Buy Chinese yuan in Australia

How to buy Chinese yuan in Australia

The easiest way to buy Chinese yuan in Australia is to order online with Travelex and collect in store or at the airport, with zero commission. You can also buy cash in store, take a Travelex Money Card, or carry a mix of both.

Sort your yuan before you fly so you land ready. If you need more once you arrive, visit a licensed bank or authorised foreign exchange provider and carry your passport.

Buy online and collect

Order online, lock in the rate and collect at your local store or at the airport before you fly.

1. Click the ‘Buy Yuan Now’ button and tell us how much you need for your trip in cash or on a Travel Card.
2. Pick where to get it and collect at more than 3,000 pick-up locations, including participating Australia Post locations and Travelex stores nationwide.
3. Pay online using either PayID, BPAY, Visa or Mastercard.

Choose cash, a Travel Money Card or a mix

• Foreign cash in Chinese yuan, ready to spend the moment you land, with click and collect from participating Australia Post locations or Travelex stores.

• Travelex Money Card, load Australian dollars before you travel and use your card for purchases in China wherever Mastercard Prepaid is accepted, with buy card and top-up options and free delivery to your home or a Travelex store.
• A mix of both, a cash buffer for markets, taxis and small vendors plus a card for card-friendly hotels and larger payments

Not sure which suits you? Go for cash if you want money in hand for everyday spending, take the card if you prefer to lock in AUD and top up on the go, or carry a mix if you want the security of both.

Where to buy and how the options compare

Exchange rates, fees and collection options vary between providers. Compare the total cost before you buy. Here’s how the main options compare:

• Specialist foreign exchange like Travelex, no commission on online orders and collection across Australia.
• Banks, often a wider margin and several business days to order a less common currency.
• Australia Post, collect eligible Travelex online orders close to home at participating Australia Post locations.
• Airport kiosks, the most expensive option, so buy before you fly rather than after you land.

Travelex is an established foreign exchange provider regulated in Australia under AFSL 222444, with secure online ordering.

China is now a largely cashless society where most day-to-day payments happen through mobile apps like Alipay and WeChat Pay. Since 2023, overseas visitors have been able to link an international Visa or Mastercard to Alipay or WeChat Pay, or set up an Alipay Tour Pass, so tourists can use mobile payments in most places. Even so, cash is still your safest fallback for small vendors, rural areas, some taxis and anywhere the apps do not work, so carry some yuan alongside your card and phone.

• Cash, flexible with no hidden fees and the most reliable backup, especially for markets, taxis and small food outlets
• Card, useful at higher-end hotels and restaurants and for ATM withdrawals, though a foreign card may attract a commission
• Mobile payments, set up Alipay or WeChat Pay before you fly and link your card, then keep yuan on hand as a backup

A few things worth knowing before you go:

• Cash limits: You can carry up to 20,000 yuan in cash in or out of China, and any foreign currency worth more than 5,000 US dollars must be declared at customs
• Checking your notes: Chinese banknotes carry a watermark, a raised portrait you can feel and a security thread, so it is worth a quick check when you receive change from small vendors
• Everyday tips: Tipping is not usually customary, some taxis add a late-night surcharge, and popular apps like Google may not work, so do not rely on them while you travel

* Rates are subject to change throughout the day. In-store rates vary compared to online.

¹Some ATM operators may charge their own fee or set limits.

^ Based on mid-market and Travelex Online AUD to FX exchange rates as of the date of the relevant social media post and/or email communication. Rates are subject to change throughout the day. Any rates and savings are quoted as a guide only.

*** Business days. Some stores open 7 days. The next available date will be displayed when ordering.

** The figures provided are indicative only and are there to provide an idea of the amount of travel money you may need during your trip.

^{Travelex Limited (ABN 36 004 179 953, AFSL Number 222444) arranges for and sells Online Foreign Currency via its Online Ordering Facility. You should consider the Terms and Conditions before deciding whether to acquire any product.}

^{Mastercard Prepaid Management Services Australia Pty Ltd (ABN 47 145 452 044, AFSL 386 837) arranges for the issue of the Travelex Money Card in conjunction with the issuer, EML Payment Solutions Limited (‘EML’)(ABN 30 131 436 532, AFSL 404131). You should consider the Product Disclosure Statement for the relevant Travelex Money Card and Target Market Determination available at www.travelex.com.au, before deciding to acquire the product. Any advice does not take into account your personal needs, financial circumstances or objectives and you should consider if it is appropriate for you. Mastercard and the circles design are registered trademarks of Mastercard International Incorporated.}