Nationalist Party, which had its own currency. To stabilize the areas held by the Communist Party, the Renminbi was first issued, leading to the circulation of as many as 62 versions of the currency including paper notes and coins issued by different regions. This strategic move played a role in the Communist Party's ultimate victory. The largest denomination of this set of renminbi is the 50000 yuan note. The smallest is the 1 yuan note. There were no coins issued only bank note.

The Currency’s Second Issue (1955)

The second series of 10 yuan banknote of Renminbi

Since the first series had diverse in quality and design due to warfare, in March 1955, the Chinese government issued second series of RMB . And the government officially adopted the Yuan as the basic unit of the Renminbi and introduced the "Renmin Yinhang Piaoju" (People's Bank of China note) as the unified currency. This set of banknotes decreased the nominal value and underwent a conversion of 1:10000 compared to the initial series. Additionally, it included Mongolian, Uygur, and Tibetan languages, indicating the growing significance of national unity to the government. It is noteworthy that the production of the first and second series of the Renminbi was accomplished with the help of Soviet technology. This indicates that the newly formed China lacked its own counterfeiting technology and had to rely on the support of the Soviet Union. The largest denomination of this set of renminbi is the 10 yuan note. The smallest is the 1 fen note. Coins with denominations of 1 fen, 2 fen and 5 fen were issued.

The Currency’s Third Issue (1962)

The third series of 10 yuan banknote of Renminbi

China and the Soviet Union politically broken up in the 1950s, which forced China to invent its own counterfeiting technology which later was used to produce the third series of RMB. China now can also produce high quality currency paper. The third series of RMB used multi-color printing technology and used hand-engraved printing plates for the first time. Due to the implementation of planned economy, coupons were issued by government as certificates to buy daily supplies from the market, which can be seen as temporary banknotes during a particular period of China’s contemporary history. The largest denomination of this set of renminbi is the 10 yuan note. The smallest is the 1 Jiao note and coin.

The Currency’s Fourth Issue (1987)

The fourth series of 100 yuan banknote of Renminbi issued in 1980

In 1987, a fourth series of RMB was issued featuring a watermark, magnetic ink, and fluorescent ink. The fourth series of the Renminbi was issued in response to the growth of the economy, the increase in retail sales of goods, and the rising demand for currency. With the implementation of the reforms and opening-up policy in 1980, China's national economy experienced rapid development, and the commodity economy in urban and rural areas became increasingly active, leading to a substantial increase in retail sales of goods. As a result, it was necessary not only to adjust the overall volume of currency issuance accordingly but also to adapt the denomination structure to meet the requirements of the growing economy and its changing needs. The design theme changed to national unity in China. Therefore, the whole sets of RMB used head portraits of people from different nationalities. The largest denomination of this set of renminbi is the 100 yuan note. The smallest is the 1 Jiao note and coin.

The Currency’s Fifth Issue (1999)

The fifth series of 20 yuan banknote of Renminbi issued in 2019

On October 1, 1999, the People's Bank of China issued the fifth set of RMB in eight denominations: 100 yuan, 50 yuan, 20 yuan, 10 yuan, 5 yuan, 1 yuan, 5 mao and 1 mao (a mao is one-tenth of a yuan). All of the denominations of the fifth set of RMB adopt a head portrait of Chairman Mao Zedong in the early days of the founding of the People's Republic of China. Along the bottom of the notes there is a pattern of the famous flowers of China. The main patterns on the back show the Great Hall of the People, the Potala Palace, the landscape of Guilin, the Three Gorges of the Yangtze River, Mount Tai and Hangzhou West Lake. Through the selection of representative patterns with ethnic characteristics, China's long history and magnificent scenery have been fully demonstrated and its great national culture has been promoted.

Renminbi as an International Currency

In recent years, China has made efforts to internationalize the Renminbi to promote its use in global trade and finance. The Renminbi was included in the International Monetary Fund's (IMF) Special Drawing Rights basket of currencies in 2016, recognizing its significance on the international stage.

What is Waihuiquan (外汇兑换券)?

The Waihuiquan refers to Foreign Exchange Certificates (FECs). FECs were a form of currency used in China from the 1980 until the early 1994. They were primarily used by foreigners and citizens of Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan for various transactions within mainland China. The different denominations are Yi jiao, wu jiao, one yuan, five yuan, ten yuan , fifty yuan and one hundred yuan.

During this period, China had restrictions on the use of its national currency, the Renminbi (RMB), by foreigners. To facilitate economic interactions with foreigners, the Chinese government introduced FECs. These certificates could be obtained in exchange for hard currencies, such as US dollars.

FECs were mainly used in designated foreign exchange shops where foreigners could purchase goods and services. Additionally, many hotels, restaurants, and stores specifically catering to the needs of foreigners accepted FECs as payment. This system helped manage foreign exchange transactions and accommodate the increasing number of foreigners visiting or residing in China.

However, after economic reforms were introduced in the early 1990s, China gradually liberalized its currency regulations. As a result, the use of FECs declined, and they were eventually phased out. Foreigners and Chinese citizens alike could then directly use the Renminbi for most transactions in China.

Cash has traditionally been widely used in China for day-to-day transactions, earning the phrase "cash is king" in the country. However, over the last few years, mobile payment has sprung up in all Chinese cities as a preference over cash and cards. Mobile payments are used when people buy goods or services from various businesses ranging from street vendors, supermarket chains to fancy shopping centers. Electronic payments are mainly processed through China’s Alipay and WeChat Pay apps . By linking credit and debit cards with personal accounts on the two apps, people could transfer money and complete payments with a few taps of their fingers.

Obviously exchange rates are changing all the time, and vary from one currency to another. However, as a general rule there are about CNY 5 – 8 to each western dollar. You can check the up to date exchange rate here:

For example, at this particular time

The US dollar (USD) converts to CNY 6.2
The Canadian dollar (CAD) converts to CNY 4.9
The Euro (EUR) to CNY 7.7
The British Pound (GBP) converts to CNY 8.8
The Australian Dollar (AUD) converts to CNY 4.8

Sometimes it’s easier to consider the CNY 100 note in terms of your own currency. At the time of the above exchange rate, the CNY 100 note was worth about $16 (USD), or €13 (EUR), or £12 (GBP), or $20(AUD).

Using the same calculation, you can easily be aware of the value of a single Yuan in your own currency. For example, at the rate mentioned above, one Yuan is worth 15 ₵ (USD).

You may sometimes notice that items are a similar number of yuan (RMB / CNY) as you would expect to pay in your home dollars. For example, a $30 shirt may cost CNY 30. Clearly things are much cheaper to buy in China.

How much is 100 Yuan worth? An overnight room in a hostel usually costs about 80-100 yuan. In the local market, you can pick up 2 or 3 T-shirts, and some of the souvenirs such as local specialties and decorations all for less than 100 yuan. A quick meal is about 20 yuan, and you can use 100 yuan to buy 5 quick meals, or 12 cans of beer, or have a hot pot meal.

Food is especially cheap in China, partly because wages are so much lower. But generally everything is relatively cheap. Enjoy your wonderful holiday!

FAQs for preparing a trip to China:

1. how much cash should i bring when i fly to china.

Firstly, you cannot bring in more than $5,000 USD, or CNY 20,000, without declaring it and having the relevant paperwork.

You should only bring enough cash for your immediate needs, for taxi’s, snacks, and the like, for the first day or two. For many people that means CNY200-300, others feel more comfortable with CNY 500. You can change a little money at your bank before you leave home, or change money at the hotel, or draw out some money from an ATM in the airport.

Once you are settled into your hotel, you can draw money out from ATMs every few days as you need it.

2. Will my credit card be accepted?

You need to inform your bank before you go to China so they are not worried when charges are arriving from China.

If you have one of the common cards (Visa, MasterCard, Amex etc.) then your card will be accepted by ATMs.

You can use your credit card in most hotels and shops, especially in the big cities, but China is more of a cash economy and you would do better to be ready with cash, especially some of the smaller denominations to use at stalls and on public transport.

3. Can I use Travelers’ Checks?

Travelers’ Checks can be changed in some big banks and hotels, but they are actually far less convenient than credit cards. So not recommended.

4. Can I tip my tour guide and driver with US dollars?

As having been internationalized, tipping is now expected in China. You can tip in US dollars, as they can be quite easily exchanged, but you could just as easily tip in Chinese Yuan.

Some people like to also bring a number of small gifts from their homeland to hand to special people who have given loyal service.

5. Is there counterfeit money in China?

Be aware that there are counterfeit bills in circulation in China, especially the RMB 100 and RMB 50, so be careful. When you hand over your money in a Chinese shop or at a stall, you may observe the vendor examining it carefully to make sure that it is not counterfeit. They may simply rub a coin over it, or run it through a machine. Watch carefully to make sure they don’t switch the note, then hand back a counterfeit saying they can’t accept it. Money from ATMs will be okay, but any other time you are handed cash it may be worth feeling it carefully and comparing it with other notes (to make sure it is not too thin or smooth). You can also choose to reject a note and ask for another.

6. Where is the best place to exchange Chinese currency?

The best place to exchange Chinese currency (Renminbi) may vary depending on your location and personal preferences. Here are some common options to consider:

Local banks: Banks often provide currency exchange services, including Chinese currency. They are generally considered reliable and secure. However, exchange rates may not always be as competitive as other options.

Currency exchange offices: Specialized currency exchange offices or booths can be found in many cities and tourist areas. These establishments are dedicated to currency exchange and often offer competitive rates. However, it's important to verify their reputation and ensure they are authorized and trustworthy.

Airports: International airports usually have currency exchange counters where you can exchange your currency. While convenient, exchange rates at airports might not be as favorable due to higher operating costs and fees.

Online platforms: Some online platforms offer currency exchange services, allowing you to order Chinese currency online and have it delivered to your location or pick it up at a designated location. Compare rates and read reviews of reputable online platforms before using this option.

Local markets: In China, local markets or street vendors may also provide currency exchange services. However, it's crucial to exercise caution and ensure that the service is trustworthy and the rates offered are fair.

When choosing a place to exchange Chinese currency, consider factors such as exchange rates, fees, convenience, security, and reputation. It's advisable to compare rates and reviews from different sources to get the best deal. Additionally, be mindful of any local regulations and requirements related to currency exchange in your area or the destination country.

