9

Here's something I found on trade.gov (International Trade Administration):

The following items are prohibited from entering China: arms, ammunition, and explosives of all kinds; counterfeit currencies and counterfeit negotiable securities; printed matter, magnetic media, films, or photographs that are deemed to be detrimental to the political, economic, cultural, and moral interests of China; lethal poisons; illicit drugs; disease-carrying animals and plants; foods, medicines, and other articles coming from disease-stricken areas; old/used garments; and local currency (RMB). Food items containing certain food colorings and additives deemed harmful to human health by the National Health and Family Planning Commission (NHFPC) are also barred.

Other Google search results seem to contradict this information, suggesting that I can bring up to 20,000 RMB. Which one is correct?

Mark Johnson
  • 30,560
  • 3
  • 52
  • 118
d33tah
  • 1,184
  • 2
  • 11
  • 26

2 Answers2

11

Here is an official gov.cn page (in English) showing the restrictions:

enter image description here

So the currency import or export of Chinese currency is limited 20,000 CNY In addition, if you have foreign currency exceeding USD 5000 you need to fill out some paperwork (and retain a copy so you can remove whatever of that money you may still have when you leave, if it adds up to more than $5,000 USD).

In practice nobody checks anybody's pockets or money belts, but 20,000 CNY is quite a stack of cash (biggest note being 100 CNY) and all bags are X-rayed at customs (very rarely do they ask to have a look inside though) so if you've got a suitcase stuffed with cash they may well find it.

Spehro 'speff' Pefhany
  • 18,088
  • 34
  • 71
5

Both the German and Austrian travel advice sites state that up to 20,000 RMB is allowed. The UK travel advice (Entry requirements - China travel advice - GOV.UK) doesn't meantion customs regulations.

@Hilmar: That's supported by the Chinese customs page itself: Customs Clearance Guide for International Passengers

Einfuhrbestimmungen Die Einfuhr von Fremdwährung ist für Ausländer unbegrenzt möglich, muss aber ab einem Wert von 5.000 USD bei Einreise deklariert werden. Die Ausfuhr ist bei einem Wert von über 5.000 USD auf den bei Einreise deklarierten Betrag beschränkt. Landeswährung darf bis zu 20.000 RMB ein- und ausgeführt werden.

Import regulations The import of foreign currency is unlimited for foreigners, but must be declared upon entry if the value is USD 5,000 or more. If the value exceeds USD 5,000, the export is limited to the amount declared upon entry. National currency can be imported and exported up to 20,000 RMB.

Sources:

Mark Johnson
  • 30,560
  • 3
  • 52
  • 118