If you are flying from Vancouver to Beijing or Shanghai, bring some Chinese yuan (CNY) in cash, even though most people in China pay by phone. A few thousand yuan covers taxis, small shops, snacks and the moments when an app or a foreign card does not work. You can buy yuan in cash at FonderX in New Westminster before you leave.
Below is a simple way to work out how much to bring, which bills to ask for, and what it costs at our current rate.
Why bring yuan cash to China
Payment apps are everywhere in Chinese cities, and many visitors now set up a mobile wallet before they travel. Even so, a new phone setup, a card that gets declined, a dead battery or a weak signal can leave you unable to pay. Cash solves all of those problems at once.
Chinese yuan banknotes are legal tender across the mainland, so cash is a reliable plan B in Beijing, Shanghai and smaller towns. It is also handy for small purchases right after you land, before you have had a chance to get your phone and apps sorted out.
Having yuan on arrival also means you are not looking for an exchange counter after a long flight across the Pacific. You can walk out of the airport and pay for your first ride or meal straight away.
How much yuan to bring for a week
There is no single right number. It depends on how much you plan to pay by app or card, where you are staying, and whether your hotel is already prepaid. A good starting point is to think of cash as your backup budget for a few days, not your whole trip.
Here is a simple worked example using our rate as of Thursday October 29, 2026 at 9:36 AM Pacific, when FonderX sold CNY at 0.21860 CAD per 1 yuan. Rates change through the day, so check today's rates before you come in.
| Yuan cash | Cost in CAD at 0.21860 | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| 1,000 CNY | $218.60 | Light backup if you mostly pay by phone |
| 2,000 CNY | $437.20 | A typical week of taxis, snacks and small shops |
| 3,000 CNY | $655.80 | Extra comfort, or travel outside the big cities |
For a one-week trip split between Beijing and Shanghai, 2,000 yuan is a sensible middle ground for many travellers. That is 2,000 x 0.21860 = $437.20 CAD. If most of your spending will go through a mobile wallet, 1,000 yuan may be plenty. If you are visiting family, heading to smaller cities, or simply prefer cash, you might bring more.
Small bills vs large bills
Chinese yuan banknotes come in 1, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 yuan. The 100 yuan note is the one you will see most often, and it is the easiest way to carry a larger amount without a thick wallet.
For day-to-day spending, smaller bills make life easier. A street snack, a bottle of water or a short taxi ride is much simpler to pay for with a 10 or 20 than with a 100, especially at small vendors who may not have much change.
A practical mix for a week might look like this:
- Most of your total in 100 yuan notes for larger purchases.
- A few 50s for mid-sized bills like meals.
- A handful of 10s and 20s for snacks, transit and small shops.
When you buy yuan at FonderX, just tell us how you would like it split and we will do our best to give you a useful mix based on what we have in stock.
Tipping and cash habits in China
Tipping is generally not expected in mainland China, including at most local restaurants and in taxis. Some international hotels and tour services may be different, so if you are unsure, follow what the hotel or tour company tells you.
A few cash habits help any trip go smoothly:
- Keep your cash in two places, not all in one wallet.
- Carry enough small bills for the day and leave the rest in your hotel safe.
- Count your change, especially when paying with a larger note.
- Keep a little yuan for the trip back to the airport.
Buying yuan at FonderX before your trip
FonderX buys and sells about 40 world currencies in cash, including Chinese yuan. Buying before you fly means you know exactly what you paid and you land ready to go.
It is worth calling ahead at (778) 759-0400 if you need a larger amount, so we can confirm we have it ready. Remember that we are cash only, so bring Canadian dollars in cash along with valid government photo ID.
If you come home with leftover yuan, you can sell it back to us. On the same date and time above, FonderX was buying CNY at 0.19820 CAD per yuan, so 500 leftover yuan would come to 500 x 0.19820 = $99.10 CAD. As always, rates move during the day.
Paramedics, firefighters, police, 911 dispatchers, nurses, ER doctors and teachers can ask about our Frontline Heroes Rate with their work ID.
Visit FonderX
FonderX Currency Exchange Inc. is at Unit 2, 723 12th Street, New Westminster, BC V3M 4J8, serving New Westminster, Burnaby, Coquitlam, Surrey and Greater Vancouver. We are open Monday to Friday, 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM, and closed weekends and BC statutory holidays. We are cash only and need valid government photo ID. See our contact and hours page or call (778) 759-0400.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need cash in China if I have Alipay or WeChat Pay?
Mobile payments are the main way people pay in Chinese cities, but cash is a useful backup if your app, card or phone stops working. Many visitors carry a modest amount of yuan for that reason.
How much Chinese yuan should I bring for a week?
Many travellers bring around 1,000 to 3,000 yuan for a week, depending on how much they pay by phone. At our rate on October 29, 2026 at 9:36 AM Pacific, 2,000 yuan cost $437.20 CAD.
Where can I buy Chinese yuan in Vancouver?
FonderX in New Westminster sells Chinese yuan in cash, Monday to Friday 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM. Bring Canadian cash and valid government photo ID.
Do you tip in China?
Tipping is generally not expected in mainland China, including most restaurants and taxis. Some international hotels and tours may differ, so follow their guidance.
Can I sell leftover yuan when I get back?
Yes. FonderX buys back Chinese yuan in cash, and you can check the current We Buy rate on our live rate board.
