Currency and payment

Please note that the information provided here is for reference purposes only. Ensure you verify any related information directly from the official resource to avoid any misinformation or understandings: https://www.mct.gov.cn/

The official currency of China is the renminbi (abbreviated RMB or CNY), also called yuan. Yuan come in 1, 10, 20, 50 and 100 yuan notes and 1-yuan coins. Each yuan divides into 10 jiao. The country also uses 5 jiao and 1 jiao coins.

The most convenient payments methods in China are cash, credit card and digital payment. In terms of credit cards, most business accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, UnionPay and JCB. Digital payment methods such as Alipay and WeChat Pay are also widely accepted in China.

To use digital payments, you can download the overseas version of the Alipay app to your smartphone and then apply for an electronic spending card through the “TourPass” applet in the app. To use the spending card, you will need to verify your identity and then add an overseas bank card to top it up. The card can then be used to make payments across the country wherever a blue Alipay QR code is displayed, allowing you to experience China like a local, paying for anything from fruit and veg to dinners, hotel bills, and travel tickets with just the mobile phone in your hand.

International airports are generally equipped with counters for exchanging major foreign currencies (euro, dollar, sterling). Cash machines also allow you to withdraw money from foreign cards in the local currency.

Exchange rate (as of April 2026)

€1 Euro = 7.97 RMB

$1 USD = 6.83 RMB

£1 GBP = 9.15 RMB

Foreign currency exchange services are available at Bank of China, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China and other major banks. An appointment booked in advance is required.