What Currency Should I Bring to Canton Fair?

By Yaurapulse

Supplier Verification & Communication

You are packing for the Canton Fair. You have your passport, buyer badge, business cards, and samples. But what about money? Should you bring US dollars? Chinese yuan? Both? Should you rely on your credit card? Do you need cash at all?

What currency should you bring to the Canton Fair?

The short answer: Bring Chinese yuan (RMB/CNY) cash as backup, set up Alipay or WeChat Pay with your foreign card, and carry some US dollars for emergencies. China is largely a cashless society, and mobile payments (Alipay and WeChat Pay) are accepted almost everywhere. However, having some RMB cash is essential for small vendors, taxis, and emergencies. US dollars are not widely accepted for daily purchases but can be exchanged at banks and exchange counters.

In this guide, I will cover what currency to bring, how much cash to carry, how to exchange money, payment methods, and tips for managing money at the Canton Fair.

The basics: China's currency

China's official currency is the Chinese Yuan (CNY), also called Renminbi (RMB). The symbol is CNY.

Denominations:

  • Banknotes: 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 yuan
  • Coins: 0.1, 0.5, 1, 5 yuan

Exchange rate (approximate, 2026):

  • 1 USD is about 7.2-7.3 RMB
  • 1 EUR is about 7.8-8.0 RMB
  • 1 GBP is about 9.1-9.3 RMB

Important: The exchange rate fluctuates daily. Check the current rate before your trip.

What currency do Canton Fair suppliers prefer?

There is a growing trend at the Canton Fair for settling deals in Chinese yuan (RMB) rather than US dollars. Here is why:

Why suppliers prefer RMB:

  • No exchange rate risk for the supplier
  • Faster and cheaper bank transfers
  • Avoids USD fluctuation against local currencies
  • Many buyers also prefer RMB to avoid exchange losses

Why some deals still use USD:

  • USD is still the international trade standard
  • Some buyers' banks only handle USD
  • Long-term contracts may be priced in USD

What this means for you as a buyer:

  • Most suppliers can quote in either USD or RMB
  • Ask for both quotes and compare
  • If paying by T/T, both USD and RMB are usually accepted
  • RMB pricing may give you a better rate since suppliers do not need to build in exchange rate buffer

TIP: When negotiating, ask the supplier to quote in both USD and RMB. Compare the RMB price against the USD price using the current exchange rate. Sometimes the RMB quote is better because the supplier does not add an exchange rate safety margin.

How much RMB cash should you bring?

China is largely cashless, but you still need some cash for situations where mobile payment is not available.

Recommended: 500-1,000 RMB in cash

This covers:

  • Taxis that do not accept mobile payment
  • Small street food vendors
  • Tips for porters or bellhops (though tipping is not customary in China)
  • Emergency situations
  • Small purchases at local markets

What you do NOT need cash for:

  • Most restaurants and cafes (accept Alipay/WeChat)
  • Hotels (accept cards or mobile payment)
  • Metro tickets (can buy with phone)
  • Large purchases at the fair (handled by bank transfer after the fair)

WARNING: Do not carry large amounts of cash. China is generally safe, but pickpockets do operate in crowded areas like the Canton Fair. Keep cash in a money belt or hidden pocket.

Can you use US dollars at the Canton Fair?

Generally, no. US dollars are not accepted for daily purchases in China. You cannot pay for meals, taxis, or hotel rooms with USD cash.

Where USD might be accepted:

  • Some high-end hotels (at a poor exchange rate)
  • Some suppliers may accept USD cash for small sample orders (but prefer bank transfer)
  • Exchange counters and banks (to convert to RMB)

TIP: If you bring USD, exchange it at a bank or official exchange counter for RMB. Do not try to spend USD directly - you will get a bad rate or be refused.

How to exchange foreign currency to RMB

You have several options to exchange your home currency to RMB:

  1. Exchange at home before your trip. This is often the most convenient option. Check if your local bank can provide RMB.
  2. Exchange at Guangzhou Baiyun Airport. The airport has multiple currency exchange counters. Rates are usually slightly worse than banks.
  3. Exchange at a bank in Guangzhou. Major banks like Bank of China, ICBC, and Construction Bank offer currency exchange. You will need your passport. Banks generally offer the best rates.
  4. Exchange at a hotel. Most hotels offer exchange services, but rates are usually worse than banks.
  5. Use an ATM. Withdraw RMB directly from an ATM using your foreign debit/credit card. This gives you the wholesale exchange rate plus a small fee.
  6. Use official exchange counters. Guangzhou has over 6,800 currency exchange points, including at the Canton Fair venue, major hotels, and shopping areas.

TIP: Avoid exchanging money at the airport or hotel if you can - rates are usually 2-5% worse than banks. If you need cash immediately, exchange a small amount at the airport and the rest at a bank.

