How much cash should I bring to China?
Bring ¥500–1,000 ($70–140) in small bills (¥10/20/50) for your first 1–2 days — airport taxi, snacks, places where Alipay setup isn't done yet. Once Alipay Tour Card is active (set it up before arrival), cash is rarely needed. Withdraw more from Bank of China/ICBC ATMs if needed (¥15–50 fee per withdrawal). Do NOT bring large amounts of cash — China is nearly cashless.
Quick answer
Bring ¥500–1,000 ($70–140) in small bills (¥10/20/50) for your first 1–2 days — airport taxi, snacks, places where Alipay setup isn't done yet. Once Alipay Tour Card is active (set it up before arrival), cash is rarely needed. Withdraw more from Bank of China/ICBC ATMs if needed (¥15–50 fee per withdrawal). Do NOT bring large amounts of cash — China is nearly cashless.
Detailed answer
How Much Cash to Bring
Recommended: ¥500–1,000 ($70–140) in small denominations. This covers airport taxi (¥100–200), first meals (¥50–100 each), and incidentals until your mobile payment is set up.
If you arrive late at night or Alipay isn't working yet: ¥1,000–2,000 gives more buffer. But don't exceed ¥3,000 — you won't need it.
Get small bills: ¥10, ¥20, ¥50 are most useful. Many small vendors can't make change for ¥100 bills. Avoid ¥100 bills if possible.
Where to get CNY before departure: Your home bank (order 1–2 weeks ahead), currency exchange at the airport (worse rates), or withdraw from an ATM upon arrival in China (best rates).
Do NOT exchange more than you need — you'll get a worse rate converting leftover CNY back to your home currency.
ATM Withdrawal in China
Best ATMs for foreign cards: Bank of China (中国银行), ICBC (工商银行), China Construction Bank (建设银行), Bank of Communications (交通银行). Look for the Visa/Plus or Mastercard/Cirrus logo.
Airport ATMs are the most reliable — withdraw cash right after clearing customs. Most have English language option.
Withdrawal limits: Usually ¥3,000–5,000 per transaction, ¥10,000–20,000 per day. Your home bank may have lower limits.
Fees: Chinese bank charges ¥15–50 per withdrawal. Your home bank charges 1–3% foreign transaction fee + cash advance fee (if using credit card). Use a debit card to avoid cash advance fees.
Some ATMs may not accept foreign cards — try a different bank if one fails. Bank of China has the highest acceptance rate.
Notify your bank before travel — many banks block China transactions by default due to fraud concerns.
Where You Still Need Cash
Small rural vendors and some traditional markets — especially outside major cities.
Temple donations and some historical site ticket windows (though most now accept mobile payment).
Tip: Some older taxi drivers prefer cash — but Didi (ride app) is always mobile payment.
Emergency backup: If your phone dies or Alipay has issues, cash is your fallback. Keep ¥200–300 in your wallet at all times.
Hotels: Most international hotels accept cards. Budget hotels and guesthouses may require cash deposit (¥200–500) — ask in advance.
Everything else (restaurants, shops, metro, buses, attractions, movies) — mobile payment is universal. Cash is becoming a rarity in cities.