Hey there! I’ll be traveling to China this June and will be visiting Beijing, Xi’an, and Shanghai—super excited! I’ve heard that cashless payments are really common, but I still want to carry some cash just in case.
I have a few questions about using Chinese yuan: How can I recognize real vs. fake money? Are there any security features I should look for? And what’s the best way to get cash—should I exchange it before arriving, use ATMs, or something else? Also, do most places still accept cash, or will I have trouble using it?
Would love some tips—thanks in advance!
Hi! That’s awesome—you’ve picked some amazing cities for your trip! You’re right that China is very cashless these days, with most people using mobile payments like WeChat Pay and Alipay. However, it’s still a good idea to carry some cash for small vendors, taxis, or emergencies.
How to Spot Fake Chinese Yuan:
- Watermark – Hold the bill up to the light, and you should see a clear watermark of Mao Zedong’s face.
- Raised Ink – Run your fingers over the large numbers; real bills have a slightly raised texture.
- Security Thread – A thin metallic strip runs through the bill and changes color when tilted.
- Color-Shifting Ink – The denomination number (e.g., "100" on a 100-yuan note) shifts color when viewed from different angles.
- UV Features – Under UV light, real banknotes show fluorescent markings, while fakes usually don’t.
Best Ways to Get Cash:
- ATMs: The safest and most convenient option. Use major bank ATMs (Bank of China, ICBC, China Construction Bank) to avoid scams.
- Currency Exchange: You can exchange money at airports or banks, but rates are usually better at ATMs.
- Avoid Street Money Changers: They often have bad rates or, worse, fake bills.
Can You Still Use Cash?
- Yes, but it depends! Most big cities prefer mobile payments, and some places might not accept cash at all. That said, larger restaurants, hotels, and tourist sites still take cash.
- Taxis and small vendors might accept cash but may struggle to give change, so carry smaller bills (¥10, ¥20, ¥50).
Let me know if you need any more tips—have an amazing trip! 🚀
Check out: How to Spot Fake Chinese Money – A Traveler’s Guide