How much Cross-border movement of monetary instruments (cash and bearer negotiable instruments) can I bring into China?
Restricted
You can bring Cross-border movement of monetary instruments (cash and bearer negotiable instruments) into China only within the stated limits.
What you need to know
- No stated quantity
- Value cap: 5,000 USD
- Channels: Carried with the traveler
Important
This allowance applies per person, not per family or group.
Official sources
- 携带外币现钞出入境管理暂行办法，第三条（国家外汇管理局、海关总署，2004年第5号国务院公报） 中国政府网 国务院公报（国家外汇管理局 海关总署）
Questions about Cross-border movement of monetary instruments (cash and bearer negotiable instruments) in China
- How much cross-border movement of monetary instruments (cash and bearer negotiable instruments) can I bring into China?
- China allows 5,000 USD per traveller. Above that the goods are treated as an import and duty becomes payable. The allowance is per traveller and cannot be pooled between people.
- Do I have to declare cross-border movement of monetary instruments (cash and bearer negotiable instruments) at China customs?
- Yes — it has to be declared to China customs on arrival.
- What happens if I do not declare cross-border movement of monetary instruments (cash and bearer negotiable 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 cross-border movement of monetary instruments (cash and bearer negotiable 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 cross-border movement of monetary instruments (cash and bearer negotiable instruments) out of China?
- China publishes no separate rule for taking cross-border movement of monetary instruments (cash and bearer negotiable instruments) out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
- Does the China limit for cross-border movement of monetary instruments (cash and bearer negotiable 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 携带外币现钞出入境管理暂行办法，第三条（国家外汇管理局、海关总署，2004年第5号国务院公报）. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “第三条 入境人员携带外币现钞入境，超过等值5000美元的应当向海关书面申报，当天多次往返及短期内多次往返者除外。”
- How does China compare with other countries on cross-border movement of monetary instruments (cash and bearer negotiable instruments)?
- Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit cross-border movement of monetary instruments (cash and bearer negotiable 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) — 携带外币现钞出入境管理暂行办法，第三条（国家外汇管理局、海关总署，2004年第5号国务院公报） · verified 2026-09-19
Source: General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China (海关总署, GACC) — 携带外币现钞出入境管理暂行办法，第三条（国家外汇管理局、海关总署，2004年第5号国务院公报） · 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) — 携带外币现钞出入境管理暂行办法，第三条（国家外汇管理局、海关总署，2004年第5号国务院公报） · verified 2026-09-19
Source: General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China (海关总署, GACC) — 携带外币现钞出入境管理暂行办法，第三条（国家外汇管理局、海关总署，2004年第5号国务院公报） · verified 2026-09-19