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= CNY=1 NZD
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The Low Down on Chinese Currency

Currency:

Renminbi

Currency code:

CNY (CNH, RMB)

Central Bank:

People's Bank of China

Currency symbol:

¥ (Yuan)

Currency sub unit:

角 (Jiao)

Nicknames:

Kuài, Mao

Bank notes:

¥1, ¥5, ¥10, ¥20, ¥50, ¥100

Coins:

1角, 5角, ¥1




The official currency of mainland China is the renminbi - abbreviated to CNY or RMB. Yuan is a unit of renminbi; however Chinese currency is generally known as the ‘yuan’, particularly in countries outside of China.



The name 'renminbi' literally means 'peoples currency' and was first issued in 1948 when the People's Bank of China was established.



It's easily exchanged in Hong Kong and Macau but is not the official currency in those destinations.



The most commonly used bills for Chinese yuan are the 1, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 notes.




What to spend your yuan on:

  • *

    Admission to the Great Wall of China

    40 yuan *

  • *

    Tourist t-shirt

    30 yuan *

  • *

    Bottle of water

    3 yuan

  • *

    Postcard and a stamp

    5 yuan *

  • *

    3-mile taxi ride

    12.5 yuan *

How many yuan will I need?**

Please select your budget above.


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Total spending money needed:

  • *A budget
  • *for people for
  • * nights


*Recalculate

Must-See Places in China

*
  • Xi'an
  • This beautiful walled-city has plenty to explore. And what's more, just a short ride outside Xi'an lie the thousands of famous terracotta warriors.
*
  • Dali
  • Dali is nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas in Western China and is frequented by foreign and Chinese tourists alike. This a top spot for fans of mountain climbing.
*
  • Macau
  • The sister city to Hong Kong, Macau is steeped in a long and interesting history. It's also a gambling mecca for anyone who likes to hit the slots!

Buying Chinese yuan online is easy

Order Chinese yuan online, lock in the rate and collect at your local store or at the airport before you fly.

  • 1. Click the ‘Buy yuan Now’ button below
  • And tell us how much you need for your trip.

  • 2. Choose where to get it
  • Collect your currency from 33 Travelex stores.

  • 3. Pay online
  • Simply pay using either your debit card (recommended) or credit card and you’re all set!

Travelling to China in the Future?

Travelling to China in the Future?

Track Rates and get notified when the yuan renminbi matches your ideal rate so you can decide if it’s a good time to buy!

Track Rates

Prefer to Buy in Store?

Prefer to Buy in Store?

If buying online is not your thing, visit your nearest Travelex store and one of our friendly sales consultants will help you organise yuan for your trip.

Travel Card or Cash?

Travel Card or Cash?

What’s Better When Travelling Abroad?

We’ve outlined the pros and cons of travelling with a travel card or cash to help you decide.

Learn more

*Rates are subject to change throughout the day. In-store rates vary compared to online.

**The figures provided are indicative only and are there to provide an idea of the amount of travel money you may need during your trip.