7. How do I check a RMB bank note to make sure it's real?

To check whether a Chinese currency note is real and authentic, you can follow these steps:

Look for security features: Examine the security features implemented on the banknote. The RMB includes various anti-counterfeiting measures that help with identification. These features might vary depending on the denomination and edition of the note. Some common security features include holographic strips or patterns, color-shifting inks, watermarks, security threads, and raised printing.

Feel the texture: Genuine RMB notes have a distinct feel to them. The paper used for RMB notes is of high quality and has a unique texture. Counterfeit notes may often have a different feel, as they are typically printed on lower quality paper.

Check the watermark: Hold the banknote up against the light and look for the watermark. A watermark should be visible on the right side of the note when viewed from the front. It typically depicts the portrait matching the main portrait on the front.

Inspect the color-shifting ink: On the front of most RMB banknotes, you will find a denomination numeral that uses color-shifting ink. Tilt the note to see if the color changes. This feature is challenging to replicate accurately in counterfeit notes.

Verify the security thread: Most RMB notes have a metallic security thread embedded vertically in the banknote. The thread should be continuously visible when held up to the light. It usually contains text or patterns related to the denomination.

Examine the fine details: Pay attention to the fine details like intricate patterns, microprinting, and small letters or numbers. Counterfeit notes may lack the precision and clarity found in genuine RMB banknotes.

Compare with genuine banknotes: If you have access to a known genuine RMB banknote of the same denomination, visually compare it with the one you are inspecting. Look for any discrepancies in design, colors, or features.

Consult Chinese authorities: If you suspect a note is counterfeit or want further verification, you can reach out to the Chinese central bank or relevant law enforcement agencies for assistance. They can provide guidance or help determine the authenticity of a banknote.

Remember, these guidelines are not foolproof, and counterfeiters can become more sophisticated. When dealing with large sums or in a professional capacity, it's advisable to utilize additional methods or equipment to ascertain the authenticity of RMB banknotes.

8. What is the schedule for Chinese banks?

Bank of Communications: Guilin GaoXin Sub-Branch

Chinese banks normally open on Monday to Friday, and the working hours are 09:00 to 17:00, but ATMs are available 24 hours, seven days a week. Bank holidays are the same as Chinese official public holidays .

9. What are the other payment methods in China?

Mobile phone payments are widely used in China nowadays. Two Apps dominate the mobile payment system, which are Alipay and WeChat Pay (also known as Tenpay). Both of them need to connect with at least one Chinese bank card. When you open the App, the buyer can scan the seller’s Quick Response (QR) code to recognize and complete the payment. Another way is that the seller scans the buyer’s payment code on the App to deduce the payable amount on your mobile wallet.

https://blog-cdn.moneysmart.sg/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/blog-widget-MS-Content-Rec-Blog-Entry-Pt-Desktop1.png

How to Pay in China Like a Local: 2024 Guide for Foreigners and Tourists

It’s no secret that China is light-years ahead when it comes to digital payments. Gone are the days of paying with cash or with credit cards. In the land of super apps, your smartphone is your wallet, and QR codes are the gateway to most transactions.

Trust us, you don’t want to be the one holding up the line at a restaurant paying with cash while everyone is breezing through with a quick scan on their phone.

Don’t stress, we’ve got you covered. From setting up your e-wallets to linking your bank account for overseas payment, we’ll walk you through everything you need to experience China like a local.

In the news: Mastercard expands collaboration with Alipay

Mastercard recently announced Alipay will be joining its fold of integrated e-wallets for cross-border transactions, months after WeChat pay’s integration announcement last year. This comes hot on the heels of China’s latest push for WeChat and Alipay to be foreigner-friendly to revive its tourism industry, after being one of the last countries to open up post-pandemic.

For those unfamiliar; WeChat and Alipay aren’t just an e-wallet, it’s the super app that has permeated every facet of Chinese daily life.

In short, you can’t live without it.

With over a billion users, WeChat and Alipay are now used for everything – from simple chats to booking flights, from shopping to banking. Its prominence also meant that cash was becoming obsolete.

WeChat’s QR-code payments are accepted everywhere, from your local beggars and roadside stalls to luxurious retail boutiques.

For businessmen and tourists, navigating WeChat and Alipay is pivotal for a seamless spending experience .

Here’s what you can expect:

What payment methods are accepted in China?

When looking for the major players in China’s digital payment scene, Tencent’s WeChat and Alibaba’s Alipay are the powerhouses dominating the world’s 2nd largest population and biggest eCommerce market. China boasts the highest mobile payment usage of any market worldwide, with an impressive 92% of consumers using QR-code-driven digital wallets as their primary payment method.

1. WeChat: Also known locally as Weixin, occupies 55% of the phone payment market. Its popularity heightened with its dual function as a social media, communication, and entertainment platform. It’s used by over 90% of the Chinese populace, and more than 80% use it for peer-to-peer and retail transactions.

2. Alipay: A.k.a. Zhifubao accounts for 40% of mobile payments . Integrated within Alipay are various other apps like Didi for rides and Taobao for shopping. More than 70% of China’s population makes payments via Alipay. While many establishments display QR codes for both payment systems, do note that some smaller entities might only offer WeChat payment.

Setting up WeChat and Alipay payment

Both platforms allowed foreign credit cards to be linked. Once you’ve done this, these apps will be your main payment gateway while in China. It’s much more convenient.

Here are some easy-to-follow steps for setting up.

Download The App: Simply download the app at your Apple or Google Play store.
Register An Account: Click “Sign Up” or “Register” and provide your mobile number (even a foreign one)
Verify Your Identity: Follow through with the verification process.
Linking Your Foreign Credit Card:
Alipay: Open the app, click on “Me”, then “Bank Cards”, and finally “+” to add your card.
WeChat: Go to “Me”, then “Services”, “Wallet”, “Cards”, and “+ Add a Card”.

Thankfully, both apps do not charge transaction fees for amounts below 200 RMB. For transactions over 200 RMB, a 3% fee is applied. Refunds are processed proportionately to transaction fees.

For those intending to stay in China for an extended period, you should consider getting a local phone and bank card to access the full range of Alipay Singapore or WeChat payment services.

Paying by QR code

Payments using WeChat or Alipay can be done in 2 ways:

Scan the merchant’s QR code using your app, input the payment amount, and your password.
Let the merchant scan your payment QR code.

Finding your payment QR code is simple. On Alipay, it’s under the homepage’s search box. On WeChat, it’s under “Me”, then “Wallet”, and “Money”.

If faced with a slow network connection, adjust your phone’s positioning or connect to the establishment’s Wi-Fi.

What other payment apps and methods are available in China?

While the limelight often goes to Alipay and WeChat due to their vast user base and extensive features, there are other key players which bring their own unique merits:

1. UnionPay

Founded in 2002, UnionPay has quickly expanded its services beyond China. It is now recognized in 183+ countries and regions, surpassing Visa and MasterCard in the number of cards issued. The platform uniquely blends domestic dominance with international reach, offering a seamless payment experience in China while ensuring convenience abroad.

Integrated digital solutions: UnionPay offers QR code payment, online payment, and contactless payment features, making it versatile in both brick-and-mortar and online settings.
International acceptance: Over 25 million merchants outside mainland China accepted UnionPay, making it invaluable for travellers.
Competitive exchange rates: UnionPay provides competitive currency conversion rates, especially when used in countries along the Belt and Road Initiative routes.

UnionPay supports two modes of payment: Push Mode and Pull Mode .

How to pay through the Push Mode:

Download the UnionPay app and bind a UnionPay card.
Activate the “Scan QR Code” function within the app.
Scan the merchant’s QR code to initiate the payment.
Confirm the transaction details, and the payment is complete.

How to pay through the Pull Mode:

Download the UnionPay app and link it to a UnionPay card.
Open the app and navigate to the QR code generation feature.
Present the generated QR code to the merchant for scanning.
The merchant scans the QR code, and the payment is processed.

2. International mobile payment systems

Apple Pay and Samsung Pay have ventured into China. While their adoption in China might be modest, their high-security standards and user-friendly interfaces make them reliable for the international community.

Familiarity: For international tourists or expatriates, using these services offers a semblance of familiarity.
Enhanced security: With tokenization, these systems replace card details with a unique code for each transaction, minimising risks associated with data breaches.
Loyalty integration: Users can integrate various loyalty and membership cards, making it more than just a payment solution.

For expats and tourists, Apple Pay offers a sense of familiarity and its trademark user-friendly convenience. Foreigners can use the e-wallet for in-store shopping and in-app purchases in China on Apple compatible devices ofcourse.

To set up Apple Pay in China:

Change your Apple ID country/region to China in the “Settings” app.
Add a new payment method for China (Alipay, WeChat Pay, or UnionPay bank card).
Follow the prompts to complete the payment authorization setup.

By using tokenization, Apple Pay replaces card details with unique codes for each transaction, minimising risks associated with data breaches. Users can also integrate various loyalty and membership cards.

Note: Before updating your location to China, ensure you’ve spent any store credit or balance on your Apple ID, cancelled subscriptions, and completed memberships, preorders, rentals, or Season Passes to avoid any technical complications.

Samsung Pay

This android powerhouse offers another convenient option for its users in China. To make a payment with Samsung Pay, simply:

Swipe up from the bottom of the home screen, regardless of whether the phone is locked or the screen is off.
Scan your fingerprint to authenticate the payment.
Place your phone near the card reader.
Check to make sure payment is processed.

3. Changi Pay

In September 2023, Changi Pay in collaboration with Liquid Group joined the Alipay+ ecosystem , allowing Singaporeans to transact with millions of Chinese merchants via the app . To use Changi Pay, you’ll need the Changi App, which has amassed over 1 million downloads on iOS and Android devices.

Key features include:

Seamless QR code payments at Alipay+ enabled merchants across China
Competitive exchange rates without additional platform fees.
Up to S$25 e-vouchers when you use Changi Pay in China
Travel Insurance from just S$1.78 per day, including comprehensive coverage, instant issuance, COVID-19 and Monkeypox protection, and 24-hour helpline support.
Earn rewards with Changi Pay and exclusive weekly promotions worth S$60 on shopping and dining.

To use Changi Pay to pay locally in China:

Scan dynamic merchant QR

Log onto Changi Pay
Tap on “Pay” in the Changi App OR Tap on “Pay” in Changi Pay
Scan the Alipay QR Code presented by the cashier
Payment amount in Singapore Dollars will appear and tap ‘Continue’
Tap ‘Pay’ to make payment (Do verify the payment amount before doing so)
Payment completed

Scan static merchant QR

Enter payment amount in CNY and tap ‘Confirm’
Tap “Pay” to make payment (Do verify the payment amount before doing so)

The largest local bank is making headway by integrating its debit/credit cards and PayLah! App for transactions on WeChat and Alipay. Furthermore, PayLah! can tap on UnionPay’s QR code to purchase products and services. Conversely, Chinese merchants can scan the customer’s QR code as well, bringing added convenience to all Singaporeans travelling.

