Money in China 2026: Currency, Exchange & Cash Tips for Tourists
China’s currency is the Chinese Yuan (人民币, RMB), also called the renminbi. The symbol is ¥ and the unit is yuan (元). As of 2026, 1 USD ≈ 7.2 yuan, 1 GBP ≈ 9.0 yuan, 1 EUR ≈ 7.8 yuan (check current rates before travel — these fluctuate). With WeChat Pay and Alipay set up, you won’t need much cash — but carrying ¥1,000–2,000 as backup is sensible. This page covers everything about money in China: exchange, ATMs, cash management and tipping customs.
Table of Contents
What currency does China use?
China uses the Chinese Yuan (CNY), officially called the Renminbi (RMB, 人民币). In everyday speech, amounts are expressed in “yuan” (元) or colloquially “kuai” (块). 1 yuan = 10 jiao (角) = 100 fen (分). Jiao and fen coins exist but are rarely used in modern transactions.
Hong Kong and Macau use their own currencies (Hong Kong Dollar and Macau Pataca respectively) — Chinese yuan is not the official currency there, though many places in tourist areas accept it at a slight discount.
Currency notes in circulation: ¥100, ¥50, ¥20, ¥10, ¥5, ¥1. The ¥100 note (featuring Tiananmen Gate) is the most commonly used for larger purchases. Carry a mix — some small vendors can’t break large notes.
Where is the best place to exchange money for China?
At a Chinese bank (best rate): Bank of China (中国银行) branches offer competitive exchange rates and accept most major foreign currencies. Bring your passport. Some branches have dedicated foreign exchange counters; smaller branches may be cash-only or have limited foreign currency.
At the airport (convenient but slightly worse rate): Both arrival and departure airports have currency exchange counters. Rates are 1–3% worse than bank rates, but the convenience on arrival is worth it for a small initial amount (¥500–1,000 to cover your first hours).
At your hotel: Many international hotels offer currency exchange but at the worst rates. Use only as a last resort.
What to avoid: Street money changers and unofficial exchange services. Counterfeit notes and shortchanging are real risks.
ATM withdrawal (often the best practical option): Withdraw RMB directly from ATMs using your home country debit card. Bank of China, ICBC and China Construction Bank ATMs reliably accept foreign Visa and Mastercard. The exchange rate applied is your bank’s standard rate, which is usually close to the interbank rate. Fees: your bank may charge a foreign withdrawal fee (typically USD $3–5) plus a currency conversion fee (1–3%). Withdraw larger amounts less often to minimise fees.
Is tipping customary in China?
No — tipping is not customary in mainland China and can occasionally cause confusion or mild awkwardness, particularly in traditional local restaurants.
Restaurants: The price on the menu is what you pay. No tip expected or required. In some high-end restaurants and international hotels, a 10–15% service charge may be added automatically to the bill — check before adding extra.
Taxis/Didi: No tip expected. Round up to the nearest yuan if you like — it’s not expected.
Hotel bellhops and concierge: In international hotels, a small tip (¥20–50) is becoming more common and is appreciated, particularly for exceptional service. Not obligatory.
Tour guides: Tipping a guide (¥50–100 for a half-day, ¥100–200 for a full day) is becoming more common on private tours, especially those booked through international platforms. On group tours, a small group tip is sometimes organised.
What currency does China use?
China uses the Chinese Yuan (CNY), officially called the Renminbi (RMB, 人民币). The symbol is ¥. As of 2026, approximately 1 USD = 7.2 yuan, 1 GBP = 9.0 yuan, 1 EUR = 7.8 yuan — check current rates as they fluctuate.
Where can I exchange money in China?
Best rates: Bank of China branches (bring your passport). Convenient: airport exchange counters on arrival (slightly worse rate). Most practical: withdraw RMB directly from ATMs using your foreign debit card at ICBC, Bank of China or China Construction Bank.
Should I tip in restaurants in China?
No — tipping is not customary in mainland China. The menu price is what you pay, no service charge is expected. High-end restaurants may add a service charge automatically — check your bill.