China travel money tips
Heading to China? Here's a quick rundown of how to handle money on the ground — tipping etiquette, when to use cards versus cash, the best ATMs to use, and the most common pitfalls travelers run into. The local currency is the Chinese Yuan (CNY, ¥).
Tipping
No tipping anywhere — restaurants, taxis, hotels. Tipping can even be refused.
Cards vs cash
QR-code payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) dominate. Foreign credit cards work only at international hotels and high-end stores.
Payment methods accepted
ATMs & cash tip
Bank of China and ICBC ATMs accept foreign cards; smaller banks often don't. Withdraw ¥2,500 max per transaction.
Heads-up
- Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay 'Tour Pass' before arrival — many vendors literally cannot take cash or foreign cards.
- Beware 'tea ceremony' invitations from friendly strangers near tourist areas — bills can hit ¥2,000+.
About the Chinese Yuan (CNY)
The Chinese Yuan (CNY, symbol ¥) is the official currency of China. Knowing the live CNY rate against your home currency helps you sanity-check menu prices, taxi fares, and souvenir markups while traveling.
More travel tips
See all country tips →Tips are general guidance for travelers, not legal or financial advice. Customs vary — confirm with local sources for important plans.