China Currency Converter & Cash Guide

China's currency is the Yuan (元), also called RMB (人民币 Rénmínbì). While China is mostly cashless, you'll still want ¥300–500 as backup. Here's everything you need to know about money in China.

⏱ 5 min read 📅 Updated September 2026 💱 Live rates below

💱 Currency Converter

Convert between Chinese Yuan (¥ CNY) and your home currency.

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Converting 100 USD to Chinese Yuan (¥ CNY)

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⚠️ Rates are live when your network can reach the European Central Bank (via frankfurter.app); otherwise they fall back to typical 2026 levels — the status line above tells you which. For live rates, check Google Finance or your bank. Bank of China typically offers the best exchange rates inside China.

What Things Cost in China (2026)

Understanding what things cost helps you budget and spot overcharging. China is very affordable by Western standards — a great local meal costs ¥20–40 ($3–6 USD).

Item	Price (¥ CNY)	Approx USD
Street food meal (noodles, dumplings)	¥10–25	$1.50–3.50
Local restaurant meal	¥25–60	$3.50–8
Nice restaurant meal (per person)	¥80–200	$11–28
Bubble tea / coffee	¥15–35	$2–5
Bottle of water (500ml)	¥2–4	$0.30–0.60
Beer at a bar	¥20–50	$3–7
Metro ride (per trip)	¥3–10	$0.40–1.40
Didi ride (5km city trip)	¥15–30	$2–4
Taxi (airport to city centre)	¥60–150	$8–21
Budget hotel (per night)	¥150–400	$21–56
Mid-range hotel (per night)	¥400–900	$56–126
Bullet train (Beijing→Shanghai 2nd class)	¥553	$76
Domestic flight (1.5hr, budget)	¥300–800	$42–112
Museum entry (major attraction)	¥60–200	$8–28
Supermarket fruit (per kg)	¥5–20	$0.70–2.80

How Much Cash to Bring

💡 Kat's Honest Answer

Bring ¥300–500 cash ($40–70 USD) as backup. That's it. China runs on Alipay and WeChat Pay — you'll almost never need cash. But having a small amount covers the rare situations where digital payment isn't available: some rural markets, older vendors and emergencies.

🏦 Best Places to Exchange

Bank of China — best official rates, branches everywhere
Airport exchange counters — convenient but rates are worse (5–8% less)
ATMs in China — decent rates, ¥20–30 withdrawal fee typically
Avoid: hotel exchange desks, unlicensed money changers

🏧 Using ATMs in China

Look for ATMs with Visa/Mastercard/UnionPay logos
Bank of China and ICBC ATMs most reliable for foreign cards
Tell your bank you're travelling to China before you go
Withdraw larger amounts — fees are per transaction, not per yuan
Daily limit: typically ¥2,000–5,000 per withdrawal

⚠️ What to Avoid

Don't bring large amounts of cash — Alipay covers everything
Don't exchange money at unofficial street vendors
Avoid currency exchange at airports when possible (poor rates)
Old or damaged Yuan notes may be refused — use crisp notes

💳 Daily Budget Guide

Budget traveler: ¥200–350/day ($28–50)
Mid-range traveler: ¥400–800/day ($56–112)
Comfort traveler: ¥800–2,000/day ($112–280)
Transport between cities is the biggest variable cost