How much currency can I bring into China?
- Official classification
- Currency and monetary instruments (CAN$10,000 reporting)
Declare
You can bring currency into China, but you must declare it.
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
- Customs clearance guide for inbound passengers General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China
Questions about Currency and monetary instruments in China
- How much currency can I bring into China?
- China allows currency to be brought in, but it has to be declared once it reaches 5,000 USD. The allowance is per traveller and cannot be pooled between people.
- Do I have to declare currency at China customs?
- Yes — it has to be declared to China customs on arrival.
- What happens if I do not declare currency 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 currency 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 currency out of China?
- China publishes no separate rule for taking currency out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
- Does the China limit for currency 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 Customs clearance guide for inbound passengers. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “However, inbound passengers shall declare to Customs if carrying foreign currencies in cash worth more than $5,000.”
- How does China compare with other countries on currency?
- Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit currency, 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) — Customs clearance guide for inbound passengers · verified 2026-09-19
Source: General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China (海关总署, GACC) — Customs clearance guide for inbound passengers · 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) — Customs clearance guide for inbound passengers · verified 2026-09-19
Source: General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China (海关总署, GACC) — Customs clearance guide for inbound passengers · verified 2026-09-19