With the DBS PayLah! app, users can now:

Scan UnionPay QR codes to make payments at a wide range of Chinese merchants (retail and eCommerce)
Enjoy automatic currency conversion from SGD to RMB for hassle-free transactions
Experience a straightforward and secure way to pay like a local in China

To use Scan UnionPay QR with DBS PayLah!:

1. Scan to Pay

Launch PayLah! app and tap Scan
Scan the UnionPay QR Code and enter payment amount (if required)
Review and confirm your transaction details

2. Generate a QR Code for the merchant to scan

Launch PayLah! app and tap My QR
Tap on UnionPay and select either Mainland China or SG & Others
Present your QR Code to the merchant to scan
Tap Begin Payment

YouTrip is a popular payment app among Singaporean travellers, with one in five Singaporeans now using their service . It allows users to add their YouTrip Mastercard to Alipay and WeChat Pay without the need for a Chinese bank account. This makes it incredibly convenient for tourists to make cashless payments in China.

To link your YouTrip card to Alipay:

Download the Alipay app, set up your account, and ensure it’s verified
Click on ‘Me’, tap ‘Bank cards’, and select ‘+ Add Card’
Set up your 6-digit payment password
Enter your YouTrip Mastercard details
To pay, tap on ‘Pay/Collect’ or the ‘Scan’ icon and scan the merchant’s QR code

To link your YouTrip card to WeChat Pay:

Download WeChat and verify your account with your passport or ID number
Click on ‘Services’ under ‘Me’, then go to ‘Wallet’
Tap ‘Cards’ and click on ‘Add a card’
Enter your WeChat PIN to verify your identity, then add your YouTrip Mastercard details
To pay, go to ‘Me’, tap on the money icon, and scan the merchant’s QR code

6. Online transaction facilitators

Tailored to the requirements of both local and international transactions, these facilitators are indispensable for those engaged in global eCommerce or those needing to transfer money frequently. One such example is XOOM, a PayPal service that allows you to send money to China easily.

Ease of International Transfers: With a vast network across countries, platforms like XOOM simplify cross-border transactions.
Buyer and Seller Protection: XOOM offer protection against fraudulent transactions, ensuring peace of mind for both parties.
Currency Flexibility: This facilitator supports multiple currencies, providing competitive conversion rates and reducing the need for multiple accounts.

How to start sending money to China with XOOM:

Log in with your PayPal credentials or create a Xoom account.
Enter the amount of money to send, the recipient’s details, and where they’ll receive the money in China.
Choose a payment method: PayPal, bank account, credit card, or debit card.
Confirm and send the money.

How to send money to mobile wallets in China with XOOM:

Enter the amount you wish to send.
Select “Mobile Wallet” as the receiving option.
Provide your recipient’s mobile wallet account information.
Choose a payment method: PayPal account, bank account, credit card, or debit card.

Frequently asked questions on digital payment methods in China

1. can you use revolut in china.

Based on recent travellers’ experiences , some users have been able to connect their Wise card directly to Alipay without using the TourCard. It appears Revolut can be linked via Alipay’s main interface. However, network errors can occur, especially when using a VPN to ensure a stable connection.

If you’re exploring local payment alternatives, consider WeBank by Tencent for its streamlined digital banking. On the other hand, Alibaba’s MYbank emphasises a user-first approach, prioritising user needs and offering 24/7 service.

2. How about paying with regular credit cards in China?

For Singaporeans keen on maximising financial benefits from their credit cards, the Bank of China offers significant advantages. Notably, Bank of China credit cards provide more transparent and f avourable exchange rates , giving cardholders an edge with the Yuan currency exchange. Furthermore, these cards often come with lower transaction fees when compared to popular services such as Wise, OFX or Paypal.

Alternatively, we recommend bringing these international bank credit cards along for better perks in China:

DBS UnionPay Debit Card: Offers widespread acceptance and exclusive discounts at Chinese retailers.
Citi PremierMiles Visa Card: Affiliated with Chinese banks, providing air mile accruals and more.
HSBC Premier Mastercard: Grants access to HSBC’s vast network and exclusive privileges at various Chinese outlets.
BOC Travel Card: This Bank of China card waives annual fees for two years and doubles international spending rewards with access to UnionPay’s vast network of over 24 million merchants and 210,000+ ATMs.

3. Is it true that you’re going to get an attitude from Chinese store owners if you use cash?

In developed cities, all transactions are synonymous with WeChat Pay and Alipay. Offering to pay cash can instantly expose your identity as a foreigner. This might be disadvantageous especially if you’re hoping to get the local rates when haggling for products you have your eye on.

However, in rural provinces, cash is still welcomed. Here, using banknotes may even resonate with a touch of nostalgia. Our ultimate advice? Carry both cash and a local e-payment option. You never know when they will come in handy.

4. Are there ATMs in China?

While the use of ATMs in China has significantly reduced due to the widespread adoption of mobile payments, teller machines can still be found in most populous places—particularly outside banks, shopping malls, transportation hubs, and convenience stores.

However, not all ATMs are foreigner-friendly. It’s essential to know which ones to use or risk getting your card eaten by the machine! It’s best to find ATMs from reputable banks that are known for being foreign cards friendly with added security:

Bank of China (BOC)
China Construction Bank (CCB)
Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC)

Most Chinese ATMs accept Visa (Plus), Cirrus, Mastercard, and Maestro. They support both chip-and-pin cards and cards with only a magnetic stripe on the back. To check whether an ATM accepts your card, look for your card’s logo on the machine. Alternatively, you can find the nearest compatible ATM using Visa’s online locator or MasterCard’s online locator .

Keep in mind that Chinese ATMs charge fees, usually between RMB 20 to RMB 30 per transaction. Additionally, your domestic bank may charge additional withdrawal and foreign transaction fees.

Love-hate relationship with international payment platforms and China

The evolving relationship between global financial giants and China’s payment landscape is a captivating saga. For years, Visa, Mastercard, and American Express have navigated a maze of regulatory barriers , with the omnipresent UnionPay often overshadowing their efforts.

This integration is not just about marking a presence but ensuring that the services work harmoniously with China’s ecosystems, offering a user-friendly experience for consumers. The tie-up with Mastercard and Alipay not only shows China’s increasing openness to international financial collaborations , it hints at a future where global and local payment platforms may complement each other.

China’s gearing up for a global spotlight, hosting the 2024 Badminton World Tour and the 2025 World Games . These events aren’t just a showcase of athletic prowess. They’re an invitation to experience the nation’s advanced digital payment infrastructure.

Heading to China soon?

As China opens its doors to the world, it won’t be the Great Wall or the Terracotta Warriors that await you. You experience firsthand their cashless culture and advanced payment systems. Beyond convenience, it’s about immersing yourself in the very pulse and lifestyle of the nation. All these are made possible through a simple scan of a QR code.

Know a friend heading to China soon? Share this article to help them navigate the country’s payment ecosystem with ease.

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Currency information

Welcome to china.

From the nation that brought us Giant Pandas, Kung Pao Chicken, and everything else Made in China, this glorious land really is somewhere you have to see to believe. The ancient civilisation has a rich, unique culture with untouched customs and traditions – it’s certainly not your average getaway!

5/5 stars – They’re pretty much one every corner – though there are withdrawal limits for some. Thankfully, most ATMs will have an English option too.

Definitely not common, sometimes even considered rude

Phone and Internet access

Pretty good, but many sites such as Facebook and Google are blocked

Get ready for one of the cheapest trips you’ll ever take!

Coffee: AU$4.10 (regular cappuccino) Water : AU$0.40 (330mL bottle) Beer : AU$1.25 (domestic beer) Food: AU$10 (hot pot) Taxi: AU$9 (airport – downtown Beijing) Big Mac: AU$4.15 (the classic)

Daily budget

Budget: Around AU$80/day (2x cheap meals, supermarket snacks, and admission to The Great Wall) Moderate: Around AU$150/day (3x cheap meals, supermarket snacks, a train ticket and Forbidden City tour) Luxury: Around AU$200/day (3x restaurant meals, supermarket snacks and a Beijing highlights tour)

Safety rating

3.5/5 stars - It’s a very safe place, you’ll need just the regular dose of common sense. Your biggest safety concerns are the hectic roads, so eyes off your phone when crossing the street!

Travel Money Trivia

Two-name confusion Renminbi and yuan are used interchangeably, but renminbi is the official name. Inflation elation In the past 40 years, the yuan has inflated up over a whopping 1000x. Paper makers China not only invented paper, but also came up with paper money. Crafty creators China was also the first country to use metal for making coins. Weight in silver Yuan was originally called ‘kuai’ (meaning lump) – as it was literally a lump of silver.

Let's talk money

China is one huge place – teeming with attractions, people, food and history. To get the most out of your holiday, set yourself a currency alert on the Yuan, get yourself a Currency Pass and lock in your cash at the best rate.

You’ll mainly use cash to pay
Haggling is acceptable at markets
Watch out for knock-offs
Buy a VPN to access blocked sites
Hide your money to avoid pickpockets
You only need to tip your tour guides
Pick up a good guidebook with street maps to help you navigate before you go

Great Wall of China You can choose which segment you’d like to walk based on your fitness level and what sights interest you the most. The Forbidden City The largest palace complex in the world is worth ticking off your itinerary. Terracotta Army See the hundreds of carefully crafted life-size models made to serve as a guard for the First Emperor Qin in the afterlife. Chengdu Panda Base Check out the mesmerising Giant Panda up close in this non-profit research and breeding centre. Yúngāng Caves A cluster of Chinese Buddhist cave temples with incredible carvings, statues and artwork is something not to be missed

Get the best deal on your foreign exchange today & take off with more spending money. Order online 24/7 or visit one of our 130+ stores .

Travel Money Oz has sought to ensure that the information is true and correct at the time of publication. Prices, details and services are subject to change without notice, and Travel Money Oz accepts no responsibility or liability for any such changes, including any loss resulting from any action taken or reliance made by you on any information provided. Daily Cost: All prices are approximations. Your costs may differ depending on where you go, where you shop, and their individual factors. Daily Budget: Costs are estimated per person and do not include accommodation.

