Cash, currency exchange and ATM withdrawals in China

2026-11-10 City Life Guide

Mobile payment is convenient, but cash and a bank card remain essential backups. Knowing where to exchange money — and how much cash you may carry — saves a lot of stress on arrival.

1. Official points

The limit for carrying RMB cash in or out is RMB 20,000 per person per trip. You may exchange some RMB before departure.
After arrival, exchange at international airports, land ports and seaports, at bank branches or licensed exchange points displaying the individual foreign-exchange sign, or at self-service exchange machines. You can also withdraw RMB with an international card at ATMs.
Bank branches offer small-denomination change; some provide a ready-made "small-change pack" for taxis and small purchases.

2. Practical tips

Keep the exchange receipt — you may need it if you convert money back before leaving.
Use bank counters, official airport exchange desks or bank ATMs. Check the rate and fees before confirming.
Use a card or mobile payment for large purchases; keep cash for small daily spending.
Tell your bank you are travelling to China to avoid fraud blocks, and save its overseas customer-service number.

3. One red line

Avoid private currency exchange offered by individuals or on social media with "better rates". Official safety advice is to exchange only through banks and other legal channels. Private deals carry risks of counterfeit notes, fraud and legal trouble.

This page only organizes official public information. Limits and rules follow the latest official publications and the handling institution.

Official Source

《外国商务人士在华工作生活指引（2025年版）》节选：五、办理外汇兑换（一）入境前，境外来华人员可在相关国家或地区，提前兑换人民币现钞后携带入境（出入境每人每次携带的人民币限额为 20000 元）。（二）入境后，可在国际机场、陆路口岸、港口等入境口岸所在地，以及中国境内其他地区标有个人本外币兑换标识的商业银行网点柜台、外币兑换机构、自助兑换机进行兑换，也可通过ATM机使用国际银行卡提取人民币现钞。

https://www.mofcom.gov.cn/

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