Image source: Beijing Gov
While most payments in China are made via Alipay or WeChat Pay, it is still a good idea to carry some cash as a backup. If you need to exchange currency, you can use banks (best rates), ATMs/Trip.com (available 24/7), airport counters (quick but expensive), or metro/high-speed rail stations (self-service machines). Let’s compare these options and find the best one for you!
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Where is the best place to exchange currency in China?
Here are the best places for foreigners to exchange currency in China: banks, ATMs, airport counters, licensed exchanges, Trip.com, hotels, train and metro stations. With so many options available, let's compare which one best suits your needs. Generally speaking, banks offer the best exchange rates, while airports offer last-minute solutions.
| Location | Examples | Exchange Rate | Pros | Cons | Best For |
Banks | Bank of China, ICBC, CCB, ABC | ✅ Best rates | Reliable, supports most currencies | Requires passport; may need booking | Large amounts, safety |
ATM | Any ATM (Visa/Mastercard supported) | ✅ Good (bank rate) | 24/7 access, convenient | Fees may apply (check your bank) | Small withdrawals |
Airport Counters | Beijing (PEK), Shanghai (PVG), etc. | ❌ Poor rates | Open 24/7, quick | High fees, worst rates | Emergency cash |
Licensed Exchange | Travelex, United Money | ⚠️ Varies | No bank queues, some open weekends | Rates worse than banks | Quick exchanges |
Trip.com Group | Trip.com App → "Currency Exchange" | ⚠️ Varies | Online booking, airport pickup | Limited locations | Pre-booked airport pickup |
Hotel Front Desk | 4-5 star hotels (e.g., Hilton) | ❌ Worst rates | Convenient if staying there | Very high fees | Last resort |
Train Stations | Guangzhou South, Shenzhen North | ⚠️ Moderate | Self-service machines | Limited currencies, may be empty | Travelers using bullet trains |
Metro Stations | Some major cities (e.g., Shanghai) | ⚠️ Moderate | Quick access | Rare, may not support all currencies | Small amounts |
Currency Exchange at Banks
Image source: Canton Fair
Which banks in China can exchange currency?
- Bank of China (best rates, widest currency selection)
- ICBC, CCB, ABC
- Bank of Communications, China Merchants Bank (selected branches)
- Opening Hours: Weekdays 9:00-17:00 (some branches closed weekends)
What is the bank's currency exchange rate?
Bank rates: More competitive than airports/hotels, close to mid-market rates
Check rates:
- Bank websites/mobile apps for live rates
- Final rate confirmed at counter on transaction day
Airport Currency Counters
Image source: Beijing Gov
Where to Exchange?
International airports: PEK (Beijing), PVG (Shanghai), CAN (Guangzhou), etc.
Operators: Bank counters, licensed exchange services (e.g., Travelex).
Exchange Rates
⚠️ Poor rates: 3-5% worse than banks, with higher fees.
Best for: Emergency small amounts (e.g., cash upon arrival).
Licensed Exchange Counters
Where to Find Them?
- Shopping malls, tourist areas & some business districts
- Common brands: Travelex, United Money
Exchange Rates
- Usually worse than banks (but better than airports)
- Rates vary by location - always compare first
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Trip.com Group Currency Exchange
Trip.com's foreign currency exchange service offers a convenient option for international travellers. Their exchange counters are located at major international airports and city centres across China, with most branches open 24/7. This service is ideal for travellers who need cash immediately after arriving in China or want easy access to currency exchange in urban areas. Simply search "Currency Exchange" in the Trip.com mobile app to find your nearest location.
Compared to other airport exchange services, Trip.com usually offers better exchange rates. The app clearly displays special offers like "Foreign Exchange Coupons", and some locations even provide "Exchange currency with no fees" to help you save money.
Self-Service Currency Exchange Machines at Metro/Train Stations
Currency exchange machines at Guangzhou South Railway Station
Self-service currency exchange machines are available at major metro and high-speed rail stations in China, making it convenient for foreign tourists to quickly exchange foreign currencies (such as USD, EUR, JPY) to RMB. The machines support passport verification, are simple to use, and are available 24/7 – perfect for travellers who need immediate access to cash. Note that exchange rates are slightly less favourable than banks, with a typical single transaction limit of around 5,000 RMB.
Main Locations:
- Beijing Metro: Wangfujing Station (Line 8, near the Forbidden City)
- Shanghai Metro: Pudong International Airport Station (Line 2), People's Square Station (Lines 1/2/8)
- Guangzhou Metro: Xingangdong Station (Line 8, near Canton Fair Complex), Guangzhou East Station Exit G (Lines 1/3, accepts Visa/credit cards)
- Shenzhen Metro: Futian Station (Line 3, connected to Futian HSR Station)
- High-Speed Rail Stations: Guangzhou South Station (Level 1), Shenzhen North Station (East Square exit), etc.