Jiao Currency 101: A Beginner's Guide to China's Currency

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Jiao currency is a small-denomination currency in China, and it's essential to understand how it works if you're planning to travel there.

The jiao is subdivided into 10 fen, but it's no longer used in everyday transactions. Instead, it's mostly used for small purchases or as a supplement to the renminbi (RMB).

To make things more manageable, the jiao is often abbreviated as CNY, which stands for Chinese yuan. This is the official currency of China, and it's widely accepted throughout the country.

In China, you can find jiao coins in denominations of 1, 2, and 5 jiao. These coins are made of a combination of copper, nickel, and zinc, and they're designed to be durable and long-lasting.

What is China's Currency?

China's currency is the Chinese yuan, also known as renminbi. It's commonly abbreviated as CNY.

The yuan is divided into 10 jiao, and you'll see the symbol ¥ used to show prices in China.

Chinese banknotes are available in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 40 and 100 yuan. The 2 yuan note is seldom used.

You'll also find Chinese coins in 1 yuan and 1 and 5 jiao denominations.

On a similar theme: Rmb vs Yuan

Chinese Yuan and Fen Core

Collection of assorted round amulets in shape of Chinese coins with red satin threads
Credit: pexels.com, Collection of assorted round amulets in shape of Chinese coins with red satin threads

The Chinese Yuan and Fen Core is a fundamental part of the Chinese currency system.

There are three basic measuring units for Chinese currency: Yuan, Jiao, and Fen. Yuan is the primary unit, equivalent to the dollar and pound.

The relationship between these units is straightforward: 10 Fen = 1 Jiao, and 10 Jiao = 1 Yuan.

Here's a summary of the conversion formulas:

  • 10 Fen = 1 Jiao (or 1 Mao)
  • 10 Jiao = 1 Yuan (or 1 Kuai)
  • 100 Fen = 1 Yuan

For example, 8.88 Yuan can also be expressed as 8 Yuan, 8 Jiao, and 8 Fen.

Features of Chinese Currency

The Chinese Yuan is the primary unit of currency in China, equivalent to the dollar and pound in other countries. It's also referred to as Kuai by many Chinese people.

There are three basic measuring units for Chinese currency: Yuan, Jiao, and Fen. Jiao is also referred to as Mao by many Chinese, and it's equivalent to the dime in American currency.

The conversion formulas for the three Chinese money units are straightforward: 10 Fen = 1 Jiao (or 1 Mao), and 10 Jiao = 1 Yuan (or 1 Kuai). Additionally, 100 Fen = 1 Yuan.

Crop elegant man taking notes in journal while working at desk with coins and piggybank in lamplight
Credit: pexels.com, Crop elegant man taking notes in journal while working at desk with coins and piggybank in lamplight

Here's a breakdown of the currency values:

  • 10 Fen = 1 Jiao (or 1 Mao)
  • 10 Jiao = 1 Yuan (or 1 Kuai)
  • 100 Fen = 1 Yuan

The Chinese Yuan has undergone several changes over the years, with the second version being introduced in 1955 by the People's Bank of China. This version had a ratio of 10,000:1 with the first version, which was gradually phased out.

The current Chinese currency is called Rénmínbì (RMB), which translates to "people's currency."

Description of Chinese Currency

The Chinese currency is a fascinating topic. The Chinese currency is called the Renminbi (RMB), but it's more commonly referred to as the Chinese Yuan (CNY) or simply the Yuan.

The Yuan is divided into 10 smaller units called Jiao, and each Jiao is further divided into 10 even smaller units called Fen. You can buy a cup of coffee with a few Fen, but you can also use them to buy a meal.

One Yuan is equivalent to 10 Jiao, which is a convenient unit for everyday transactions. You'll often see prices listed in Jiao instead of Fen, especially in smaller shops and markets.

Explore further: How to Buy Kuwaiti Dinar

Wooden sculpture of a laughing Buddha adorned with coins and beads, showcasing spiritual abundance.
Credit: pexels.com, Wooden sculpture of a laughing Buddha adorned with coins and beads, showcasing spiritual abundance.

The Chinese government has introduced a new digital currency, the Digital Currency Electronic Payment (DCEP), which is still in the experimental phase. This digital currency is designed to be more efficient and secure than traditional cash.

The Yuan is a widely traded currency and is used by many countries as a reserve currency. Its value can fluctuate depending on market conditions, but it's generally stable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is jiao the same as yuan?

No, jiao is a subdivision of the yuan, not the same as yuan. Jiao is 1/10 of a yuan, and further divided into 10 fen.

Does China still use jiao?

China still uses the jiao as a subunit of the yuan, but it's no longer a widely accepted form of currency for everyday transactions.

How many jiao are in 1 yuan?

One yuan is divided into 10 jiao. The Chinese currency is structured in a decimal system, making it easy to convert between yuan, jiao, and fen.

Ruben Quitzon

Lead Assigning Editor

Ruben Quitzon is a seasoned assigning editor with a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling. With a background in finance and journalism, Ruben has honed his expertise in covering complex topics with clarity and precision. Throughout his career, Ruben has assigned and edited articles on a wide range of topics, including the banking sectors of Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands.

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