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Chinese Currency – Renminbi (RMB)

Many Westerners are unfamiliar with what the Chinese use for legal tender. While the US uses the dollar , China’s currency is named the Yuan , but is more commonly referred to as Renminbi ( RMB / 人民币).

At Chinatour.com, we are experts at Chinese culture because it is our home, and we would like nothing more than to share our incredibly diverse, dynamic, and beautiful home with the world. Reach out to us at (888) 878-1777 to learn more about how we can set you up on an affordable tour you will never forget!

For more tips to help you get the most out of your trip, check out our China travel tools page!

The Chinese Yuan, also known as Renminbi, is used throughout in mainland China, while in Hong Kong and Macau, the Hong Kong dollar and pataca are respectively used. “Renminbi,” which translates to “people’s money,” is the official currency of China. The basic unit of the Renminbi is the Yuan and the symbol for the Yuan is ￥, just as the symbol for the US Dollar is $.

The Chinese Yuan is further subdivided as follows: 1 Yuan=10 jiao, and 1 jiao=10 fen

In some parts of China, the yuan is called kuai (much like US dollars can be referred to as “bucks”) and jiao is referred as mao. Chinese money is issued by the People’s Bank of China in denominations of one, two, five, ten, twenty, fifty, and one hundred yuan. The jiao (角) and fen (分) coins are both issued in ones, twos, and fives.

For many travelers, exchanging money is frequently required during their trip, which is particularly true for businessmen who do business in China. Currency exchange may be available in large banks, hotels, and airports. Currency exchange rates can vary, so it is highly advised that you look into how much the Yuan is worth before leaving on your trip.

China Currency to USD

How far will $1 get you in China? Great question!

Exchange rates between different currencies are constantly in flux. However, knowing what the typical rate is before you leave can go a long way in helping you budget how much you might spend on food and souvenirs.

This website shows how many Renminbi one US dollar is worth on any given day.

Counting from 1 to 10 on one hand

The Chinese can use five fingers on one hand to indicate the numbers from one to ten, this is very useful when you can not speak Chinese language or you are at a very noisy place, where body language may be more effective than shouting aloud.

What Do Renminbi Look Like?

The following are images of the different denominations of renminbi, from 100 yuan to two Jiao.

Tips on Using Money in China

As when traveling anywhere in the world, you need to practice discernment when it comes to handling money. Before your trip to China, look into the current exchange rate for the Yuan and whether you can better exchange rate in your home country or once you arrive in China. Be careful when exchanging money in China, and try your best to pay with multiple smaller denominations than a single, large Yuan note. You should be able to obtain cash at any Chinese international airport upon your arrival.

While the average restaurant, shop, and your hotel in China will likely accept major credit cards, it is always a good idea to carry a certain amount of cash on you at all times and try to make your purchases with such, especially if you are heading into a more rural or remote area of the country. Fortunately, banks can be found easily, provide English instructions, and accept foreign credit cards. Be sure to alert your bank to your upcoming trip to China and ask them if you will incur any fees for using it abroad.

While traveler’s checks are intended to be respected the world over, whether a bank teller in China decides to verify and accept them at any given time is another story. You are better off bringing a reasonable amount of cash for your immediate needs once you arrive than by purchasing traveler’s checks.

Payments made by way of a mobile device are increasingly common and in China can be made through WeChat and Alipay. You will likely come across QR codes to make a mobile payment for a taxi, street vendor, or other merchant in many parts of the country. Apple pay exists as well, but is not supported by as many merchants as WeChat and Alipay.

Chinatour.com is on Your Side

Speak with a representative here are Chinatour.com and get answers to any questions you have about Chinese currency and what to expect on your exciting tour of China. We have all the know-how to handle any and all of your questions or concerns.

Check out these other travel tips , or reach out to us to get more information.

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How to Pay in China As a Foreigner: Popular Payment Methods

Currently, Chinese people are aboard the “cashless payment train”, with most people preferring to pay with payment apps like WeChat Pay and Alipay in China. These options can make payment faster and easier, whether it’s for online or a simple street vendor purchase. As traditional payment options like cash and bank cards are becoming less common, knowing how to pay in China as a foreigner seems important for your hassle-free travel to China .

This article will introduce you to some of the most popular payment methods in China to ensure you can pay for things easily even as a tourist. We will show how to use these payment apps and platforms with details.

E lectronic Payment in China

In recent years, over 87% of the population uses mobile payment in China each year. Mobile payment methods, especially the Alipay and WeChat Pay have become ubiquitous in daily life. Alongside these key platforms, other platforms like UnionPay, JD Pay, Apple Pay, etc. together offer a diverse range of options for digital payment in China.

How to Pay with WeChat Pay in China?

WeChat Pay in China is widely accepted at offline stores, street stalls and vendors, restaurants, public transportation, Didi, taxis, etc. When purchase online, it is accepted on platforms like JD, Weidian, Pinduoduo, Meituan and most other major platforms except Taobao.

There are only a few steps to register and make payments via WeChat Pay. See the step by step guide below:

Download the WeChat App and Register an Account
Search for the latest version of the WeChat App from the app store and install it.
Then, open the WeChat App and register an account with your phone number.

Access WeChat Pay for Real-name Authentication

Click “Me” > “Services” > “Wallet” > “ID Info” to finish the real-name authentication. For foreigners, you can finish the authentication with your passport.

Link a Bank Card

Click “Me” > “Services” > “Wallet” > “Cards” > “Add a Card” to add your bank card on the WeChat.

Currently, WeChat can support five international bank cards: VISA, Diner’s Club, Discover Card, JCB, MasterCard.

Start Making Payments via WeChat Pay

After linking a bank card, you can start making payments via WeChat Pay. There are two easy and secure ways to pay by WeChat Pay, either by scanning the QR code of the merchants or by showing your payment code and be scanned.

To pay by scanning: Click “Discover” > “Scan” to scan the “Receive money code” presented by the merchant.
To be scanned: Click “Me” > “Services” > “Money” to show your “payment code” to the merchant.

How to Pay with Alipay in China?

Alipay can be used to pay for a wide range of goods and services, including online platforms, offline retail stores, street stalls and vendors, subway, bus, restaurants, taxis, didi, etc.

Download the App

Download Alipay App from the app store or from the Alipay official website.

Open the App, and register an account with your phone number or email address.

Set a Password

Follow the prompts to set your login password and payment password.

Real-name Authentication

Follow the prompts to finish the real-name authentication.

Link your bank card to the app

Click “Me” > “Bank Cards” > “+” on the up right corner to add your bank card. You can add either a Chinese bank card or one of the five international bank cards: VISA, Diner’s Club, Discover Card, JCB, MasterCard to your Alipay account.

Activate your account

An activation email will be sent to your mailbox, click the link to activate your account.

Start Making Payments via Alipay

After finishing the above process, you can start making payments via Alipay. The same with WeChat Pay, there are two ways to pay by Alipay, either by scanning the QR code of the merchants or by showing your payment code and be scanned.

To pay by scanning: Click “Scan” to scan the “Receive money code” presented by the merchant.
To be scanned: Click “Pay/Collect” to show your “payment code” to the merchant.

How to Pay with UnionPay QuickPass in China?

Though not as popular as Alipay and Wechat Pay, UnionPay Quickpass is still versatile and can be used in many scenarios, including but limited to:

Online Payments: to pay for online shopping on e-commerce platforms like Taobao, Tmall, etc.
Offline Payments: UnionPay Quickpass is accepted at numerous famous supermarkets, chain restaurants, retail stores, etc.
Transportation and Travel: UnionPay QuickPass can be used at several airlines and travel platforms, such as China Eastern Airlines, Tuniu, etc.

To get started with UnionPay QuickPass, follow these simple steps:

Download the app and install

Search for UnionPay in the app store and download it.

Open the app, create an account with your phone number, set up a password and verification information.

Link Your Bank Card

Click “Me” > “Cards”, then enter your bank card information to link it.

Note: Currently, only UnionPay cards issued in specific regions such as Hong Kong and Macau are supported on UnionPay QuickPass.

Start Making Payments

On the home screen, click “Pay/Collect” to present your QR code to the merchant.

Alternatively, click “Scan” to scan the merchant’s QR code to make a payment.

How to Use Apple Pay in China?

Common scenarios where Apple Pay can be used:

Retail Locations: Apple Pay is supported at various offline shops, supermarkets, and large malls.
Public Transit: Public transportation system like subways and buses.
Apple’s Own Services: Can make payments on Apple’s platforms.
Third-party Apps: including Railway 12306, JD.com, banking service apps, etc.

Below are the simple steps to use Apple Pay:

Open “Settings” on your iPhone, then scroll down and click “Wallet & Apple Pay”;
Tap on “Add Card” to add a UnionPay card to your wallet;
After adding your card, you can pay by ApplePay at merchants or locations that support NFC. You just need to get your iPhone close to the POS terminal, authenticate by using Face ID or Touch ID, and finish the payment.

F ace Recognition Payment in China

Face Recognition Payment is a faster and more convenient alternative to QR code scanning. This payment method allows users to make payments swiftly on devices that are equipped with specialized 3D security cameras.

Currently, face recognition payments are supported at many places like convenience stores, supermarket self-checkouts, subway stations, etc. where you just need to enter their payment account and look at the camera to complete the transaction, no need to take out your phone. To make the face recognition payment, users need to enable the face recognition payment feature on their WeChat Pay or Alipay accounts.

Steps to enable the face recognition payment feature on Alipay:

Open your Alipay and tap on “Me”;
Tap on the gear icon in the top right coner to enter Alipay settings;
Tap on “Payment Settings” > “Biological ID Pay” > “Smile to Pay”;
Complete the face verification.

Steps to enable the face recognition payment feature on WeChat Pay:

Open your WeChat app and tap on “Me”;
Tap on “Services” > “Wallet” > “Payment Settings”> “Face Payment”

Payments by PayPal in China

PayPal can work in China. Its services are mainly aimed at international transactions. For instance, when booking a tour to China through an international travel agency, it can be conveniently done by using PayPal.

You Can Pay in Cash in China

Though cashless payment is ubiquitous, cash transactions are still accepted in any setting. Preparing some cash can also prevent unforeseen circumstances, such as out of battery or poor signal in some areas.

To pay for things with cash, you can withdraw Renminbi from ATMs with logos of your bank card’s organizations. Or, you can exchange foreign currency for RMB at certain bank branches, currency exchange institutions, and self-service exchange machines with currency exchange signs.