Payment methods at the Canton Fair

  1. Alipay - The most widely accepted payment method in China. Link your international credit card (Visa, Mastercard) to Alipay. Accepted at almost all merchants, restaurants, taxis, and vendors.
  2. WeChat Pay - The second most widely accepted. Link your international credit card. Accepted at most places that accept Alipay.
  3. Credit/debit cards - Limited acceptance. Major hotels and large restaurants accept Visa/Mastercard. Small shops, street vendors, and taxis usually do NOT accept cards.
  4. Cash (RMB) - Backup option. Accepted everywhere as legal tender. Best for small purchases and emergencies.
  5. US dollars - Limited use. Not accepted for daily purchases. Can be exchanged at banks and exchange counters.

How to set up Alipay for foreigners

Alipay is the most useful payment app for foreigners in China. Here is how to set it up:

  1. Download Alipay. Search for Alipay in the App Store or Google Play.
  2. Register with your phone number. Use your international phone number. Alipay supports global phone numbers.
  3. Complete identity verification. You will need to upload your passport photo and take a selfie.
  4. Link your international credit card. Go to Me, Bank Cards, plus, enter your Visa or Mastercard details.
  5. Set up the Tour Pass (if needed). Alipay has a special Tour Pass feature for short-term visitors. It allows you to load money onto a prepaid balance using your foreign card.

TIP: Set up Alipay before you leave home. You will need your passport and credit card. Test it by making a small transaction if possible.

How to set up WeChat Pay for foreigners

  1. Download WeChat. Search for WeChat in the App Store or Google Play.
  2. Register with your phone number. Use your international phone number.
  3. Link your international credit card. Go to Me, Services, Wallet, Cards, plus, enter your card details.
  4. Verify your identity. You may need to upload your passport.

TIP: WeChat Pay is slightly less convenient for foreigners than Alipay, but it is still widely accepted. Set up both if you can.

Paying suppliers at the Canton Fair

Important: You should NOT pay suppliers in cash at the Canton Fair. Here is how supplier payments work:

For small samples (under $100):

  • Some suppliers may accept WeChat/Alipay transfer
  • Some may accept cash (RMB or USD)
  • Get a receipt

For larger orders:

  • Payment is handled by bank transfer (T/T) after the fair
  • Most suppliers accept USD or RMB by T/T
  • Deposit is usually 30% before production, 70% before shipment
  • Never pay the full amount upfront for a new supplier

WARNING: Do not carry large amounts of cash to pay suppliers. Use bank transfer for all significant payments. If a supplier insists on cash only, be cautious.

Money tips for the Canton Fair

  1. Set up Alipay and WeChat Pay before you leave home. This is the most important preparation.
  2. Bring 500-1,000 RMB in cash for emergencies and small purchases.
  3. Bring some USD cash for exchange backup (200-500 USD).
  4. Notify your bank that you will be traveling to China to avoid card blocks.
  5. Use ATMs to withdraw RMB if you run out of cash.
  6. Keep small denominations. Many vendors have trouble making change for large bills.
  7. Check the exchange rate before exchanging money.
  8. Do not exchange money on the street. Use banks, hotels, or official exchange counters.
  9. Use bank transfer for supplier payments. Never carry large amounts of cash.
  10. Keep receipts for all transactions.

What to do if you run out of money

  1. Use an ATM. ATMs at the venue, metro stations, and banks accept international cards.
  2. Exchange more foreign currency. Go to a bank or exchange counter.
  3. Use mobile payment. If you have Alipay/WeChat Pay set up with your card, you can pay without cash.
  4. Ask your supplier for help. They may be able to lend you some cash or help you find an ATM.
  5. Go to the Canton Fair service center. The venue has a service desk that can provide information about nearby ATMs and exchange counters.

Safety tips for handling money in China

  • Do not flash large amounts of cash. Keep most of your money hidden.
  • Use a money belt or hidden pouch for cash and passport.
  • Be careful with your phone. It contains your Alipay and WeChat Pay accounts. Use a screen lock.
  • Do not give your phone to strangers to help with payment.
  • Check your receipts before signing or paying.
  • Beware of pickpockets in crowded areas.
  • Keep copies of your passport and cards in case of loss or theft.

Bottom Line

  1. Bring 500-1,000 RMB in cash for emergencies and small purchases.
  2. Set up Alipay and WeChat Pay with your international credit card before your trip.
  3. Bring some USD cash (200-500) for exchange backup.
  4. Most suppliers accept both USD and RMB for orders - ask for both quotes.
  5. RMB is becoming preferred for trade settlements to avoid exchange rate risk.
  6. Credit cards are not widely accepted outside of hotels and large restaurants.
  7. Use bank transfer (T/T) for supplier payments - never pay large amounts in cash.
  8. Exchange money at banks for the best rates, not at airports or hotels.
  9. ATMs accept international cards for RMB withdrawals.
  10. China has 6,800+ exchange points and 16,000+ merchants accepting foreign cards.

With Alipay set up and a small amount of RMB cash in your pocket, you will be able to pay for almost anything at the Canton Fair. Prepare your mobile payments before you leave home, and you will have a smooth, cashless experience in Guangzhou.

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