Currency, notes, coins and rates

Currency, notes, coins and rates

 

The official Chinese currency is yuan, or RMB.

Please take some cash with you! Many Chinese stores and supermarkets don't accept credit cards. Coins are also handy, as many automatic vending machines take coins. The price level in Shanghai is rather low compared to the West, so usually you'll get more for your money.

Check the exchange rate before you come to China on Websites or in the local banks, such as this Website.

Foreigners can change foreign currencies in banks with their passports or other official documents.

With the original receipt and passport, you can change the left RMB into the home currency back.

 

These links are the five generation RMB samples:

 

100 yuan: Click here

 

50 yuan: Click here

 

20 yuan: Click here

 

10 yuan: Click here.

 

5 yuan: Click here

 

1 jiao/mao: Click here.

 

Always ask the price before accepting any services to avoid "surprises."

 

Take cash with you. Credit cards aren't widely acceptable in China, except for some four and five-star hotels.

Price level

 

Although Shanghai is China's wealthiest city, most of its products and services are inexpensive. Here are some examples to give you a rough idea of the cost of living in Shanghai:

 

A cup of Starbucks cappuccino,25 yuan

 

Big Mac meal, 15.5 yuan

 

One to four stops of Metro, 3 yuan

 

Floor price for taxi, 11 yuan for 3 kilometers

 

One pack of Marlboro, 13-15 yuan

 

A glass of beer (ordered in restaurants), 30-40 yuan

 

A glass of wine (ordered in restaurants)  , 40-50 yuan