Budget & Cash Estimator
Estimate your total trip budget and how much cash to bring, by length, style, and city tier.
How to Use This Tool
- Set your trip parameters. Enter the number of nights, travelers, and choose your travel style and city tier. The estimator adjusts for budget, mid-range, or comfort travel.
- Click "Estimate My Budget". You will see a full breakdown including total cost, daily spending by category, and a recommended cash amount to carry.
- Review the cash recommendation. China is mobile-payment first. The cash estimate is a safety net — bring small bills for taxis, rural vendors, and machines that only accept cash.
All calculations run in your browser. Estimates exclude international flights and assume an exchange rate of approximately 7.2 RMB per USD. Actual costs vary by season, personal choices, and exchange rate fluctuations.
Budget & Cash FAQ
What daily budget should I plan for a trip to China?
For a mid-range traveler in a Tier 1 city like Beijing or Shanghai, budget roughly 600-800 RMB (about 85-110 USD) per person per day including accommodation. Budget travelers can get by on 300-400 RMB, while comfort travelers may spend 1,200+ RMB daily. Use the estimator to get a personalized breakdown.
How should I split between cash and mobile payments?
Aim for 90% mobile payments (Alipay and WeChat Pay linked to your foreign card) and 10% cash. Carry about 1,000-2,000 RMB as a safety net for taxis without QR readers, small street vendors, and situations where your phone battery is low.
Are these budget estimates accurate for my actual trip?
The estimates provide a reasonable starting point based on typical travel patterns. Actual costs vary by season (prices spike during Golden Week and Chinese New Year), your specific choices, and exchange rates. Treat the estimate as a planning baseline rather than an exact prediction.
What exchange rate does this tool use?
The tool uses a fixed rate of approximately 7.2 RMB per USD, which is a mid-range estimate. Actual exchange rates fluctuate daily. Check the current rate with your bank or currency exchange service before your trip for more accurate planning.
Should I bring USD or RMB to China?
Bring RMB if possible. You can exchange USD at bank counters in China, but it requires your passport and takes time. ATMs at major banks like ICBC and Bank of China accept foreign cards and dispense RMB directly. Avoid airport exchange counters, which offer poor rates.