Quick answer
declare ✅ Official
Declare over RMB 20,000 or foreign cash over US$5,000 (keep the form to take it out).
CN¥35,500 ✅ Official
Cash & currency rules in China
Declare over RMB 20,000 or foreign cash over US$5,000 (keep the form to take it out). ✅ Official
Shanghai Government – Customs clearance guide for inbound passengers
Duty-free allowance in China
CN¥5,000: Residents: goods bought abroad up to RMB 5,000 duty-free; duty on the excess. 🟣 Reported
Postal/baggage tax of about 13–50% by item (20% is typical for general goods). ≈ Estimated
Leaving United States
- Report more than US$10,000 in cash when leaving the U.S. ✅ Official
⚖️ If you don't declare
- Not declaring cash above RMB 20,000 / US$5,000: the excess can be confiscated and fined.
- Undeclared dutiable goods: duty plus fines; smuggling is a criminal offence.
≈ Estimated
Frequently asked questions
Can I carry Cash & currency from United States to China?
Declare over RMB 20,000 or foreign cash over US$5,000 (keep the form to take it out).
Do I need to declare Cash & currency when arriving in China?
declare. Declare over RMB 20,000 or foreign cash over US$5,000 (keep the form to take it out).
How much can I bring duty-free from United States to China?
CN¥5,000. Residents: goods bought abroad up to RMB 5,000 duty-free; duty on the excess.
Can I pay customs duty online before travelling to China?
There is no online pre-payment for China at the moment. Declare at the red channel on arrival if you are over the allowance.
Related guides
- Gold jewellery: United States → China
- Mobile phones: United States → China
- Laptops & tablets: United States → China
- Alcohol: United States → China
- United States → China
- All rules for China
Sources
- ✅ Official Shanghai Government – Customs clearance guide for inbound passengers
- 🟣 Reported China Daily – China Customs passenger allowances
- ✅ Official CBP – Customs duty information
Last checked: 2026-11-09