How much cash and bearer instruments can I bring into China?
- Official classification
- Cash and bearer negotiable instruments (all currencies)
Declare
You can bring cash and bearer instruments into China, but you must declare it.
What you need to know
- 20000 currency amount
- Value cap: 5,000 USD
- Channels: Carried with the traveler
Important
This allowance applies per person, not per family or group.
Official sources
- 进出境行李物品监管（特殊项目除外） General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China
Questions about Cash and bearer negotiable instruments in China
- How much cash and bearer instruments can I bring into China?
- China allows cash and bearer instruments to be brought in, but it has to be declared once it reaches 20000. The allowance is capped at 5,000 USD in total value. The allowance is per traveller and cannot be pooled between people.
- Do I have to declare cash and bearer instruments at China customs?
- Yes — it has to be declared to China customs on arrival.
- What happens if I do not declare cash and bearer instruments in China?
- Under 《进境物品关税、增值税、消费税征收办法》第十一条（税委会公告2024年第11号公布，自2024年12月1日施行）, if you declare the excess yourself: a flat-rate charge is applied to the excess. If the goods are found without being declared, the normal duty becomes payable on the excess; an administrative fine is imposed. Under 《中华人民共和国海关行政处罚实施条例》第十九条第二项、第四项（国务院令第420号）: an administrative fine is imposed.
- Can I post or ship cash and bearer instruments to China instead of carrying it?
- Not under this allowance. It covers goods a traveller carries; a parcel is an import and is assessed under the postal rules instead. Baggage sent before or after you travels under the same allowance.
- Can I take cash and bearer instruments out of China?
- China publishes no separate rule for taking cash and bearer instruments out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
- Does the China limit for cash and bearer instruments apply per person or per family?
- Per person. Each traveller carries their own allowance and it cannot be pooled with anyone else's.
- Where does this rule come from?
- General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China (海关总署, GACC) states it in 进出境行李物品监管（特殊项目除外）. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “（五）人民币现钞超过20000元，或外币现钞折合超过5000美元；”
- How does China compare with other countries on cash and bearer instruments?
- Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit cash and bearer instruments, 20 limit it and 0 let it through. China is among the ones that set a limit.
Source: General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China (海关总署, GACC) — 进出境行李物品监管（特殊项目除外） · verified 2026-09-19
Source: General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China (海关总署, GACC) — 进出境行李物品监管（特殊项目除外） · verified 2026-09-19
Source: General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China (海关总署, GACC) — ข้อควรทราบสำหรับการนำของติดตัวเข้าทางอากาศยานสำหรับผู้โดยสาร · verified 2026-09-20
Source: General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China (海关总署, GACC) — ข้อควรทราบสำหรับการนำของติดตัวเข้าทางอากาศยานสำหรับผู้โดยสาร · verified 2026-09-20
Source: General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China (海关总署, GACC) — 进出境行李物品监管（特殊项目除外） · verified 2026-09-19
Source: General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China (海关总署, GACC) — 进出境行李物品监管（特殊项目除外） · verified 2026-09-19