The cash limit for foreign tourists traveling to China is 20,000 RMB per person per trip, while the foreign currency cash limit varies according to specific circumstances.
RMB Cash Limit
Limit amount: RMB 20,000 2.
Declaration requirements: If the amount of RMB cash carried exceeds this limit, a written declaration is required to be made to the Customs and Excise Department2.
Foreign Currency Cash Limit
Generally, the cash in foreign currency should not exceed 5,000 US dollars. If this limit is exceeded, a written declaration must be made to the Customs or the relevant license to carry foreign currency out of the country must be provided12.
Special cases:
Multiple round trips on the same day: the amount of foreign currency to be carried does not exceed US$500 equivalent.
Multiple round trips within 15 days: the amount of foreign currency to be carried does not exceed US$1,000.
Carrying Permit Application:
If the amount of foreign currency you are carrying is more than US$5,000 and up to and including US$10,000, you should apply for a Carrying Certificate1 from the bank.
If the amount of foreign currency you are carrying is more than USD 10,000, you should apply for a Carrying Permit from the Foreign Exchange Bureau.
Points to Note
Regardless of carrying RMB or foreign currencies, passengers should abide by relevant national laws and regulations, and should not engage in smuggling, concealment and other illegal behaviors, or else they will be liable for the corresponding legal responsibilities1.
Travelers should carry a reasonable amount of baggage for personal use, and may be required to pay taxes and fees for any excess baggage.
There are restrictions on the amount of cash that can be carried in and out of the country. These restrictions are mainly on the amount of foreign currency and RMB.
For foreign currencies, according to the relevant regulations, if the amount of foreign currencies is within the equivalent of 5,000 U.S. dollars (including 5,000 U.S. dollars), the departing person does not need to apply for a Carrying Permit, and the Customs and Excise Department will release the cash. However, if the amount of money carried is more than US$5,000 and up to US$10,000 (including US$10,000), it is necessary to apply for a Carrying Certificate from the bank. When the carrying amount is more than USD 10,000, you should apply for a Carrying Certificate from the Foreign Exchange Bureau. Customs will check and release the goods on the basis of the Carrying Certificate stamped with the seal of the bank or the Foreign Exchange Bureau.
For RMB, Chinese citizens entering and leaving the country and foreigners entering and leaving the country are subject to a quota management system, and the specific limits are set by the People’s Bank of China. This means that the amount of RMB to be carried is also restricted, and those exceeding the limit may need to be declared or face other regulations.
Overall, whether you are carrying foreign currencies or RMB, there are certain limits on the amount of money you can carry when entering or leaving the country. In order to ensure smooth entry and exit, it is recommended to know and comply with the relevant regulations in advance.