Plan · Money
Currency and money in China
China is the most thoroughly digital-payment economy in the world. Cash is accepted everywhere by law, but in many places — taxis, market stalls, small restaurants — handing over a ¥100 note will get you a confused look. Bring a multi-pronged approach.
The currency
The official currency is the renminbi (RMB), denominated in yuan (CNY, ¥). One yuan = 10 jiao = 100 fen. In speech, you'll hear kuai (块) for yuan and mao (毛) for jiao. Notes ¥1, ¥5, ¥10, ¥20, ¥50, ¥100. Hong Kong uses HKD, Macau uses MOP.
Cash
Bring some. ¥1,000–¥2,000 in small notes covers the gaps where digital payment is awkward — a market vendor, a temple donation box, the petrol station in a small town.
ATMs
Bank ATMs in cities accept Visa, Mastercard, Maestro and Cirrus, in addition to UnionPay. ICBC, Bank of China, China Construction Bank and Agricultural Bank are reliable. Withdrawal limits typically ¥2,500 per transaction, ¥10,000–¥20,000 per day.
Mobile payments
Alipay and WeChat Pay dominate. Both apps now allow foreigners to link foreign Visa, Mastercard or American Express. Single-transaction limits up to USD $5,000 equivalent on most foreign cards; daily total often capped at USD $10,000. See the dedicated mobile-payments page.
Credit cards
Acceptance is limited outside international hotels, top-end restaurants, the major airline counters and large shopping centres. UnionPay is everywhere; Visa, Mastercard, Amex are spotty. Don't plan a trip around your credit card.
Exchange rates
The CNY has been roughly 7–7.2 to the US dollar through 2024–2026. Banks and licensed exchange counters at airports give close to the interbank rate. Avoid unlicensed money changers.
Bringing cash in or out
You can bring up to USD $5,000 equivalent without declaring. Above that, declare on the customs form. Bringing CNY out is restricted to ¥20,000 for non-residents.