How much does a trip to China cost per day?
Costs vary enormously by city — Beijing and Shanghai sit at the expensive end, while smaller cities and inland provinces are far cheaper — and by season. The tiers below are rough estimates in USD per person per day, covering accommodation, food, local transport and modest sightseeing. They are planning figures only, not quotes, and exchange rates and prices will move between now and your trip.
| Travel style | Rough daily budget (USD) | What it typically covers |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | ~$40–70 | Hostels or budget hotels, street food and local eateries, metro and buses, free or low-cost sights |
| Mid-range | ~$100–200 | 3–4 star hotels, a mix of restaurants, taxis occasionally, paid attractions |
| Comfortable | ~$250+ | International hotel chains, nicer restaurants, private transfers or high-speed rail first class, guided tours |
Add intercity transport (high-speed rail and domestic flights are excellent value but add up), travel insurance, shopping and a contingency buffer of 10–15%. When deciding how much cash to bring, remember that mobile payment covers most daily spending once set up — cash is mainly a backup. If you plan to bring or exchange larger amounts, read our currency exchange guide for customs declaration limits and where to get a fair rate, and the payment methods overview for how to split money across cash, cards and apps.
How to save on fees while traveling
Fees rarely feel painful in the moment, but they compound over a two-week trip. A few habits keep them under control:
- Make fewer, larger ATM withdrawals. Most ATMs and home banks charge per transaction, so five small withdrawals can cost far more than one larger one. Balance this against the risk of carrying too much cash.
- Use a card with no foreign transaction fee if you have one. Card terms vary by issuer — commonly in the 0–3% range — so check yours before departure rather than assuming.
- Always pay in the local currency. When a shop or ATM offers to bill you in your home currency, decline. Dynamic currency conversion almost always uses a worse exchange rate than your card network.
- Know your app fee thresholds. Foreign-card payments through tourist Alipay or WeChat Pay may incur a percentage fee above certain amounts, so large purchases can be cheaper by card or cash. Check current policy in the app.
Do you tip in China?
Short answer: no. Mainland China has no tipping culture. In restaurants, taxis, and for most services, tipping is neither expected nor customary, and leaving money on the table can occasionally cause confusion — staff may chase you down to return it. Prices on menus are what you pay.
There are partial exceptions in the tourist economy: staff at some international hotels may accept a tip for bellhop or housekeeping service, and private tour guides or drivers on multi-day tours sometimes receive a gratuity as a gesture of thanks. Even there, it is optional rather than an obligation, and nobody will be offended if you don't.
VAT tax refund for tourists
Foreign visitors can claim a value-added tax (VAT) refund on eligible purchases, which can meaningfully offset the cost of higher-value shopping. The general process works like this:
- Shop at designated tax-refund stores. Look for the "Tax Free" or refund signage, and ask before paying if unsure — not every shop participates.
- Meet the minimum spend threshold. A minimum purchase amount per store per day applies; the exact figure is set by policy and can change.
- Collect the paperwork. At checkout, present your passport and ask for the tax refund form together with your receipts (fapiao).
- Process the refund at the airport on departure. Before leaving the country, go to the customs/refund counter with your passport, receipts, refund forms and the purchased goods — items may be inspected, so keep them accessible rather than buried in checked luggage.
Refund rates, thresholds, eligible goods and participating airports are all set by official policy and have been adjusted in recent years, so confirm the current rules with official sources or the store before making a big purchase specifically for the refund.
Frequently asked questions
How much money do I need per day in China?
Rough estimates: budget travel around $40–70 USD per day, mid-range $100–200, comfortable $250 and up. These are planning figures only — city, season and exchange rates all shift the real number.
Do you tip in restaurants in China?
No — tipping is not part of mainland Chinese dining culture and is not expected in restaurants or taxis. Some tourist hotels accept tips, but they're optional.
Can tourists get a tax refund on shopping?
Yes, on eligible purchases at designated stores, above a minimum spend, processed at the airport on departure with passport, receipts and refund forms. Confirm current policy before you shop — thresholds and procedures change.
What's the easiest way to cut travel money fees?
Fewer, larger ATM withdrawals; a card with no foreign transaction fee if you have one; and always choosing local currency over home-currency billing. More answers in our travel money FAQ.