Exchange Chinese Yuan (CNY) online before your trip to China
Planning a journey to one of the world’s oldest and most fascinating civilisations? What an incredible adventure awaits! To make the most of your stay, preparation is key—including setting your budget and understanding the use of local currency.
In mainland China, the official currency is the Chinese Yuan (CNY). We strongly recommend exchanging a portion of your SEK to CNY before departure to ensure you have local cash for essential expenses once you arrive. Be sure to check the SEK-CNY exchange rate online in advance to secure the best possible deal for your travel money.
Smart budgeting for your trip to China
Tipping is not customary in most parts of mainland China. However, it may be appreciated by taxi drivers, hotel staff, and tour guides.
You can plan for a daily budget of around 200 CNY per person, covering accommodation in a 2- or 3-star hotel. A daily food budget of 114 CNY is sufficient for local meals and casual dining.
70 CNY
Average nightly rate for accommodation
63 CNY
Average daily food budget per person
Good to Know
Sample prices for everyday expenses in China
3.05 CNY
Public transport ticket
7 CNY
Cup of coffee
40–60 CNY
Entrance to the Palace Museum (Beijing)
60 CNY
Stir-fried shrimp noodles
2.45 CNY/km
Taxi fare
80 CNY
Entry to the Forbidden City
Travel suggestions for your visit to China
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Hong Kong for its cosmopolitan charm and vibrant street culture.
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Huanglong National Park in Sichuan, known for its breathtaking travertine pools.
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Gansu, Hunan, Zhejiang, Tibet and Xinjiang—regions full of natural and cultural wonders.
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The Forbidden City in Beijing is a must—its ancient architecture and imperial history are simply unforgettable.
Best times to visit: Spring and autumn are ideal, with milder weather and fewer crowds. Note that summer temperatures can reach up to 40°C, with frequent rain from May to August.
When do you need cash in China?
Although China is a highly digitalised country, it is still important — and sometimes necessary — to carry CNY in cash for your purchases. This is particularly true in some rural areas, where certain shops have not yet switched to digital payment systems. Some small vendors and food markets also prefer not to use digital payments and will therefore require cash.
In some remote regions where network coverage may be poor, card terminals or mobile payment apps can become unusable. In such cases, having CNY in cash is extremely practical.
In general, exchanging your SEK to CNY before you travel is an excellent way to benefit from advantageous exchange rates. Carrying yuan in cash also helps you keep control of your travel budget.
Facts about the Chinese Yuan (CNY)
Denomination of the Chinese Yuan (CNY)
Banknotes: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 CNY, plus 1, 2, and 5 jiao
Coins: 1 yuan, 5 jiao, 1 jiao, and smaller fen denominations (5, 2, 1 fen)
The full official name of China’s currency is Renminbi Yuan, often abbreviated as RMB, meaning “the people’s currency.”
The term yuan refers to the unit itself.
Why exchange Chinese Yuan with ChangeGroup?
ChangeGroup is a global leader in currency exchange, with its headquarters in London and a wide presence across Sweden. We offer over 60 currencies, including the Chinese Yuan, available through both our online platform and physical locations.
We recommend exchanging your currency before your trip for the best exchange rate and 0% commission. With several conveniently located exchange bureaus in Sweden, buying your CNY in advance saves you time, stress, and hidden costs at your destination.
Order your Chinese Yuan today with ChangeGroup and travel with peace of mind.
Traveling soon?
Here's how to easily exchange your money:
1. Choose your currency
Determine the amount you need to enjoy your trip abroad.
2. Place an order online
Create an account and finalise your order online to enjoy our best pricing.
3. Pay at the branch
Pick up your currency at one of our branches and pay by cash or bank card.
FAQ about exchanging SEK to CNY
It is almost impossible to predict fluctuations in the SEK/CNY exchange rate. At ChangeGroup, we update our rates daily to reflect the market as accurately as possible and to offer you the most competitive prices. By planning your exchange from SEK to CNY in advance, you can monitor market trends, choose the most favourable moment, and obtain your CNY at the best rate.
We offer free collection of your CNY at the exchange office of your choice. Check the list of our branches to find the one closest to you.
By choosing to reserve your CNY online, you benefit from our best exchange rates. We also remove all fees and commissions from your transaction! You therefore know exactly how many CNY you will receive after the exchange.
Do you have a question about our services?
Find the answers to your questions in our FAQs
- How do I order currency via Travel Money Online?
- How does the BuyBack service work
- How much will I be charged when I order travel currency online?
- How much can I order online?
- How do I know which exchange rate is used?
- Will I get the same exchange rate by ordering via your website as from your shops?
- I have placed an order but I did not receive a confirmation e-mail, what should I do?