Use a Bank Card in China

People holding cards with UnionPay, Visa, or Mastercard logos can make swipe payments if the merchants’ checkout counter shows the corresponding acceptance marks. If your card is from other payment organizations or there are no such logos of your card, you may need to ask the cashier to make sure whether your card can be used for payment.

Open a Bank Account in China

Foreign tourists can open a local or foreign currency bank account at your nearby bank outlets with their passports or other valid IDs. Most commercial banks offer account opening services. You can visit the bank’s official website or consult the bank staff for detailed information and required documents. After opening a bank account, you can conveniently deposit and withdraw RMB, link your card to any online payment platform, use the card for payment services, and a wide range of other services.

Our Helpful Team is Here to Help

By familiarizing yourself with the popular methods of how to pay for things, you can smoothly handle your transactions while exploring the attractions and wonders in China . Our team is always ready to assist you in utilizing the payment options effortlessly. To cut your hassle of paying for things in China, we can also offer you all-inclusive customized China tours with all your travel expenses covered.

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Compare Chinese yuan travel money rates

Get the best Chinese yuan exchange rate by comparing travel money deals from the UK's top foreign exchange providers

Best Chinese yuan exchange rate

If you're travelling to China, it's important to shop around and compare currency suppliers to maximise your chances of getting a good deal. We can help you to find the best Chinese yuan exchange rate by comparing a wide range of UK travel money suppliers who have Chinese yuan in stock and ready to order online now. Our comparisons automatically factor in all costs and commission, so all you need to do is tell us how much you want to spend and we'll show you the top suppliers who fit the bill.

Compare before you buy

Some of the best travel money deals are only available when you buy online. By using a comparison site, you're more likely to see the full range of deals on offer and get the best rate.

Order online

Always place your order online, even if you plan to collect your currency in person. Most supermarkets and high street currency suppliers offer better exchange rates if you order online beforehand.

Combine orders

If you're travelling with others, consider placing one large currency order instead of buying individually. Many currency suppliers offer enhanced rates that improve as you order more.

The best Chinese yuan exchange rate right now is 8.8295 from Travel FX . This is based on a comparison of 17 currency suppliers and assumes you were buying £750 worth of Chinese yuan for home delivery.

The best Chinese yuan exchange rates are usually offered by online travel money companies who have lower operating costs than traditional 'bricks and mortar' stores, and can therefore offer better currency deals than their high street counterparts.

For supermarkets and companies who sell travel money online and on the high street, it's generally cheaper to place your order online and collect it from the store rather than turning up out of the blue and ordering over the counter. Many stores set their 'walk-in' exchange rates lower than their online rates because they can. By ordering online you're guaranteed to get the online rate and you can collect your order from the store as usual.

Chinese yuan rate trend

Over the past 30 days, the Chinese yuan rate is up 0.32% from 8.8295 on 6 Apr to 8.8578 today. This means one pound will buy more Chinese yuan today than it would have a month ago. Right now, £750 is worth approximately ¥6,643.35 which is ¥21.22 more than you'd have got on 6 Apr.

These are the average Chinese yuan rates taken from our panel of UK travel money providers at the end of each day. You can explore this further on our British pound to Chinese yuan currency chart .

Timing is key if you want to maximise your Chinese yuan, but the best time to buy will depend on the current market conditions and your personal travel plans.

If you have a fixed travel date, you should start to monitor the Chinese yuan rates as soon as possible in the period leading up to your departure so that you've got time to buy when the rate is looking favourable. For example, if the Chinese yuan rate has been steadily increasing over several weeks or months, it could be a good time to buy while the rate is high.

Some people prefer to buy half of their Chinese yuan as soon as they've booked their holiday, and the remaining half just before they depart. This can be a good way of maximising your holiday money if the exchange rate continues to rise after you've bought, but will also help to minimise your losses if the rate drops.

You could also consider signing up to our newsletter and we'll email the latest rates to you each month.

If you need your Chinese yuan sooner and don't have time to wait for the rates to improve, you can still save money by comparing rates from a range of different providers before you buy. Online travel money suppliers usually have better Chinese yuan rates than high street exchanges, but supermarkets are a good compromise if you want to collect your currency in person and still get a decent rate. Just remember to buy or reserve your Chinese yuan first before you collect them from the store so you benefit from the supplier's better online rate.

Chinese yuan banknotes and coins

The official currency of China is the 'renminbi' which literally translates to 'the people's currency', but individual monetary units are expressed in 'yuan' (prounced yoo-an ) which means 'round object' or 'coin'.

One Chinese yuan (¥) can be subdivided into 10 jiǎo (meaning 'corner') and 100 fēn ('fraction').

There are six denominations of Chinese yuan banknotes in circulation: ¥1, ¥5, ¥10, ¥20, ¥50 and ¥100; and three coin denominations: ¥0.1, ¥0.5 and ¥1.

There's no evidence to suggest that you'll get a better deal if you buy your Chinese yuan in China. While there may be better exchange rates available in some locations, your options for shopping around may be limited once you arrive, and there's no guarantee the exchange rates will be any better than they are in the UK.

Exchange rates aside, here are some other reasons to avoid buying your Chinese yuan in China:

You may have to pay commission or other hidden fees to a currency exchange that you wouldn't have paid in the UK
Your bank may charge you a foreign transaction fee if you use it to buy Chinese yuan when you're abroad
It can be harder to spot scammers and fraudulent currency exchanges in China

Lastly, it can be handy to have some cash on you when you arrive at your destination so you can pay for any immediate expenses like food, transport and tips. You don't want to be searching for the nearest currency exchange when you've just landed and you're desperate for a cup of tea - or a cocktail!

Choosing the right payment method

Sending money to a company you might not have heard of before can be unsettling. We routinely check all the companies that feature in our comparisons to make sure they meet our strict listing criteria, but it's still worth knowing how your money is protected in the unlikely event a company goes bust and you don't receive your order.

Bank transfer

Your money is not protected if you pay by bank transfer. If the company goes bust and you've paid by bank transfer, it's unlikely you'll get your money back. For this reason, we recommend you pay by debit or credit card wherever possible because they offer more financial protection.

Debit cards are the most popular payment method and they offer some financial protection. If you pay by debit card and the company goes bust, you can instruct your bank to make a chargeback request to recover your money from the company's bank. This isn't a legal right, and a refund isn't guaranteed, but if you make a chargeback request your bank is obliged to try and recover your money.

Credit card

Credit cards offer full financial protection, and your money is protected by law under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act. Section 75 states that your card issuer must refund you in full if you don't receive your order. Be aware that many credit cards charge a cash advance fee (typically around 3%) for buying currency, so you may have to weigh up the benefits of full financial protection with the extra cost of using a credit card.

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The Cost of Travel in China: My 2024 Budget Breakdown

China is one of the most fascinating places I’ve ever been.

As one of the largest countries in the world, it has incredibly diverse landscapes, food, people, history, and development. With a recorded history dating back over 3000 years, it’s a country with fascinating heritage and culture at every turn.

When I last visited, it was around the time of Chinese New Year and I spent a month travelling across the country. If you get the chance to travel to China at that time of year, I’d wholeheartedly recommend it — it was so much fun! There were decorations everywhere, fireworks filled the sky, and everyone was in a joyful mood.

Of course, this means that you’ll likely need to book things like transport and accommodation ahead of time before they sell out, but it was so worth it. One of my favourite memories was celebrating Chinese New Year in Shanghai over hotpot with new local friends.

Regardless of when you do end up visiting, however, know that travel in China takes some planning.

This is predominantly due to the visa requirements and application process, which can be onerous — yes, even when visiting as a tourist. It will differ depending on where you’re from, but odds are: it’ll be a pain in the ass. I needed to provide several forms and documents, proof of onward tickets , and even a list of every country I’d visited over the past 10 years. As a travel writer who travels full-time, that last part made me want to cry — I’d been to 80 countries!

Even though the visa application is slightly more difficult than other countries, I promise you it’s worth it, and especially if you go through the process and score a long-term multi-entry visa. A standard single or double-entry tourist visa lasts 15-60 days and costs around $80, but for around twice the price, multi-entry options are available for some passport holders that give 60 days per entry for three or five years. Not a bad deal at all, to be able to return for half a decade and see more of this amazing country!

Another important thing you should do ahead of your trip to China is download the WeChat app. This is the primary messaging app in China and you’ll use it regularly while in the country. You should also download a VPN ahead of time, but I’ll get to that later in the post.

For now, get ready to learn more about China, what you can expect from a trip there, and how much it costs. If you’re happy to step a little outside of your comfort zone, you’ll have an incredible experience: I met some of the loveliest people while I was there, and crossed some major things off my bucket list.

Go in with an open mind, be ready for some adventure and unpredictability, and you’ll have the time of your life!

What’s Included in this Post

This budget breakdown covers how much I spent on accommodation, transportation, activities, and food while I travelled around the country.

I’ve not included my flights into and out of China as this is going to vary significantly based on where you’ll be arriving from.

The amounts in this guide are listed in U.S. dollars, simply because the vast majority of my readers are from the U.S. I also included some prices in Chinese yuan (CNY), as this is the local currency that you’ll use day to day.

While prices have risen a little since China reopened its borders post-pandemic, it’s not as noticeable as most other parts of the world. Sure, you can spend a fortune on travel here if you want to, but as I’ll show below, you definitely don’t have to. Let’s get started!

The Cost of Accommodation in China

Finding places to stay on a mid-range budget in China is fairly easy. In terms of what to look out for, the two most important aspects are the location and staff, especially if you’re a foreigner. Many Chinese cities are very large and heavily populated, so it really helps to be close to the things you want to see. I found that having staff who speak English and can offer good recommendations and advice makes a huge difference as well.

Guesthouses, hostels, and homestays usually start around $40 (289 CNY) per night, while good mid-range hotels cost $70-80 (505-578 CNY) per night, often including breakfast. That said, expect to pay a bit more than that in the most popular destinations like Shanghai and Beijing.

Here’s a list of my favourite accommodation options in China:

Beijing — Jingshan Garden Hotel ($118 a night)

You can’t get much better than a hotel located in a traditional Chinese hutong (narrow alleyway) alongside Jingshan Park and right behind The Forbidden City! Even though you’re so close to many of Beijing’s biggest attractions, there’s still a very local feeling and flavour. In addition to having such a great location, the staff were very welcoming, sharing a guide to China, offering great suggestions, and calling ahead for information at tourist sites to help me make the most of my stay. The room itself was comfortable and clean, and when I didn’t feel like leaving the hotel one rainy evening, the traditional Chinese dishes at the attached restaurant were delicious (there was also Western fare if I’d wanted it).

