Taking cash / currency out of China
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.
Details
Under SAFE (State Administration of Foreign Exchange) regulations and Customs Announcement 43/2012, individuals may carry up to USD 5,000 (or equivalent) in foreign currency out of China without declaration. For amounts above USD 5,000, a foreign currency carrying permit (waibi xie dai zheng) from an authorised bank is required. RMB 20,001–50,000 requires a bank exchange certificate (shuihui dan). The annual individual FX conversion quota is USD 50,000 equivalent. Violation carries administrative fines under SAFE regulations.
Quantity limits
USD 5,000 equivalent FX without declaration; RMB 20,000 without declaration; SAFE permit needed above these thresholds
Documentation required
- SAFE foreign currency carrying permit (waibi xie dai zheng) for FX over USD 5,000
- Bank exchange certificate (shuihui dan) for RMB 20,001–50,000
- Customs Currency Declaration Form (red channel)
The other direction
Bringing cash / currency into China(restricted)