Arriving in Hainan with foreign cash and wondering where to change it?

You have several options. You can exchange money at Haikou or Sanya airport, visit a bank or licensed currency-exchange outlet, use a self-service exchange machine, or simply withdraw RMB from an ATM with an overseas bank card.

There is also an official Hainan payment map that can help you find the nearest exchange point.

Last checked: September 2026.

If you've just arrived

The easiest option is usually to sort out a small amount of RMB at the airport.

Both Haikou Meilan International Airport and Sanya Phoenix International Airport have foreign-currency exchange services in their international terminals.

You can also withdraw RMB from an ATM if your overseas bank card is supported.

There is no need to exchange a large amount immediately. Get enough for your first day or two, then find a convenient exchange point once you have settled in.

Exchanging money at Haikou Meilan Airport

Haikou Meilan International Airport has three currency-exchange locations in Terminal 2:

• to the left of the International Arrivals exit
• behind check-in island A in the Departures Hall, before security
• opposite Gate 46 in the international departures area after security

The location opposite Gate 46 also provides departure tax-refund services.

Opening times follow the airport's international flight schedule. ML Airport

For current airport information, see Haikou Meilan International Airport's passenger facilities page.

Exchanging money at Sanya Phoenix Airport

Sanya Phoenix International Airport also has dedicated foreign-currency exchange counters in its international terminal.

You can find them:

• opposite the baggage sorting area in the International Arrivals Hall
• opposite the duty-free shop inside the international terminal's restricted area

The counters operate around international flights, with services available from two hours before international arrivals and departures. Sanya Airport

The airport currently lists currencies including US dollars, euros, British pounds, Hong Kong dollars, Canadian dollars, Australian dollars, Japanese yen, Korean won, Thai baht, Malaysian ringgit, Philippine pesos and several others.

You can check the latest information on Sanya Phoenix International Airport's currency-exchange page.

What about banks?

Many bank branches around Hainan provide foreign-currency exchange, particularly in Haikou and Sanya.

But don't assume that every branch of a major bank will exchange every currency.

A branch that handles US dollars and euros, for example, may not necessarily handle a less commonly exchanged currency.

If you are exchanging a large amount or an unusual currency, checking with the branch before travelling there can save a wasted trip.

Take your passport with you, as identification may be required.

The easiest way to find an exchange point near you

First, download the Nihao China app

The app you need is called Nihao China. Be careful not to confuse it with Nihao Mobile, which is a separate SIM-card service.

Nihao China is developed by China UnionPay and is available for both iPhone and Android.

On iPhone

Open the Apple App Store and search for:

Nihao China

Check that the developer is listed as 中国银联 / China UnionPay before installing it.

Download Nihao China from the Apple App Store

On Android

Open Google Play and search for:

Nihao China

Again, check that the developer is China UnionPay.

Download Nihao China from Google Play

UnionPay also has an official Nihao China information and setup page, which is useful if you want to check that you have the correct app. UnionPay International

Official Nihao China page from UnionPay International

Once installed, register using your email address or mobile number and log in. UnionPay's own setup guide confirms both registration methods.

Finding the Hainan Payment Service Electronic Map

Once you are logged in:

1. Open Nihao China
2. 2. Tap “Payment Methods”
3. 3. Select the Hainan Payment Service Electronic Map

The digital map allows international visitors to easily locate and use payment services throughout the island.

Hainan's official guidance specifically says the map is accessed through the Payment Methods section of Nihao China.

From there you can find nearby currency-exchange services, ATMs, bank branches and other payment facilities around Hainan.

You may not need to exchange cash at all

If you have an overseas bank card, another option is simply to withdraw RMB from an ATM.

The Hainan payment map can identify ATMs supporting networks including Visa, Mastercard and UnionPay.

Your own bank may charge an overseas withdrawal or currency-conversion fee, so check the amount shown before confirming the transaction.

For many visitors, withdrawing a modest amount of RMB is simpler than carrying a large amount of foreign currency around looking for an exchange counter.

Mobile payment is another option

Cash is no longer the only practical way to pay in Hainan.

Foreign nationals can register for services such as WeChat Pay and Alipay and link supported overseas bank cards. Current Hainan guidance lists Visa, Mastercard, UnionPay, American Express, JCB, Diners Club and Discover among the supported card networks.

That means you may only need a relatively small amount of RMB cash as a backup.

Cash can still be handy, though. Phones run out of battery, cards occasionally fail, and sometimes handing over cash is simply easier.

Keep your exchange receipt

If you exchange foreign cash for RMB, don't immediately throw away the receipt.

Foreign visitors can change unused RMB back into foreign currency using valid identification and the original exchange receipt.

The receipt remains valid for this purpose for 24 months.

For smaller amounts, there are circumstances where identification alone is sufficient, but keeping the receipt avoids unnecessary complications. The current SAFE guidance confirms the 24-month rule and the simplified arrangements for smaller exchanges. Safe.gov.cn

Can you bring RMB into China?

Yes.

The current limit for carrying RMB cash into or out of China is RMB20,000 per person, per trip. The People's Bank of China continues to publish the RMB20,000 limit under its rules on carrying Chinese currency across the border. People's Bank of China

Different rules apply if you are carrying large amounts of foreign-currency cash.

For an ordinary holiday or business trip, though, there is rarely much reason to arrive carrying a large amount of RMB.

Local Octopus tip

If you've just landed, keep it simple.

Exchange a little money at the airport or withdraw some RMB from an ATM. Once you're checked into your hotel or apartment, use the Hainan Payment Service Electronic Map to see what is nearby.

And if you're carrying a currency that isn't commonly exchanged, check before travelling across town to a particular bank.

A five-minute check can save a surprisingly long taxi ride.