What currency to take to China

Question

Morning. We are looking to travel to China later this year.

What are your suggestions re the currency/currencies we should take?

* Chinese Yuan

* AUD

* USD

Maybe mixture of all 3?

Maybe get Yuan via ATMs?

Many thanks

Answer

When traveling to China, the most practical currency to carry is the Chinese Yuan (CNY, also called RMB), as it is the local currency used for nearly all transactions. While some hotels or larger stores in big cities may accept USD, most shops, restaurants, taxis, and local markets will only accept Yuan.

Here are some tips regarding the currency options you mentioned:

Chinese Yuan (CNY/RMB): Best for daily expenses, transportation, food, and shopping. You can bring some cash in Yuan before departure if convenient, but it is often easier to withdraw from ATMs once in China.
USD: Useful only in limited cases, mainly for exchange at banks or some hotels in major cities. Not commonly accepted in local markets or restaurants.
AUD: Generally not practical to use directly in China. If you bring AUD, you will need to exchange it for Yuan at banks or currency exchange counters, which may have lower rates compared to USD.

Using ATMs in China is generally safe and convenient, especially in big cities. Make sure your debit/credit card has international access and notify your bank of your travel plans. ATMs usually give you a good exchange rate, but some banks may charge a small fee per withdrawal.

Some additional suggestions:

Carry a mix of cash and cards: Have enough Yuan in cash for small vendors, street food, and rural areas, and a card for larger purchases in cities.
Avoid carrying large amounts of foreign currency for direct use; instead, exchange it for Yuan when needed.
Mobile payment apps like WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely used in China, but may require a local bank account or special setup for foreigners.

In summary, your best approach is to bring some Yuan in cash, rely on ATMs for larger withdrawals, and carry a credit/debit card for convenience. Bringing USD as a backup is optional but may be helpful for currency exchange in banks or major hotels.