💡 Quick Guide for Most Travelers
Bring a small amount of USD (a few hundred dollars) for emergencies — exchange at any major bank in China once you arrive.
Carry ¥2,000–¥5,000 RMB in cash for street food, taxis, and small shops. That's enough for daily incidentals.
Use Alipay, WeChat Pay, or your credit card for almost everything else — China runs on digital payments.
⬇️ Scroll down for detailed official information for travelers with special needs.
Annual Exchange Allowance
Foreign nationals entering China can exchange up to USD $50,000 equivalent per year at bank counters. Simply bring your cash and passport to any major bank — no fee charged for the exchange service.
Keep your bank receipt! If you have leftover RMB at the end of your trip, you can exchange it back to your home currency using that receipt.
For amounts over USD $10,000 equivalent, you need to book one day in advance with the bank. Visit the branch in person to confirm arrangements.
Recommended Banks
China's Big Four state-owned banks have the most branches nationwide and the most reliable foreign exchange services:
Bank of China (Recommended)
The national designated foreign exchange bank. Supports 30+ currencies, dedicated foreign currency service counters. Official site →
Other Bank Options
- Major joint-stock banks: China Merchants Bank, Shanghai Pudong Development Bank, CITIC Bank, Industrial Bank — offer foreign currency exchange at major city branches.
- Foreign banks: HSBC, Standard Chartered, and other international banks have limited branches in China but can also handle forex.
Exchanging Currency — Step by Step
Required Documents
- Valid passport (mandatory)
- Valid visa (some locations may ask for entry card or residence permit)
Where to Exchange
- Bank counters — can do two-way exchange (foreign currency → RMB and RMB → foreign currency). Best rates.
- Airport counters / hotel exchange desks — typically only support one-way: foreign currency → RMB. Worse rates but convenient.
Daily Limit
Over-the-counter exchange of up to USD $5,000 equivalent per day can be done with just your passport. Amounts above this require a declaration of fund source.
Appointment Needed?
- Major currencies (USD, EUR, GBP, JPY, etc.) — usually walk-in, no appointment needed for amounts under $1,000.
- Small/minor currencies or large amounts (over $1,000 equivalent) — call ahead to make sure the branch has sufficient cash.
Currencies You Can Exchange
Chinese banks routinely exchange approximately 20–32 foreign currencies, with 10–14 core currencies available at almost any branch.
Core Currencies (Always Available)
Extended Currencies (Appointment Required)
Bank of China and select major branches offer 30+ currencies. Smaller currencies typically need 1–2 days advance booking:
ATMs & Credit Cards
ATMs displaying VISA or MasterCard logos accept foreign-issued cards for cash withdrawal. Use your debit or credit card to withdraw RMB directly.
Cash Declaration Rules
When entering China:
- RMB cash: Maximum ¥20,000 allowed without declaration.
- Foreign currency cash: No upper limit on bringing in, but amounts over USD $5,000 equivalent MUST be declared to customs in writing.