Shanghai — Kevin’s Old House ($109 a night)

What I loved about Kevin’s Old House was how unique it was! In a world where hotel chains vie to offer generic modern design and high-tech features, Kevin’s stands out from the crowd. It’s cosy and eclectic, and stepping inside the building leaves you feeling as though you’ve walked straight into 1930s Shanghai. It’s an experience you won’t find anywhere else in the city. It’s in an excellent location, too, close to all of Shanghai’s best restaurants and bars. The staff were wonderful, the breakfasts delicious, and I hugely appreciated having a washing machine in my room, too!

Yangshuo — The Bamboo Leaf Yangshuo ($60 a night)

Yangshuo has some incredible, stunning landscapes coupled with a smaller town feeling, and Bamboo Leaf is the perfect base for all your explorations. The facilities and rooms were beautiful and clean, including the onsite outdoor swimming pool with a stunning backdrop of the Yangshuo mountains. The onsite restaurant had delicious food in generous portions, but most of all, the staff really went out of their way to offer incredible service and hospitality. They were all incredibly knowledgeable about the area and went as far as sending location links through WeChat (messaging app) for the places I wanted to visit! Considering not everything in Yangshuo is properly marked, this was super helpful. It’s in a lovely quiet area away from the tourist centre: you can walk to the main market in about twenty minutes, but the hotel offers a free shuttle to and from town, plus bikes and e-bikes you can hire.

Hangzhou — Rock&Wood Cozy House ($100 a night)

Hangzhou was one of my favourite cities in China. There was just something endearing about walking down the Ancient Qinghefang Road or taking a paddle boat on scenic West Lake, and I was very happy to be staying at this cute guesthouse while I was in town. It’s in a quiet residential area only a few minutes walk from the tranquil lake, but still within easy reach of all the sights and attractions downtown. The host (Sally) couldn’t have done more for me, and had endless great sightseeing tips to offer, as well as cooking delicious Chinese and Western breakfasts on alternate days. The room was absolutely lovely, with cozy wooden decor and furniture and a super-comfortable bed. Needless to say, you’ll leave your stay here feeling both physically and mentally refreshed!

Chengdu — Buddha Zen Hotel ($74 a night)

Home of the famous pandas, Chengdu is the place to go to see these beautiful creatures up close. Beyond this, there are tons of temples to explore and authentic Sichuan cuisine to enjoy. I highly recommend staying at Buddha Zen Hotel while you’re there: a lovely hotel with a real “old world” feel, it’s it’s in a great neighbourhood full of traditional buildings, many of which have been converted into adorable cafes and restaurants around to help bring out your inner foodie. It’s on a quiet street, so you’ll still get a good night’s sleep, and you’re in good hands with the owner who will help make your stay comfortable, whether you need transport, local recommendations, or advice for how to get around.

Nanjing — Janling Hotel ($70 a night)

For many centuries, Nanjing was the capital of China. This makes a visit to this historical city worth it during your travels, especially considering it’s only a few hours from Shanghai. Jinling Hotel was the ideal place to stay while I was there, in an unbeatable location right in the heart of the city, and really close to a metro station so I could easily get to anywhere further afield that I needed to go. I found this hotel to be one of the most foreigner-friendly places I came across in China, with English-speaking staff and a great range of Western and local options in the restaurant. Reasonably priced and kept immaculately clean, I’d be only too happy to stay here again.

Xi’an – Eastwood Inn Xi’an ($45 a night)

If seeing the Terracotta Army Warriors (soldier figures that accompanied the tomb of China’s first emperor) intrigues you, then you’ll definitely want to pay a visit to the city of Xi’an. And you can stay at this lovely, affordable homestay while you’re there! You’re within walking distance of both a metro station and the Wenchang Ancient City Wall. My room was clean, with a comfy bed (not always the case in China!) and its own private bathroom. The staff were great, with plenty of recommendations of where to go and what to do, and the front desk is manned 24/7 in case of any issues. This is a comfortable, conveniently located, affordable homestay that’s perfect for a couple of days in Xi’an!

The Cost of Transportation in China

Transportation in China was some of the best I’ve ever experienced in all of my travels so far. It was fast, easy to navigate, and ran on time. Unlike some other countries where I’ve had what feels like endless stopovers and long, bumpy drives to get anywhere, moving around China felt like a breeze by comparison.

Here are the most common forms of transportation in China:

Underground Metro — If there’s an underground metro system available, this is one of the fastest, easiest and cheapest ways to travel around any city in China. I used the metro system in Beijing, Shanghai, and Hangzhou, and it was always very quick and efficient. You can expect to pay around $0.40-1.25 (3-9 CNY) for a metro ride depending on the distance.

Most cities also offer 1-7 day passes which are often good value, especially anywhere that you’ll be regularly using the metro to get around. For example, the fare for a 1-day pass in Shanghai was $2.50 (18 CNY) , while the fare for a 3-day pass was $6.25 (45 CNY) . Definitely pretty reasonable!

Taxis/Didi — I used taxis a couple of times and if I was with a local friend of mine, we would take Didi , which is a Chinese Uber equivalent. I wouldn’t rely on Didi unless you know Mandarin or are with people who live there because it doesn’t always work with foreign credit cards. That being said, taxis are everywhere and really easy to hail in major cities, but not many taxi drivers speak English, so have a translator app handy or name a major landmark that you’re heading towards that they would recognize.

Each Chinese city has a different base rate for taxis. Bigger cities like Shanghai and Beijing start at $1.95 (14 CNY) for the first 3km, while other cities have a lower starting rate of around $1.10-1.40 (8-10 CNY) . To give you an idea of a full taxi ride fare, from Beijing airport to the city centre (about a 40 minute drive) costs around $18-21 (130-150 CNY).

Note that taxis rarely accept foreign credit cards, so always have cash in the form of small bills on hand to pay your driver.

Train — China has one of the biggest high-speed rail networks in the world, which links nearly every town and city. I took the train between most of the cities I went to, and it was always very reliable, quick, comfortable, and straightforward. Not to mention, I thought the prices were quite reasonable.

As a tourist, you need to verify your ID when you pick up a ticket. So once I booked my tickets through 12Go Asia , this only meant that my ticket was issued, but it didn’t mean I had the ticket in hand. I needed to go to the train station ticket office to show my booking voucher and passport, and then be given my ticket. I’d recommend booking train tickets at least 3-4 days in advance.

Note that I traveled second-class on high-speed trains where possible. There are often cheaper seats available on the slow trains, but they usually take a lot longer to get where they’re going.

Here were some of the routes I took and their respective prices:

Nanjing to Hangzhou: $23 (167 CNY)
Hangzhou to Shanghai: $10 (73 CNY)
Beijing to Nanjing: $72 (520 CNY)
Shanghai to Guilin (sleeper): $84 (607 CNY)

Flights — Even though China is a large country, and it might feel like taking flights to get around makes sense, in most circumstances taking the train is better because of its high speed, punctuality, and lack of lengthy check-ins and wait times. Not to mention, it’s often cheaper to take the train anyway. In some cases, though, taking a flight can be an easier option, so here are some of the routes and their respective average prices from Skyscanner :

Beijing to Shanghai — $111 (802 CNY )
Shanghai to Guilin — $110 (795 CNY)
Guilin to Chengdu — $102 (737 CNY)
Chengdu to Xi’an — $100 (723 CNY)

The Cost of Food in China

Summarising the food scene in China isn’t easy. With thousands of years of cultural history and millions of square miles of geography, you could spend a lifetime trying to eat every dish in the country and still not even come close to finishing the job.

As you might expect, the local climate and culture has a big impact on the kinds of food you’ll find in each area. There are eight major culinary regions in the country, but even those are split up into endless local variations. While it’s true to say that rice or noodles are a staple in much (although not all) of the country, after that, all bets are off as to what you might find on the menu.

The good news is that you don’t have to visit every far-flung corner to enjoy its food: the major cities have restaurants that cover every cuisine imaginable, both from within China and much further afield.

Let’s start with hotpot and bubble tea, something I could happily have eaten every day. There’s something really special about going to eat hotpot with a group of friends, and I just love the communal aspect of it. It’s less of a meal and more of an experience (although don’t get me wrong, the food part is good too!).

If you’re unfamiliar with hotpot, it’s typically a simmering pot of seasoned broth, paired with thinly-sliced meats, veggies, mushrooms, noodles and more. You essentially cook and season your food by putting it into the pot, dipping it in a selection of sauces and then digging in. If you go with a decent size group, then you’ll probably pay around $15-20 (108-144 CNY) per person for a hotpot meal with a couple of drinks.

One of my other favourite food experiences was eating Peking Duck in Beijing, a dish that goes back as the Imperial era. Usually a Peking Duck meal includes thin slices of duck, wraps, and add-ons. If you go as a group, you’ll likely end up with an entire duck to share, so if you’re going alone or with a friend, just make sure you can order a smaller amount. You’ll likely pay around $10-12 (72-87 CNY) per person for this.

If you’re heading to Guangzhou or elsewhere in the Cantonese part of China, expect dim sum to feature heavily on your list of dining highlights. Again, it’s best experienced with others, since it means you’ll get to try more of the vast selection of small steamed or pan-fried dumplings, buns, and rice noodle rolls on offer. Expect to pay around $2 (15 CNY) per dish.

You’ve likely heard of kung pao chicken before, and maybe even tried it back home, but it’s a whole different experience when you’re eating it in Chengdu or somewhere else in the Sichuan region that it originated. It’s not a dish for the faint-hearted, full of heat from the dried chillies, a numbing sensation from the region’s famous peppers, and big, complex flavours from the sauce. If you can handle the intensity, though, it’s absolutely delicious! Served with rice, it’s often quite cheap as well: you’ll pay around $4-7 (30-50 CNY) for it.

The Shangdong region is famous for its seafood, and while you should definitely try some of the higher-end dishes like cong bao youyu (stir-fried sea cucumber) and weihe clam noodles, even the cheap eats are a culinary delight. My favourite was scallion pancakes, a low-cost yet delicious option for breakfast or lunch in particular. The crispy dough and delicious zing of the scallions meant that even though one really was enough, I often went back for a second anyway! The low prices helped with that decision: I never paid more than $1.40 (10 CNY) for one.

