Don’t forget to buy your Chinese yuan (CNY) before you leave for China.
You are about to visit one of the oldest civilization in history? What a great trip, be prepared to have a change of scenery! We always advise you to be well framed for a trip and to plan everything, such as your daily and overall budget. Consequently, it is important to be familiar with the use of the local currency. In China, the official currency is the Chinese yuan (CNY). We suggest that you exchange an amount of euros-yuans before your departure to ensure that you have enough cash in the local currency for situations that require it once you arrive there. Before exchanging, be sure to check the Euro to CNY exchange rate to get the best deal for your travel money.
Practical tips for planning your budget
In China, tipping is not a common practice, at least it is appreciated by taxi drivers, waiters, guides and hotel staff.
Allow an average of 200 Chinese yuans per person per day for your accommodation. This is an indication of the price for a 2 to 3* hotel. Allow 114 Chinese yuans per person per day for food.
70 CNY
Average cost of a one night stay in China
63 CNY
Average food budget per person per day
Good to know
Some price indications in China
3.05 Yuans
A public transport ticket
7 Yuans
The price of a cup of coffee
40 - 60 yuans
Entrance fee to the Palace Museum in Beijing
60 Yuans
Fried noodles with shrimp
2.45 Yuans
A taxi ride
80 Yuans
A visit to the Forbidden City
Some suggestions for your trip
- Places we suggest you visit during your stay in China: Hong Kong, Sichuan, especially Huanglong
- National Park, Gansu, Hunan, Zhejiang, Tibet and Xinjiang
- Spring and autumn are the best times to visit China.
- The Iguazú Falls will offer you an exclusive experience.
- The temperature in China during the summer season can reach up to 40°C, we are talking about the months of May to August. In the summer China faces many rainy days.
- A diversion to the Forbidden City is well worth it, you will discover a beautiful traditional architecture.
When do you need cash in China?
Although China is a highly digitalised country, it is still important — and sometimes necessary — to have some CNY in cash to make purchases.
This is particularly true in certain rural areas, where some businesses have not yet adopted digital payments.
Some small vendors and food markets also prefer not to use digital payments and will therefore require cash.
In some remote areas where network coverage can be poor, payment terminals or apps may be unusable. In such cases, having CNY in cash is very practical.
In general, exchanging your euros for CNY before you depart is a great way to benefit from favourable exchange rates. Having yuan in cash also helps you maintain control over your travel budget.
Some facts about the Chinese Yuan
Denominations of the Chinese yuan
Notes:
- 1 CNY
- 2 CNY
- 5 CNY
- 10 CNY
- 20 CNY
- 50 CNY
- 100 CNY
- 5 jiao
- 2 jiao
- 1 jiao
Coins:
- 1 yuan
- 5 jiao
- 1 jiao
- 5 fen
- 2 fen
- 1 fen
The official full name of the Chinese currency is "yuan renminbi" which means "people's currency", the full name is only used on official occasions or circumstances.
Renminbi is the official name of the Chinese currency. RMB is an acronym that stands for Ren Min Bi and the yuan is one of the units of RMB.
Why buy Chinese yuans from ChangeGroup?
Before exchanging euros for Chinese yuan, it is important to check the exchange rate and compare offers. This way, you can easily and quickly find the best rate available for your euro-to-yuan conversion. By ordering through our website, you ensure you get the best possible rate for your currency exchange.
To simplify your travel preparations, choose home delivery for your foreign currency for just €19.90 and receive it within 48–72 hours. Often, not all exchanged currency is used, but with ChangeGroup’s Buy-Back guarantee, you can sell any unused currency back at the same initial purchase price upon your return.
Traveling soon?
Here's how to easily exchange your money:
1.Choose your currency
Determine the amount you need to enjoy your trip abroad.
2.Select delivery method
Choose between home delivery or branch pick-up. Create an account & finalise your order.
3.Receive your currency
Collect your currency from a branch near you or have it delivered right to your door. Enjoy your trip!
FAQ about exchanging euros for CNY
It is almost impossible to predict fluctuations in the EUR/CNY exchange rate. At ChangeGroup, we update our rates daily to best reflect market conditions and offer you the most competitive prices. By planning your euro-to-Chinese-Yuan exchange in advance, you can compare market trends, choose the most favourable moment and obtain your CNY at the best rate.
We offer free collection of your CNY from the bureau de change of your choice. For added convenience, we can also deliver your order directly to your home within 48 to 72 hours for just €19.90.
By choosing to reserve your CNY online, you benefit from our best exchange rates. We also remove all fees or commissions on your transaction! You therefore know exactly how many Chinese Yuan you will receive after the exchange.
Thanks to our home delivery service, we can exchange your euros for CNY wherever you are in France.
Do you have a question about our services?
Find the answers to your questions in our FAQ.
- How to order travel money online?
- Do you have any limits on orders placed online?
- Can I specify my preferred currency denominations when ordering online?
- I placed an order online, but I didn't receive a confirmation email - What should I do?
- Is there any fee for currency exchange online?
- How far in advance can I place my order?


