By continuing you agree to eChinacities's Privacy Policy .
Sign up with Google
Sign up with Facebook
Q: Foreign exchange in airports - any limit when leaving China?
recently there was a question regarding the $500 daily limit to exchanging from RMB for foreigners in banks.
Has anyone experienced a similar limit to exchanging from RMB in airport foreign exchange facilities when leaving?
9 years 45 weeks ago in Money & Banking - China
I'm pretty sure last time I changed money at an airport that was the rule, yes.
the airports will give terrible rates, and rip you off badly to pay the labor and rent there, not a good idea except for your last pocket money when leaving.
I've just changed 30,000 RMB into Aust dollars at the bank and only paid a small fee.
The key? I didn't do it, my wife did. Perhaps you have a Chinese friend who could change the money for you?
Currency exchange shops at airports don't give the best rates.
Also remember that there is a limit to currency you can take out of China. The last I heard, it was 5000 USD or equivalent in other currencies.
You are much better off doing it through a Chinese friend at the bank of China etc. or just have them wire transfer it for you, but that is a bit more complicated and the flat fee is 200 rmb so it is to only transfer if needed or for a large amount of money.
cheers guys
i was hoping not to have to bring my local friend to the bank again, but it looks like that's what i'll be doing. 
ou812:
Don’t feel too bad about it. You seem like a wonderful person so I am sure they are glad to help you, if you feel obligated then treat them to a cup of tea or an ice cream cone. China really needs to join the 21st century in its banking practices and hundreds of other things. I wish you a safe trip back to reality :- )
As far as I know there was a rule about maximum amount of money that can be exchange in a period of time, also there is a maximum amount of money that can be hand-carried when you're leaving China (20/30k rmb or smth), don't remember the exact amounts and perhaps there are new rules/limits you better ask the customer service in airport just give them phone calls.
Btw, better go to banks for forex. The forex services in airports are usually much more expensive than the banks.
Just take the RMB with you and exchange it at your destination. There are forex outfits everywhere that'll take your RMB, but not all banks.
Of course I'm not suggesting leave China with only RMB in your pockets, prepare or exchange for some USD/Euro before you leave just to get you by for a couple days until you can exchange your RMB.
bill8899:
Don't take it home! They want 900 RMB for $100 where I live! It's sabotage! Exchange RMB in China. Bring a Chinese friend to the bank, let them change it for you. They can exchange as much as you like, up to $50,000.
Iron_Monkey:
I get very fair rates when exchanging RMB at forex outlets back home. You can search for forex outfits in your hometown online, call them and ask first what is the rate on exchanging RMB.
Another option is to check if your destination has any ATM's that accepts UnionPay cards and simply withdraw the money. Again, I've done this back home and get fair rates, too. If viable, you can stop over in Hong Kong you could also exchange it there. You just need a couple hours to run downtown and back.
I think it will get more interesting when Chinese banking law starts requiring citizens to first deposit the RMB into their personal account for a minimum 72 hours before being able to exchange it. :-P
Avoid the airport if you can.
I have changed money there twice and the deal was different both times (same window though). The rate will generally be worse too.
If you can't wire it, get it done at a bank.