Speaking of cheaper eats, especially for lunch, I often grabbed something from a street vendor or at a food market, where a steamed bun, fried rice, or a dish of chow mein noodles would typically only cost around $2-3 (15-22 CNY) .

The Cost of Activities and Entrance Fees in China

China is certainly the land of sightseeing. I’ve wanted to see The Great Wall of China for as long as I can remember, and it blew me out of the park. It was a beautiful sunny day in January and I could see the wall stretch on and on and thought to myself how lucky I was to see one of the wonders of the world.

My best piece of advice would be to take a weekday tour that leaves early in the morning from Beijing, because The Great Wall itself is about a two-hour drive away from Beijing. It’s possible to take public transit, but I definitely saved time and had a smoother experience with a tour. We left around 6 a.m. and got there before 9 a.m., and there was a moment when we were the only seven people or so on that section of the wall—it was pure magic and also very rare. So trust me, the earlier you can get there the better, because the crowds start to roll in around 10 a.m.

I booked through my hotel, and it cost around $40 for the tour which included entry and round-trip transportation from Beijing. Make sure to ask the people at your accommodation about tour companies because they will have a better idea of the best options, but do confirm whether the price includes transport, entry, cable car and toboggan tickets, or just some of those things.

Here’s a breakdown of some popular attractions in China and their respective costs:

(Beijing) The Great Wall of China: $6 (45 CNY) entry ticket, plus $14 (100 CNY) one way/$19.50 (140 CNY) return for the cable car/toboggan
(Beijing) The Forbidden City: $8.40 (60 CNY) (April 1 – October 31) or $5.50 (40 CNY) (November 1 to March 31)
(Beijing) Summer Palace: $8.40 (60 CNY) (April 1 – October 31), $ 2.80 (20 CNY) at other times
Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding: $7.70 (55 CNY)
Zhangjiajie National Park: $31.50 (227 CNY) (March 1 – November 30) or $20.50 (147 CNY) (December 1 – February 28)
(Shanghai) Yu Garden: $5.50 (40 CNY) (April 1-June 30 and September 1-November 30), $4.20 (30 CNY) at other times
(Hangzhou) West Lake: FREE
(Xi’an) Emperor Qinshihuang’s Mausoleum Site Museum: $16.70 (120 CNY)

Miscellaneous Costs

Chinese SIM card : I don’t know about you, but one of my least favourite aspects of arriving in a new country is having to figure out how to get connected. Specifically: buying a local SIM card so that I have data to use while I’m in the country.

There’s locating a store that will sell you one, language barriers to deal with, various forms of ID you might need to bring, scams to navigate, and… well, it’s a headache.

This year, I’ve started using Airalo , which sells local e-SIM cards for travellers, and it’s absolutely improved my travel experience. What this company allows you to do is to buy an e-SIM online before you arrive in China, and then as soon as you land in the country, you can switch on your data and start using it. It’s worked flawlessly for me and I’ll never go back to physical SIM cards. All you need is an e-SIM-compatible phone (all iPhones are, and most Androids). You’ll pay $5 for 1 GB of data , $11.50 for 3 GB , or $16.50 for 5 GB for China, with other data amounts available, and can top-up through the Airalo app.

Virtual Private Network (VPN) : To get a full range of internet access in China and circumvent the country’s internet censorship, you’ll need a VPN. Believe me, it’s worth it. You can’t access Google or most social media accounts without one. I was travelling through China for one month, so I got the 1-month plan with ExpressVPN which costs $12.95 .

Travel insurance: If you’ve read any other posts on Never Ending Footsteps, you’ll know that I’m a great believer in travelling with travel insurance.

As someone who works in the travel industry, I’ve seen far too many Go Fund Me campaigns from destitute backpackers that are unexpectedly stranded in a foreign country after a scooter accident/being attacked/breaking a leg with no way of getting home or paying for their healthcare. These costs can quickly land you with a six-figure bill to pay at the end of it.

In short, if you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel.

Travel insurance will cover you if your flight is cancelled and you need to book a new one, if your luggage gets lost and you need to replace your belongings, if you suddenly get struck down by appendicitis and have to be hospitalised, or discover a family member has died and you need to get home immediately. If you fall seriously ill, your insurance will cover the costs to fly you home to receive medical treatment.

I use SafetyWing as my travel insurance provider, and recommend them for trips to China. Firstly, they’re one of the few companies out there who will actually cover you if you contract COVID-19. On top of that, they provide worldwide coverage, don’t require you to have a return ticket, and even allow you to buy coverage after you’ve left home. If you’re on a long-term trip, you can pay monthly instead of up-front, and can cancel at any time. Finally, they’re cheaper than the competition, and have a clear, easy-to-understand pricing structure, which is always appreciated.

With SafetyWing, you’ll pay just $1.50 a day for travel insurance.

How Much Does it Cost to Travel in China?

It’s time to tally up all of my expenses to see my total travel costs!

Accommodation: $83 per day
Transportation: $6 per day
Food: $33 per day
Activities/Entrance Fees: $24 per day

Average amount spent in China: $146 a day!

Lauren Juliff

Lauren Juliff is a published author and travel expert who founded Never Ending Footsteps in 2011. She has spent over 12 years travelling the world, sharing in-depth advice from more than 100 countries across six continents. Lauren's travel advice has been featured in publications like the BBC, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Cosmopolitan, and her work is read by 200,000 readers each month. Her travel memoir can be found in bookstores across the planet.

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I visited the Temple of Heaven on a day when nearly no one was there. Of course, it was the dead of winter also. Have a pic where I’m standing on the mound clapping and listening to the sound….

Great post, great pictures

Gorgeous photos Lauren! The colors are so vivid!

I feel like I am kind of an expert when it comes to showing up in places during their “busiest time EVER” so I totally empathize with you, Lauren!

When I went to the Temple of Heaven it was also colder than cold December and there were still these precious senior citizens out there, ballroom dancing the day away!

The echo chamber didn’t work for me either. Maybe it’s all a sham?

I just spent a 20 hour layover in Beijing and loved the Temple of Heaven. WhenI went there were a ton of old people around the park. Some were working out (aerobics, badminton, kicking a feathery ball), others playing cards, some were dancing in exotic costumes and my absolute favourite, about 50 of them chanting these jawdroppingly beautiful songs. It was freezing at 8 am and they were all so active!

Meet Lauren Juliff

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The 5 best travel money cards for china in 2024.

China is one of Australia’s favourite destinations and with all its attractions, weather and food it's not hard to see why thousands of Australians each year.

In China you are likely to pay for accommodation, food, transport and entertainment as well as withdraw cash from ATMs with your card.

To save you lots of time, we have compared a large number of best international travel cards to take to China for Australians in 2024 and have summarised their best points.

Best 5 Travel Money Cards for China in 2024:

Wise Multi Currency Card for prepaid travel card
Revolut Travel Card for low fees
Commonwealth Travel Money Card for back up currency card
HSBC Global Everyday Debit Card for best low fee debit card
Bankwest Breeze Platinum Credit Card for lowest interest rate

Wise Multi Currency Prepaid Card - Best Exchange Rates

Best features.

40+ currencies available
Best exchange rates globally
One of the lowest conversion fee on the market
No international transaction fees
No annual or monthly fees
Extremely low costs to send money overseas

Wise Travel Card

Cross currency conversion fees are between 0.24–3.69%. AUD to USD, EUR or GBP was 0.42%, which is one of the lowest on the market
Free cash withdrawals up to $350 every 30 days. However after that, Wise charge a fixed fee of $1.50 per transaction + 1.75%
Daily ATM withdrawal is $2,700
Issue up to 3 virtual cards for temporary usage
It takes between 7 to 14 business days to receive your card
Can be used wherever MasterCard is accepted

The Wise Travel Card is an excellent choice for travelers heading to China, offering tailored benefits that cater to the specific needs of international visitors. Key among its features is the ability to access over 40 currencies at the interbank exchange rate, which is recognized globally as the most cost-effective option. This is particularly advantageous for those traveling to China, as it allows for seamless conversion of their home currency into Chinese Yuan (CNY) at very competitive rates. However if you use ATMs frequently this is not the card to use due to the fees. Finally Wise Travel Card lets you transfer money to an overseas bank account with extremely low fees and the best exchange rate.

Revolut - Low Fees

30+ currencies available
One of the best exchange rates globally
No annual or monthly fees for standard membership
No initial card fee
Instant access to a range of cryptocurrencies

Read our Revolut Card Review

Revolut Travel Card

No fee ATM withdrawals up to A$350, or 5 ATM withdrawals, whichever comes first, per rolling 30 day period and 2% of withdrawal amount (minimum charge of A$1.50) after that
Exchanging currency on the weekend can incur a 1% mark-up fee
Fees on international money transfers were introduced in April 2021.
Can be used wherever Visa is accepted

The Revolut Travel Card is a decent option for those who travel a lot as it offers over 30 currencies at a great exchange rate, which is the cheapest rate globally. However if you exchange currency on the weekend you can incur a one-percent mark-up fee. In addition they have introduced fees for international transfers. Finally if you use ATMs frequently this is not the card to use due to the fees.

Commonwealth Travel Money Card - Back Up Currency Card

13 currencies available, including Chinese Yuan Renminbi (CNY)
No issue fee, load fees, closure and card replacement fees
Additional card offered
Locked in exchange rates: 4%+ margin on exchange rates
Can be accessed through Commonwealth Bank app

Commonwealth Travel Money Card is one of the five top travel money cards for China in 2022

Westpac Worldwide Wallet Global Card

Min load of $1 and max of $100,000
$3.50 fee at ATMs overseas
13 currencies offered CNY, USD, GBP, EUR, THB, NZD, SGD, HKD, CAD, JPY, AED, AUD & VND
Available to 14 year olds, has a lower age restriction than most credit cards (18 year olds)
When you use your card for a purchase or withdrawal in a currency that is not loaded, or when they automatically transfer funds between the currencies on your card to enable the completion of the transaction at the Visa retail exchange rate plus 4%
To transfer money between currencies or a transaction account, it will be at the bank rate which is normally 4% above the market value

The Commonwealth Bank travel money card is great to take to China as you can preload Chinese Yuan Renminbi (CNY) before you leave Australia. It is definitely worth taking as a backup in case one of your cards doesn't work in China.

We advise using this only for tap or swipe transactions as the ATM fees will make this card expensive to use in China. It can be used wherever Visa is accepted.

