You hand over

USD

Your foreign banknotes are estimated using the bank’s cash buying rate.

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Bring the right things to the counter

These three checks prevent most wasted trips.

  • Original passport

    Take the physical passport you used to enter China, not only a photo or copy.

  • Clean banknotes

    Damaged, heavily marked or very old notes may be refused by the bank.

  • Call the branch

    Confirm it handles your currency, its counter hours and whether an appointment is needed.

Choose convenience or a wider service range

Availability and supported currencies vary by location.

Wider service range

Bank branch

Usually the best starting point for common currencies and larger amounts. Selected branches offer foreign exchange.

Convenient on arrival

Airport or hotel counter

Useful when you need cash quickly, but opening hours, supported notes and quoted rates can differ.

Fast for small amounts

Official exchange machine

Some airports, hotels and visitor areas provide licensed machines. ID and currency support varies.

Bank hotlines in China Call before visiting
  • BOCBank of China 95566
  • ICBCIndustrial and Commercial Bank of China 95588
  • CCBChina Construction Bank 95533
  • ABCAgricultural Bank of China 95599
  • BoComBank of Communications 95559
  • PSBCPostal Savings Bank of China 95580

Short numbers are mainly for calls within China. English-language service may vary.

Exchange cash in three steps

A short sequence you can follow at any provider.

  1. 1

    Confirm the service

    Tell the provider which banknotes you have and check that the exchange counter is open.

  2. 2

    Show your passport

    Large transactions may also need documents showing the source or purpose of the funds.

  3. 3

    Check and keep

    Review the final rate before exchanging and keep the receipt in case you convert unused RMB later.

What travelers usually need to know

Open a topic only when it applies to you.

Do I need a Chinese bank account?

Usually not for a standard small-value cash exchange. Bring your original valid passport; branch requirements can vary.

Is there an exchange limit?

The annual foreign exchange settlement facilitation quota is generally equivalent to USD 50,000. It is not necessarily an absolute limit: above-quota transactions may proceed with documents proving the transaction’s source, purpose and amount. Bank of China also states that some small-value cash exchanges at authorized airport, hotel and other exchange points can be handled with valid ID without using the annual quota.

Why is the bank rate different from Google?

Google and financial sites usually show a mid-market rate. A bank uses its cash buying rate for your banknotes, and it may change during the day.

What might be refused or need more proof?

Damaged, heavily marked or very old banknotes may be refused. For large cash amounts, the bank may request entry details, a customs declaration, a withdrawal receipt or other proof of source and purpose.

Exchange through an official provider

Use a bank, licensed counter, authorized hotel counter or official exchange machine—never an individual on the street.