
If you're planning to enter or exit China with a significant amount of money, there are certain limits and restrictions you should be aware of. You can bring up to $5,000 in cash into China without declaring it, but any amount exceeding this must be declared at customs.
The Chinese government requires you to declare any cash exceeding $5,000, and you'll need to provide a receipt or invoice for the cash. This is to prevent money laundering and other illicit activities.
The amount you can bring into China and exit the country with is also subject to the purpose of your visit. If you're on a business trip, you may be allowed to bring more money than if you were on a tourist visa.
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China Remittance Limits
You can send up to £1000 abroad from the UK to China without any issues, but if you're sending more than that, your bank or finance service provider will need to verify the complete information from both you and the recipient.
The Bank of China handles all international foreign currency transfers in the first instance, regardless of which bank the recipient has an account with.
If you're sending money to China, the limits and restrictions depend on who you're sending to and for what purposes, so it's essential to check the rules with the Chinese State Administration for Foreign Exchange.
Travelers can bring cash of no more than 5000USD or 20000 CNY into China, and if you bring more than 5000 USD, you should declare it with Chinese customs.
Here's a quick rundown of the cash limits for international travelers:
Travelers are allowed to take up to US$5000 equivalent of foreign currency or 20 000 RMB of local currency in cash in or out of the country, and if the amount does not exceed this limit, one will not be required to declare it to customs.
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Money Entry and Exit
You can bring up to $5,000 USD or 20,000 CNY in cash into China without declaring it to customs. If you bring more than $5,000 USD, you'll need to declare it.
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Travelers who enter China frequently have different limits. If you enter China more than once in a day or within 15 days, the cash limit doesn't apply.
Here are the cash limits for different types of travelers:
UK to China Money Transfer
Transferring money from the UK to China can be a straightforward process, but it's essential to be aware of the limits and requirements.
Your bank or finance service provider in the UK is required to verify your information when sending money abroad, especially if the transaction exceeds £1000. This is a standard practice to prevent money laundering and other illicit activities.
If you're planning to send a large amount, be prepared to provide additional information, including evidence of the source of your funds, proof of income, and identification for the recipient. This is a common request from banks and money transfer services.
To avoid any issues, it's best to check with your bank or finance service provider about their specific requirements and limits for international transfers. They may have their own rules and regulations in place.
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China Cash Entry
You can bring up to $5000 equivalent of foreign currency or 20,000 RMB of local currency in cash into China without declaring it to customs.
Travelers entering China with more than $5000 equivalent of foreign currency must declare it at the time of entry.
There is no upper limit for travelers' foreign currency cash, but you'll need to declare it if you're carrying more than $5000 equivalent.
If you're leaving China with cash worth less than $5000, you don't need to apply for a Permit to Take Foreign Currency out of the Customs Territory.
If you're carrying between $5000 and $10,000 in equivalent value, you must apply to the bank for carrying permission, which must be provided by the bank and have its seal.
If you're carrying more than $10,000, you must present a valid warrant issued by State Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE) authorities.
Travelers who leave the nation for the second time within 15 days are subject to a $1000 foreign currency limit. The restriction for leaving the nation a second time on the same day is $500.
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Here are the foreign currency limits for travelers entering and exiting China:
Travelers who enter China more than once on the same day or more than once within 15 days are exempt from the foreign currency limits.
Is My Income Taxable Here?
If you're planning to bring money into China, it's essential to understand if it's taxable. China defines a taxable resident based on two factors: your address and how long you have lived in China in a tax year.
To determine if you're a tax resident, consider how long you've been living in China. If you've been a resident in China but not yet registered for tax resident, you'll only pay tax on earnings made in China.
Your address in China is also a crucial factor in determining tax residency. If you're a tax resident, you'll be obligated to pay tax on both your earnings made in China and outside of China.
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Money Transfer Services
When bringing money into China, it's essential to consider the various money transfer services available.
You can bring up to 20,000 CNY (approximately $2,900 USD) into China without declaring it, as per the customs regulations.
Money transfer services like Western Union and MoneyGram are widely available in China and can be used to transfer funds from abroad.
However, these services often come with high fees and exchange rates, which can eat into your transfer amount.
Some money transfer services, like TransferWise, offer more competitive exchange rates and lower fees, making them a more cost-effective option.
If you're planning to bring a large amount of money into China, it's recommended to use a money transfer service that offers a good exchange rate and low fees.
In some cases, you may be able to get a better exchange rate by using a money transfer service that specializes in currency exchange, like OFX.
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Customs and Declaration
When entering China, international travelers can bring a maximum of $5,000 USD or 20,000 CNY in cash without declaring it to customs.
If you're entering China frequently, there are some exceptions to this rule. International travelers who enter China more than once on the same day or within 15 days don't have to adhere to this limit.
If you're carrying more than $5,000 USD or its equivalent in foreign currency, you'll need to declare it to Chinese customs. This applies to travelers who don't fall under the frequent traveler exceptions.
To clarify the declaration process, here's a breakdown of the rules for entering China with cash:
Keep in mind that these rules apply to entering China, not exiting the country. If you're leaving China, there are different regulations in place, which we'll cover in the next section.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I bring cash to China?
Yes, it's recommended to bring some local currency (RMB) to China, with at least $100-$200 USD equivalent for basic expenses. You can exchange money at the airport, a bank, or withdraw cash from an ATM.
Sources
- https://wise.com/en-cn/blog/china-money-transfer-in-and-out-limits-and-regulations
- https://chinamarketadvisor.com/cash-carrying-rules-to-enter-exit-in-china/
- https://english.shanghai.gov.cn/en-EssentialItemstoPrepare/20231212/9a3c7f512d464e0798be3fc76c8dd6f2.html
- https://www.travelchinaguide.com/essential/customs.htm
- https://sjgrand.cn/money-in-out-of-china/
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