Cash in to/out of China Travelers are allowed to take up to US$5000 equivalent of foreign currency or 20 000 RMB of local currency in cash in or out of the country. This applies to both foreigners and Chinese nationals. If the amount does not exceed this limit, one will not be required to declare this to customs.

As of 2026, China enforces strict limits on the amount of cash you can carry across its borders. For local Chinese currency (RMB/Yuan), the limit is 20,000 RMB per person; bringing in or taking out more than this is generally prohibited and can lead to confiscation. For foreign currencies (such as US Dollars, Euros, or Yen), you can bring in the equivalent of $5,000 USD without needing to declare it. If you are carrying more than $5,000 in foreign cash, you must declare it to China Customs by filling out a declaration form upon arrival. If you plan to take more than $5,000 back out of the country later, you must keep the stamped arrival declaration form as proof of where the funds originated. It is important to note that China is increasingly a "cashless" society; most vendors prefer Alipay or WeChat Pay. While cash is still legal tender, bringing large sums of physical currency is becoming less practical for daily travel, and digital payment methods are highly recommended for any trip in 2026.