HSBC Everyday Global Travel Card - Best Debit Card

Chinese Yuan Renminbi (CNY) offered on card
HSBC own ATMs in China so no ATM fees
No initial card, closure, account keeping or monthly fees
No cross currency conversion fees

HSBC Global Everyday card is one of the top 5 travel money cards to take to China

HSBC Everyday Global Travel Card

10 Currencies can be loaded are CNY, USD, AUD, EUR, GBP, CAD, NZD, SGD, INR and JPY
No maximum balance for any currency
Very competitive exchange rates on all currencies when you have currencies already loaded on your card
ATMs within Australia need to be HSBC and overseas they need to display a VISA or VISA Plus logo, not be be charged fees
Earn 2% cash back when you tap and pay with payWave, Apple Pay or Google Pay for purchases under $100.
Daily maximum ATM withdrawal is $2,000
Fraud protection covered by Visa Zero Liability

The HSBC Everyday Global Travel Card is a great option to take travelling to China and to spend money in Australia with no international transaction fees, international ATM fees and monthly fees.

In addition there is no maximum balance on currencies held and a 2% cash back incentive when you tap and pay under $100. Finally it is one of the only travel cards that offers Chinese Yuan Renminbi (CNY). To avoid ATM fees you need to find HSBC branches in Australia and only use ATMs overseas with a VISA or VISA Plus logo.

Bankwest Breeze Platinum Credit Card - Lowest Interest Rate

Lowest interest rate at 9.90%
No international transaction fees on purchases
Up to 55 days interest free on purchases
Low annual fee
Complimentary international travel insurance

Bankwest Breeze Platinum Credit Card

Free annual fee first year, then $69 annual fee
Free international travel insurance that includes the basics but does not cover cancellation costs, pre existing conditions and travellers over 80
$6,000 minimum credit card
0% p.a. on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months, then reverts to 9.90%
21.99% interest rate on purchases and cash advances
Cash advance fee of the higher of $4 or 2% of cash advance
Can be used wherever Mastercard is accepted

The Bankwest Breeze Platinum is a great no frills credit card that offers ‘no foreign transaction fees’ and the lowest interest rate on the market, at 9.90%. These two factors alone will save you hundreds of dollars when travelling throughout Japan.

In addition it has a low annual fee and complimentary international travel insurance. Finally for its price point it is a great value credit card that will be accepted most places in Japan.

Learn more about the best credit, debit and prepaid cards for travel

Best Travel Credit Card

Best Prepaid Travel Cards

The best travel cards to use in China are the Wise Multi Currency card, which offers the best exchange rate for Chinese Yuan Renminbi, a HSBC Global , Citibank Plus or Commonwealth Travel Money Card for ATM withdrawals and the BankWest Platinum Breeze card for credit purchases. All of these cards do not charge an international transaction fee of 3%.

A travel money card is a good compliment to cash in China and we highly recommend taking both to China. Many times a card will not work in China or they don't accept cards so it is good to take cash. Other times it is too unwieldy to take the amount of cash required to pay for things like hotel accommodation, so a travel money card is better.

Yes, the Wise card does work in China, wherever Mastercard is accepted. You can pay for accommodation, restaurants with your Wise card. In addition you can withdraw cash from an ATM during your stay in China.

The best form of travel money in China is a mix of cards and cash. You need debit cards and credit cards and a prepaid travel card is a handy backup. China is also an economy that relies heavily on cash, so you need to buy Chinese Yuan before you leave or withdraw some from an ATM in China. The best cards to use to withdraw cash from in China are Citibank or HSBC to pay the least amount of fees.

You should use a travel money card for security. A travel money card is more secure than cash, you can only access your funds with your pin code, if the card is lost you can cancel it quickly. If you lose cash, you are unlikely to see it again.

To place most money on a travel money card, it's best to do it online via direct deposit from your bank account in Australia. Some companies charge if you put money on via Bpay and most charge you to put money on a travel card in person.

Debit cards, prepaid cards and credit cards with Mastercard or Visa can be used in China in most places. Similar to Australia, American Express is also accepted but not as frequently, due to the costs American Express places on the seller. Best to avoid other types of cards as they might not be accepted.

No you can not use Australian dollars or US dollars in China. The currency in China is the Chinese Yuan Renminbi, it is represented by the symbols 元 or ¥ and the 3 letter code is CNY. There are 7 banknotes in China and 3 main coins called yuan and jiaos.

More Travel Card Guides

Learn more about the best travel money cards for your holiday destination.

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Stacks of 100-yuan banknotes. China has signalled that it will slow the pace of its transition to a cashless society

Cash is king — for now: China signals it will slow transition to cashless society

With tourists struggling to access the two primary digital payment apps, Alipay and WeChat pay, Beijing has put measures in place to make cash payments easier

F or 18 years, Liu Yau-li has been bringing tourists to China. In that time she’s seen the full evolution of China’s digital payment system. Twenty years ago, she says, everyone used cash. But today it’s not unusual to find places that can’t or won’t accept cash at all, particularly after the pandemic when much of the world grew wary of handling shared items.

If visitors want to enjoy convenient travel, she says, they’re better off downloading one of the major payment apps and hoping it works for them.

China’s two primary payment apps, Alipay and WeChat pay , launched respectively in 2004 and 2013. Today, they slickly integrate retail purchases, person-to-person money transfers, transport bookings, and a host of other transactions.

The apps are fairly seamless, and scannable QR codes to facilitate transactions are ubiquitous across China, from major retail outlets and food carts, to people begging for money in the city streets. They go “beyond the basic mobile payments found in other countries”, with facial recognition, fingerprint scanning, and voice recognition , says Prof Sun Baohong, a senior professor of marketing at Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business.

For most people it’s simple enough, but using them usually requires a Chinese bank account, or providing extensive identification to connect to a foreign account – if the foreign bank allows it.

The hegemony of this system can also make life difficult for China’s citizens who don’t have the level of technological literacy required for the modern world.

“China is one of the top countries for using cashless payment systems, but penetration is not 100%,” says Sara Hsu, an associate professor at the University of Tennessee, specialising in supply chain management.

“Elderly Chinese still often prefer to pay with cash and some struggle with using mobile payments.”

Less than a year ago, state media was lauding China’s trajectory towards becoming the world’s top country for cashless transactions. Xinhua reported cash had dropped to just 3.7% of the total money in circulation. But in recent months China’s government has appeared to push back, with numerous announcements about “streamlining” payment systems for visitors and elderly people.

QR codes for digital payment service Alipay at a market stall in Beijing

In December the state People’s Bank Of China (PBOC) and the State Administration of Foreign Exchange issued guidelines and established a working group designed to improve the financial arrangements for visitors, including boosting the number of businesses and ATMs that took foreign cards.

Three months later the PBOC and the Beijing municipal government issued further guidelines, including broadening acceptance of foreign e-wallets, while not requiring ID from foreigners using payment apps below a particular threshold.

In April, 50 new taxis started operating in Shanghai – the first in the country that could accept foreign-issued credit cards. State media said 2,000 were expected by November. Drivers were also directed to carry cash to give change.

Then, last week, the PBOC together with several ministries issued a joint notice requiring local commerce authorities to ensure retailers and hospitality venues in key business and tourist districts were fully equipped to take foreign payments, and that retailers linked to people’s daily lives – including markets, breakfast shops and pharmacies – could take cash.

“The situation has improved to some extent, but this [recent] directive pushes China’s policy of inclusive finance further to ensure that both elderly Chinese and foreigners can participate in economic transactions,” says Hsu.

Prof Sun says the new directives were recognition of existing gaps in China’s payment system, and a “significant step towards fostering a more inclusive financial environment”.

But it’s not a reversal of China’s trajectory towards a “fully digital transaction environment”, she says, noting trends to integrate social media and e-commerce platforms with the payment systems, and plans for a national digital currency.

“The payment process is just one aspect of a comprehensive digital ecosystem that aids consumers in decision-making and purchasing, demonstrating a sophisticated yet seamless integration of technology throughout the consumer journey”.

Liu is more circumspect. On recent visits, she hasn’t seen a big change yet. “Although there are [policy] promotions and it is the rule that the use of cash cannot be refused, it’s still not very effective today.”

Travel & leisure

China travel surges for May holiday but consumers remain wary

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Tourists visit the Great Wall on National Day holiday in Beijing

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French President Macron and EU Commission President meet China's President Xi in Paris

China's Xi in Paris to meet Macron, with trade, Ukraine talks planned

French President Emmanuel Macron and EU Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen were set to press China's President Xi Jinping on Monday to reduce trade imbalances and use his influence on Russia over the war in Ukraine.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov attends a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in Moscow

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Business , Fintech

Moya Money is now Bloo Money

Brendyn lotz.

6th May 2024
A local fintech has concluded a rebrand that took months to complete.
As such, Moya Money will now go by Bloo Money as it eyes expansion and improvements.
While a lot has changed, the core product for freelancers remains unchanged but users can expect improvements in the future.

Local fintech Moya Money was founded in 2021 and unfortunately, that name is shared by a number of other companies. In a bid to stand out and establish itself, the company has announced a rebranding and a renaming.

Notably, Moya Money is no more as the company will now go by Bloo Money. The new name is meant to reflect the firm’s desire to make fintech more approachable.

“Ultimately when we made the decision to change our name we wanted one that would be unique, could be playful, could resonate with many of our customers who are in the creative space and would be inclusive to be pronounced easily by people across the world,” explains cofounder, Thulani Masebenza.

The firm says that despite the name change, its core product will remain unchanged and businesses with its freelance management system will continue to enjoy the same experience as before.

Freelancers can still use Bloo Money to request early payouts in case of delayed payments, set up and send invoices, and manage clients from a single interface. The app is secure, ensuring the safe handling of documents confidentiality of identities.

“When we started and along the journey, our product vision has always been to be transform the way we freelancers work, handle their finances and the foundational principle is basically their relationship with money,” adds cofounder Sabica Pardesi.

The company says that freelancers can expect enhancements and new offerings from Bloo Money in the future.

The firm has been gradually working to rebrand its operations and this name change is the final step in the process. The new colourway, marketing collateral and web app have all been gradually updated to match new identity for the brand.

The change from Moya Money to Bloo Money may also help in attracting customers from beyond the African continent, especially as Bloo Money has a presence both in the UK and South Africa.

You can now find Bloo Money here .

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Travel Guide to Managing Money in China
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