Money & Payments in China
1Chinese Yuan (RMB)
China's currency is the Chinese Yuan (CNY), also called Renminbi (RMB). The symbol is ¥. Banknotes come in ¥100, ¥50, ¥20, ¥10, ¥5, and ¥1 denominations. Coins exist for ¥1, 5 jiao (¥0.50), and 1 jiao (¥0.10). As of 2026, 1 USD ≈ 7.2 CNY (check current rates before travel).
💡 Tips
- ✓Exchange money at banks or airport for the best rates
- ✓Avoid hotel money exchange desks — rates are poor
- ✓Keep small bills for street food and local markets
- ✓USD and Euro are the easiest foreign currencies to exchange
2ATMs
ATMs from Bank of China, ICBC, and China Construction Bank accept most international Visa/Mastercard cards. Look for the UnionPay, Visa, or Mastercard logos. Withdrawal limits are typically ¥2,000–5,000 per transaction. Your home bank may charge international withdrawal fees — check before travel. ATMs in tier-1 cities are plentiful; rural areas may have limited access.
💡 Tips
- ✓Bring two cards in case one doesn't work
- ✓Notify your bank before traveling to avoid fraud blocks
- ✓Airport ATMs are reliable and available 24/7
- ✓Bank of China ATMs have the widest international card acceptance
3WeChat Pay & Alipay
Cash is becoming rare in China — WeChat Pay and Alipay dominate. The good news: since 2024, both apps allow foreigners to link international Visa/Mastercard cards directly. Download WeChat or Alipay, verify your identity, and link your card in the app. Many street vendors, small restaurants, and transport services only accept mobile payment.
💡 Tips
- ✓Set up WeChat Pay before you arrive — it's easier at home
- ✓Some markets only accept QR code payment
- ✓Alipay's 'Tour Pass' feature is specifically for international travelers
- ✓Apple Pay is accepted at major chains
4Tipping
Tipping is not customary in China and can occasionally cause confusion or offense in traditional settings. However, tipping tour guides and drivers is appreciated and has become accepted practice, especially on international tours. ¥50–100/day for your guide and ¥30–50/day for your driver is standard. At upscale restaurants in international hotels, a 10–15% service charge is often added automatically.
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