Cash / Currency → China

Declare CNY > 20,000 or USD > 5,000 equivalent

Details

China General Administration of Customs requires arriving travelers to declare cash exceeding CNY 20,000 in renminbi notes or the foreign-currency equivalent of USD 5,000 (Notice No. 102 of 2003 and subsequent updates). Failure to declare can result in seizure pending investigation and an administrative penalty under the Customs Law of the PRC. Outbound thresholds are the same; SAFE permits may be required for larger sums.

Quantity limit

CNY 20,000 in notes / USD 5,000 in foreign currency

Documentation required

• Customs declaration form (red channel)

Legal reference

Notice No. 102 of 2003 (PBoC + GAC); Customs Law of the People's Republic of China

At the airport

1. If carrying USD 5,000 equivalent or more in foreign currency, you must declare this on the Chinese Customs Declaration Form (Entry/Exit Card). Mark the 'cash' box.
2. At PVG or PEK Red Channel, present the completed declaration to the China Customs officer along with your passport.
3. RMB above CNY 20,000 may not be imported without prior SAFE approval. Undeclared amounts above thresholds may be seized and a fine levied under China Customs Law Article 62.

Leaving with this item

China restricts foreign currency export. USD 5,000 cash without customs declaration. RMB 20,000 without declaration. Above limits require SAFE carrying permit or bank certificate.

Practical advice

Use the Red Channel (formal declaration) at any port of entry if you are over the threshold. Carry proof of the source of funds for amounts substantially above the threshold.

Customs authority

General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) · http://www.customs.gov.cn