Counterfeit Chinese yuan exists, and some scammers target unsuspecting tourists. Fake banknotes can cause frustration, loss of money, and even trouble with local businesses. But don’t worry! This guide will teach you how to spot fake Chinese money so you can avoid counterfeit yuan in China and enjoy your trip with confidence.
1.Challenges for Foreigners Using Mobile Payments and Cash in China
China’s mobile payment system, dominated by WeChat Pay and Alipay, makes transactions seamless for locals. However, for foreign visitors, setting up these apps can be a hassle. Many struggle with phone number verification, linking a foreign bank card, or slow identity authentication. Some even find that their mobile payments get rejected unexpectedly, leaving them stuck without a backup payment method.
But if mobile payments are tricky, using cash isn’t always easier either. Many tourists worry about receiving counterfeit Chinese yuan, especially when dealing with taxis, street vendors, or small shops. Some even hesitate to use cash because they’re unsure how to spot fake Chinese money.
Beyond the fear of fake bills, getting correct change is another headache. A foreign student in Beijing recalled how, on his first day, he couldn’t use ride-hailing apps and had to pay his taxi driver in cash—only to be told that the driver had no change. Similarly, David, an expat, shared that when he tried using cash, 90% of stores claimed they didn’t have small bills.
For tourists, navigating China’s payment system requires both preparation and caution. While mobile payments are ideal, carrying verified cash in small denominations can help avoid both counterfeit yuan and frustrating payment refusals.
Check out: How to Use Alipay or WeChat Pay in China: A Travel Guide
2. China’s Efforts to Ensure Cash Acceptance
China’s central bank has been cracking down on businesses that refuse to accept cash. The government continues to enforce rules against rejecting RMB banknotes, with violators facing penalties and public exposure.
Financial expert Zhu Junjie advises international visitors to withdraw smaller denomination bills (like 5 or 10 yuan) instead of only 100-yuan notes. This makes transactions smoother. However, he acknowledges that finding ATMs can be a hassle, as cash withdrawals have become less common.
For foreign travelers, having a mix of cash and digital payment options is the best strategy to navigate China’s evolving payment landscape.
Check out: Currency and Money Exchange in China – A Foreigner’s Guide.
3. An Overview of Chinese Currency: What You Need to Know
China’s official currency in circulation today is the Fifth Series of the Renminbi (RMB), first introduced in 1999 and revised in 2005.
China’s Legal Tender: Renminbi (RMB)
The official currency of China is the Renminbi (RMB), which translates to “People’s Money.” It is issued by the People’s Bank of China and is internationally recognized with the abbreviation CNY (Chinese Yuan). However, the term RMB is also widely used.
- Symbol: ￥
- Main Unit: Yuan (元)
- Smaller Units: Jiao (角) and Fen (分)
- Conversion:
- 1 Yuan = 10 Jiao (Mao in spoken Chinese)
- 1 Jiao = 10 Fen
Note: In daily conversation, “Yuan” is often called “kuai”(块), and “Jiao” is commonly referred to as “mao.” (毛).
Banknotes in Circulation
Every Chinese banknote features inscriptions in five languages: Mandarin Chinese, Mongolian, Tibetan, Uyghur and Zhuang.
100 Yuan Banknote Details:
Face Value: 100 Yuan (Kuai)
Front Design: Portrait of Mao Zedong
Primary Color (Front):Red
Back Design: Great Hall of the People
Primary Color (Back):Red
50 Yuan Banknote Details:
Denomination: 50 Yuan (Kuai)
Front Design: Portrait of Mao Zedong
Primary Color (Front): Green
Back Design: Potala Palace
Primary Color (Back): Green
20 Yuan Banknote Overview
- Denomination: 20 Yuan (Kuai)
- Front Design: Features a portrait of Mao Zedong
- Dominant Color (Front): Brown
- Back Design: Showcases the scenic Li River in Guilin
- Dominant Color (Back): Brown
10 Yuan Banknote Overview
Denomination: 10 Yuan (Kuai)
Front Design: Features a portrait of Mao Zedong
Primary Color (Front): Deep Blue-Black
Back Design: Showcases the majestic Three Gorges of the Yangtze River
Primary Color (Back): Deep Blue-Black
5 Yuan Banknote Overview
- Denomination: 5 Yuan (Kuai)
- Front Design: Features a portrait of Mao Zedong
- Dominant Color (Front): Royal Purple
- Back Design: Depicts the majestic Mount Taishan
- Dominant Color (Back): Royal Purple
1 Yuan Banknote Overview
- Denomination: 1 Yuan (Kuai)
- Front Design: Features a portrait of Mao Zedong
- Primary Color (Front): Olive Green
- Back Design: Showcases the serene West Lake in Hangzhou
- Primary Color (Back): Olive Green
The Coins of China’s Fifth Series of Renminbi
China’s Fifth Series of RMB coins features beautiful floral designs, each carrying deep cultural meaning. Let’s take a closer look at their symbolism and significance.
1 Jiao Coin (0.1 Yuan) – The Orchid
The 1 Jiao coin features an elegant orchid on the back. In Chinese culture, orchids symbolize nobility, grace, and unwavering integrity. Often called the “gentleman of flowers,” the orchid represents friendship, refinement, and poetic beauty.
