Chinese Money & Currency Exchange

Chinese Money

Chinese Money, also called rénmínbì (RMB) in mainland China, has two versions: paper and coin, remain in circulation. Paper version, with a basic unit of yuan, has different values of ¥1, ¥2, ¥5, ¥10, ¥20, ¥50 and ¥100. And Coin comes with ¥1, 5 jiǎo, 1jiǎo (1 yuan=10 jiao).

In other regions of China, the currency can be different:

Hong Kong: Hong Kong Dollar (HKD$)

Macau: Pataca (MOP$)

Taiwan: New Taiwan Dollar (NT$)

Currency Exchange in China

It is quite easy to exchange money in China and the rates will be more favorable, but it is advisable to exchange a small amount in your country before leaving.

In most cities of China, banks, hotels, airports, even big shopping malls offer the foreign currency exchange service. In some of the places, the self-service facilities are also equipped with such function for overseas tourists. While for small cities and remote areas, it is not easy to exchange currency or use a credit card, so it is advisable to take enough money when you are going to visit those areas.

For Yangtze Cruisers

You can use different currencies onboard

Generally, there are no cash transactions onboard. Instead a tally of expenses is kept for each passenger. Before disembarkation, passengers are required to pay their bills by major currencies, like US dollars, British pounds, Euro, Chinese Yuan or major credit cards, such as VISA, MasterCard, or American Express. There is a currency exchange service available at the reception desk.

You can use Credit Card onboard as well

Credit Cards are validated onboard. Tourists can use the Master Card, Federal Card, Visa, American Express, JCB and Diners Card, and at the end of the cruise, you will receive a completely itemized statement and pay them when you check out just like what you do in most of China’s hotels.