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Money & duty free for China
Exchange rates:
Renminbi YuanC$1 = ¥5.18
€1 = ¥7.28
£1 = ¥8.61
US$1 = ¥6.95
Currency & Money
Renminbi (RMB; symbol ¥), also known as the yuan (CNY), = 10 jiao = 100 fen. Notes are in denominations of ¥100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1. Coins are in denominations of ¥1, and smaller units of jiao and fen.
International credit and debit cards are accepted in major hotels, large shopping centres and some restaurants in major cities, though acceptance can be limited outside higher-end establishments.
Mobile payment platforms such as Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely used across China and are the dominant method of payment for everyday transactions, including in small shops, markets and transport services. Download the apps before your trip.
ATMs are widely available in cities and towns, particularly at banks, shopping centres and transport hubs. Machines that accept international cards are usually found in major urban areas, though availability may be more limited elsewhere.
China maintains controls on the movement of currency. Travellers may bring in foreign currency without restriction, but amounts exceeding US$5,000 (or equivalent) must be declared on arrival. Both on entry and departure, travellers may carry up to RMB 20,000 in local currency. Foreign currency taken out of the country must not exceed the amount declared on entry, unless supported by relevant documentation. Failure to comply with regulations may result in delays or confiscation.
Foreign currency can be exchanged at banks, major hotels and authorised exchange counters. US dollars, euros and British pounds are the easiest currencies to exchange. It is advisable to keep exchange receipts, as they may be required if converting renminbi back into foreign currency when leaving the country.
Mobile payments such as Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely used across China and are the dominant method of payment for everyday transactions, including in small shops, markets and transport services. Visitors can often link international cards to these platforms, making cashless payments possible in most situations.
China duty free
The following items may be imported into China without incurring customs duty by foreign travellers, provided they are for personal use:
• Tobacco: up to 400 cigarettes or 100 cigars or 500g of tobacco.
• Alcohol: up to 1,500ml of alcoholic beverages with an alcohol content of 12% or more.
• Personal items in reasonable quantities for the duration of the stay.
• Other goods with a total value not exceeding ¥5,000.
Goods exceeding these limits, or items intended for commercial use, must be declared and may be subject to duties. Travellers should consult official customs guidance for the most up-to-date regulations.
Duty-free allowances are subject to change, sometimes at short notice due to policy updates or external factors. Information is correct at the time of writing; travellers should verify current allowances with official customs authorities before departure. We accept no liability for any inconvenience or loss arising from changes to these regulations.
Banned imports into China include narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, weapons and ammunition without authorisation, explosives, counterfeit currency and forged securities. Printed materials, films or other media considered harmful to China's political, economic, cultural or moral interests are also prohibited.
Certain goods are restricted rather than outright banned, including food, plants, animals and animal products, which may require quarantine inspection and permits. Endangered species and products derived from them are strictly controlled under international conventions.
Electronic cigarettes and vaping devices are prohibited from import into China.
This list is not exhaustive. Travellers should consult official customs guidance for the most up-to-date information.
Banned exports from China include narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, weapons and ammunition without authorisation, counterfeit currency and forged securities. Cultural relics, rare manuscripts and other items of historical or cultural significance may not be exported without official permits.
Protected wildlife and products made from endangered species are also strictly controlled, and export without the appropriate documentation is prohibited. Certain raw materials and strategic resources may be subject to export controls.
This list is not exhaustive. Travellers should consult official customs guidance for the most up-to-date information.
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