5 Jiao Coin (0.5 Yuan) – The Lotus
The 5 Jiao coin showcases the lotus flower, a symbol of purity, peace, and harmony. The lotus grows from the mud yet remains untouched by impurities, making it a powerful emblem of resilience and unity. It is also associated with cooperation and prosperity.
1 Yuan Coin – The Chrysanthemum
The 1 Yuan coin features the chrysanthemum, a flower known for its elegance and endurance. In Chinese tradition, chrysanthemums symbolize longevity, good fortune, and refined beauty. They also represent strength in adversity, as they bloom in autumn when most flowers fade.
These thoughtful designs reflect not only China’s appreciation for nature but also the values deeply rooted in its culture. So, the next time you hold a Chinese coin, take a moment to appreciate the story it tells!
Among these, the 50 and 100 yuan notes are the most counterfeited. Scammers often target large bills because they’re used in big transactions, making them easier to slip into circulation.
Now that you know the basics, let’s explore the key Chinese yuan security features to help you identify real vs fake Chinese yuan.
4. How to Spot Fake Chinese Yuan – Key Security Features to Check
China’s government has implemented advanced anti-counterfeiting features in its banknotes. These features help ensure authenticity. Here’s how to check Chinese banknotes quickly:
1) Check for the Watermark
Hold the banknote up to the light. You should see a clear watermark of Mao Zedong’s portrait on the right side. This image should look three-dimensional and shift slightly when you move the note. Fake Chinese money often has a blurry or printed watermark.
2) Look at the Color-Changing Ink
On 50 and 100 yuan notes, the denomination number on the front changes color when tilted. A real 100 yuan note shifts from green to blue. A counterfeit bill may not change at all or may shift incorrectly.
3) Feel the Texture of the Paper
Authentic RMB banknotes are made of high-quality fiber paper. The surface should feel slightly rough with raised printing on Mao Zedong’s portrait and the large numbers. Fake RMB often feels too smooth or too soft.
4) Inspect the Security Thread
A thin metallic security thread runs vertically through the note. On real money, it appears as a holographic strip with changing colors when tilted. Fake notes may have a printed line instead of an embedded thread.
5) Check the Microprinting
Under a magnifying glass, you’ll see tiny, crisp Chinese characters and numbers on real yuan notes. Fake bills often have blurry or misaligned microprinting.
6) Use a UV Light (If Available)
Under UV light, real RMB reveals fluorescent patterns and security fibers. Fake notes lack these details or glow unnaturally.
By using these Chinese money anti-counterfeiting tips, you can confidently avoid counterfeit yuan in China.
5. Common Scams Involving Fake Chinese Money
Scammers often trick tourists into accepting fake 100 yuan notes. Here are some common scams to watch out for:
Taxi Scams
Some dishonest taxi drivers switch real banknotes with fake ones when you hand them cash. They quickly swap a fake 100 yuan note and claim you gave them counterfeit money. To avoid this, always check your banknotes before handing them over.
Street Vendors and Night Markets
Some small vendors operate with cash. Some give fake RMB as change when you pay with a large bill. When making a purchase, inspect your change before leaving.
Fake Money Exchange Services
Be careful when exchanging money outside official channels. Some street currency exchangers give fake banknotes or shortchange tourists. To stay safe, exchange currency only at banks or authorized exchange centers.
Knowing these common scams with Chinese currency will help you protect your money in China.
6. Tourist tips for handling Chinese cash
Now that you know how to spot fake Chinese money, here are some quick tourist-friendly tips to avoid fake money:
✔ Use Mobile Payments – If possible, use WeChat Pay or Alipay to avoid handling cash altogether.
✔ Withdraw Money from ATMs – Get your cash from a bank ATM rather than money exchangers.
✔ Carry Small Bills – Keep plenty of 10 and 20 yuan notes to avoid using 100 yuan bills too often.
✔ Double-Check Your Change – Always inspect the bills you receive before putting them away.
✔ Refuse Damaged or Suspicious Notes – If a bill looks worn out or suspicious, ask for another.
By following these tourist tips for handling Chinese cash, you’ll reduce the risk of getting scammed.
7. What to Do If You Receive Fake Chinese Money
If you accidentally get counterfeit RMB, don’t try to use it. Using fake money is illegal, even if you didn’t know it was fake. Instead, here’s what you should do:
- Take it to a Bank – Banks can verify the note’s authenticity and may exchange it if it’s real.
- Report It to the Police – If you got the fake money from a business, inform the authorities.
- Warn Other Travelers – If you were scammed, share your experience online to help fellow tourists.
Knowing how travelers can avoid fake yuan in China and what to do if they receive one can save you from stress and financial loss.
8. Final Tips for Handling Chinese Money Safely
Before you go, here are a few final takeaways to keep your money safe in China:
- Get familiar with Chinese yuan security features before your trip.
- Avoid exchanging money on the street—stick to banks and licensed exchange services.
- Carry a mix of small bills and digital payment options.
- Stay alert when using cash, especially in taxis, markets, and small shops.
By being aware, prepared, and cautious, you can spot fake Chinese money with ease and enjoy a stress-free trip to China.
Stay Safe and Enjoy Your Trip!
China is an amazing place to explore, and understanding how to spot fake Chinese money will help you protect your money while traveling. With these simple tips, you can confidently use cash, avoid counterfeit yuan in China, and focus on enjoying everything this incredible country has to offer.
Now that you’re equipped with the best ways to spot fake 100 yuan notes, you’re ready for a smooth and scam-free journey! Safe travels!
