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💴Money & costs
The currency is the renminbi (yuan, ¥). China is mid-range for travel cost — street food and trains are cheap, big-city hotels less so. Convert prices below.
- Currency
- Renminbi / yuan (¥, CNY)
- ATMs
- Bank of China, ICBC accept foreign cards
- Cards
- Mobile pay ≫ physical cards
- Bargaining
- Markets yes, shops no
Currency basics
Renminbi (RMB) is the currency; the unit is the yuan (¥), colloquially 'kuai'. Notes run ¥1–¥100. Most transactions are digital, but small cash is handy.
Cash & ATMs
- Withdraw RMB from Bank of China, ICBC or China Construction Bank ATMs, which reliably accept foreign cards.
- Tell your home bank you're travelling to avoid blocks.
- Exchange a little currency at the airport for immediate needs; rates in town can be better.
What things cost (rough guide)
- Street-food meal: ¥15–40 · sit-down restaurant: ¥40–120 pp.
- Metro ride: ¥3–8 · intercity high-speed rail: ¥150–600 depending on distance.
- Budget/mid hotel: ¥200–600/night; top-tier far more in big cities.
Bargaining
Haggle politely at tourist markets and for souvenirs; prices in malls, supermarkets and chain shops are fixed.
Currency converter
Approx.100 USD · 1 USD ≈ ¥7.20
Showing an approximate rate (live rate unavailable). Check your app for the exact figure.
Planning the trip itself?