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China China Currency Guide

The currency of China and how to prepare for payments — all on one page.

Currency

Chinese Yuan

CNY · CN¥

Checking rates

Check with your bank app or card issuer before you go

The rate and fees you actually pay differ by bank and card issuer.

Payment Tips to Remember

Always pay in the local currency

If a terminal asks whether to charge in your home currency, always choose the local currency. Choosing your home currency triggers DCC (dynamic currency conversion), which adds a hidden markup.

Set up a travel card before you fly

Prepaid multi-currency travel cards let you convert money in the app beforehand and pay like a debit card locally. Fees are usually lower than cash exchange counters, and you can freeze the card instantly from the app if lost.

Airport exchange counters: last resort

Airport counters are convenient but tend to offer some of the worst rates. If you need cash, exchange via your bank's app before departure or consider withdrawing from a local ATM.

Check ATM fees on screen

Local ATMs may add their own operator fee. Check the fee shown on the confirmation screen before proceeding. If the ATM offers conversion to your home currency (DCC), choosing the local currency is usually better.

Keep some small cash

Every country has places that don't take cards — markets, tips, small transport. Carrying a small amount of cash in separate places keeps you covered.

Cards for Abroad

Explore the Wise multi-currency card

One account holding 40+ currencies, converting and paying at mid-market based rates. Handy for multi-country trips — no need to exchange for each currency separately.

Learn more

Local data

Get an eSIM for China before you go

Activate mobile data with a QR code instead of swapping SIM cards. Buy it before departure and switch it on the moment you land.

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Check prices and availability on the booking sites.

City Guides in China

Beijing

Beijing is the capital of China, a historic city with 3,000 years of history. It's a great place to explore ancient landmarks such as the Forbidden City and the Great Wall.

Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a special administrative region on the eastern side of the Pearl River Delta in southern China. People of many nationalities live together in its compact area, giving the city a vibrant, cosmopolitan atmosphere.

Shanghai

Shanghai is a city on the lower Yangtze River, with the Huangpu River running through its downtown. As China's largest economic and financial hub, it offers a vibrant urban landscape.

Macau

Macau is a special administrative region of China that was a Portuguese colony before being returned to China in 1999. It pairs well with a short trip to the nearby city of Zhuhai.

Wuhan

Wuhan is the capital of China's Hubei province, located where the Yangtze and Han rivers meet. Formed from the merger of three cities—Wuchang, Hankou, and Hanyang—it offers a varied and diverse character.