Currency & Payment
Exchange rates fluctuate daily. Check current rates locally.
Local Currency Overview
Currency type, banknotes, and coin denominations
The currency is the Chinese yuan / renminbi (CNY, symbol ¥), often called "kuai" in speech. Everyday payments are overwhelmingly by mobile app rather than cash.
- Currency
- Yuan / renminbi (CNY, ¥)
- Spoken
- "kuai" (yuan), "mao" (10 fen)
- Cash vs app
- Mobile pay dominates
- Keep some small cash as a backup for rare cash-only spots
Currency Exchange Tips
Best places and methods to exchange money
Change money at major banks (Bank of China, ICBC) or the airport; bring your passport. Rates are regulated and fairly uniform. You often need little cash thanks to mobile pay.
- Where
- Bank of China, ICBC, airport
- Bring
- Passport required to exchange
- How much
- A little cash is usually enough
- Rates are similar across banks; keep exchange receipts
Credit Card Acceptance
Card brand availability and usage tips
Foreign Visa/Mastercard are accepted only at big hotels, airports and some upmarket shops. Most everyday places take only mobile pay, so set up Alipay/WeChat Pay before you go.
- Foreign cards
- Limited acceptance
- Everyday spots
- Mobile pay only, often
- Local network
- UnionPay is dominant
- Link your card to Alipay/WeChat Pay for the widest coverage
ATM Usage
How to withdraw cash and associated fees
ATMs at major banks (Bank of China, ICBC) usually accept foreign Visa/Mastercard/Cirrus/PLUS cards. Withdrawal limits per transaction apply, and machines can be set to English.
- Best banks
- Bank of China, ICBC
- Networks
- Visa/Mastercard/Cirrus/PLUS + UnionPay
- Limits
- Per-transaction caps apply
- Some smaller-bank ATMs reject foreign cards; use big banks
Mobile & Digital Payments
Digital payment services available locally
Mobile payment via Alipay and WeChat Pay is the default everywhere, from taxis to street stalls. Since 2023 foreigners can link Visa/Mastercard/JCB/Amex (a small fee may apply).
- Apps
- Alipay and WeChat Pay
- Foreign cards
- Can be linked (small fee possible)
- Setup
- Register with passport in advance
- Alipay TourCard lets you top up in your home currency
Tipping Culture
Expected tipping amounts and etiquette
Tipping is not customary in mainland China and is generally not expected in restaurants or taxis. High-end hotels and some tour guides may be exceptions.
- Restaurants
- No tip expected
- Taxis
- No tip; pay the metered fare
- Exceptions
- Some guides/luxury hotels
- A service charge may appear at upscale venues
Price Guide
Average costs for meals, transport, and accommodation
Prices vary a lot by region. Beijing and Shanghai are pricier, while smaller cities are cheap. Street food and local restaurants are excellent value, and high-speed rail is affordable.
- Local meal
- Often ¥20–50
- Big cities
- Beijing/Shanghai cost more
- Transport
- Metro/high-speed rail good value
- Eat local and use public transport to keep costs low
China has a departure VAT-refund scheme for overseas visitors on goods bought at "Tax Free" shops, claimed at the airport when leaving. Minimum spend and refund rates vary — confirm the current terms before you rely on it.
- Where to buy
- Designated "Tax Free" shops
- Claim
- At the airport on departure
- Terms
- Min spend/rate vary; verify
- Keep the tax-refund form and unused goods for inspection