Multi-Destination Currency Guide for Hong Kong, Mainland China, Thailand, Vietnam & Myanmar

1. Currency Introduction by Destination

1.1 Mainland China

• Currency Code: CNY
• Symbol: ￥
• Basic Unit: Yuan; 1 Yuan = 10 Jiao
• Circulating Denominations
   
  Banknotes: 1 Yuan, 5 Yuan, 10 Yuan, 20 Yuan, 50 Yuan, 100 Yuan
   
  Coins: 1 Yuan, 5 Jiao, 1 Jiao
• Feature: Five languages (Chinese, Mongolian, Tibetan, Uyghur and Zhuang) are printed on RMB banknotes. Each denomination is printed with classic Chinese scenic spots and cultural landmarks.

1.2 Hong Kong, China

• Currency Code: HKD
• Symbol: HK$
• Basic Unit: Hong Kong Dollar; 1 Dollar = 100 Cents
• Circulating Denominations
   
  Banknotes: 10 HKD, 20 HKD, 50 HKD, 100 HKD, 500 HKD, 1000 HKD
   
  Coins: 10 Cents, 20 Cents, 50 Cents, 1 HKD, 2 HKD, 5 HKD, 10 HKD
• Feature: Hong Kong Dollars are widely circulated in Hong Kong. Major shopping malls, restaurants and transportation facilities accept cash and electronic payments.

1.3 Thailand

• Currency Code: THB
• Symbol: ฿
• Basic Unit: Baht; 1 Baht = 100 Satang
• Circulating Denominations
   
  Banknotes: 20 THB, 50 THB, 100 THB, 500 THB, 1000 THB
   
  Coins: 1 THB, 2 THB, 5 THB, 10 THB; Satang coins are rarely used in daily consumption.

1.4 Vietnam

• Currency Code: VND
• Symbol: ₫
• Basic Unit: Dong
• Circulating Denominations: Only polymer banknotes are commonly used; coins are out of daily circulation. Main denominations include 10,000 VND, 20,000 VND, 50,000 VND, 100,000 VND, 200,000 VND, 500,000 VND.
• Feature: The face value of Vietnamese Dong is relatively large. US dollars are occasionally accepted for tour fees at travel agencies, but daily consumption mainly uses local currency.

1.5 Myanmar

• Currency Code: MMK
• Basic Unit: Kyat; 1 Kyat = 100 Pya
• Circulating Denominations: 50 MMK, 100 MMK, 200 MMK, 500 MMK, 1,000 MMK, 5,000 MMK, 10,000 MMK, 20,000 MMK. Banknotes below 50 MMK are rarely seen.
• Feature: Foreign currency such as US dollars is popular for exchange. Please keep your USD banknotes clean and intact; worn or marked notes may be rejected by local money changers.

2. Tips on Identifying Authentic Banknotes

1. Sound Test: When gently shaking or flicking standard banknotes, they produce a clear and crisp sound. Counterfeit notes usually sound dull.
2. Touch Test: Official banknotes adopt special printing technology. Portraits, patterns and text on the notes have obvious uneven textures when touched with fingers.
3. Visual Test: Observe the watermark, anti-counterfeiting thread and color-changing ink on the banknotes under light. Authentic banknotes have clear watermarks and complete anti-counterfeiting marks.
4. Auxiliary Tools: Major banks, hotels and licensed money exchange shops are equipped with professional money detectors. You can use the equipment to verify banknotes after exchange.

3. Currency Exchange Guide

3.1 General Rules

• Exchange rates fluctuate daily. You can check real-time rates on bank official websites, official exchange rate boards in bank halls or trusted currency inquiry platforms.
• A valid passport is required for currency exchange at formal institutions in all countries and regions. Please keep all exchange receipts properly. You can convert unused local currency back to your home currency with the receipts before departure.

3.2 Exchange Channels by Destination

1. Mainland China & Hong Kong

    

   Banks, airport exchange counters, major hotels and licensed street money changers all provide foreign currency exchange services. Banks offer the most stable and official rates. Airports and hotels are convenient but usually have slightly less favorable rates. Major convertible currencies include US Dollar, Euro, British Pound, Japanese Yen, Australian Dollar and Southeast Asian currencies.
2. Thailand

    

   Recommended exchange locations: Local major banks (Bangkok Bank, Kasikorn Bank), well-known licensed exchange stores such as SuperRich. These outlets offer competitive exchange rates. Airport and hotel exchange services are convenient but not cost-effective for large amounts.
3. Vietnam

    

   Formal banks (Vietcombank, BIDV) are the safest choice. Reputable local gold and jewelry shops also provide exchange services with better rates. It is not recommended to exchange money at airports or small roadside stalls to avoid risks.
4. Myanmar

    

   Exchange services are mainly provided by major local banks, airport counters and licensed money changers in downtown areas. High-star hotels also offer exchange services with relatively poor rates. It is advised to prepare clean US dollars for exchange in advance.

3.3 General Exchange Suggestions

• Do not exchange large amounts of cash at one time to avoid safety risks.
• Try to complete currency exchange during business hours of formal institutions; avoid private transactions with strangers.
• Prepare small-denomination local currency for street snacks, taxi fares and tips.

4. Credit Card Usage

4.1 Universal Acceptance

4.2 Usage Notes by Region

1. Mainland China & Hong Kong: Credit cards are universally accepted in urban areas. Remote scenic spots and small shops may only accept cash. UnionPay cards enjoy wide coverage and preferential activities.
2. Thailand: Convenience stores, small roadside shops and some street stalls do not support card payment. When paying by card, please select local currency settlement instead of your home currency to avoid extra exchange fees.
3. Vietnam: International credit cards are accepted in major cities and tourist attractions. Most ATMs and POS machines support UnionPay cards.
4. Myanmar: Credit cards are only accepted by a small number of high-end hotels and international restaurants in major cities such as Yangon and Mandalay. Cash is still the main payment method for daily travel.

4.3 Reminder

5. ATM Withdrawal Guide

5.1 Withdrawal Limits & Service Charges

1. Mainland China & Hong Kong: Most ATMs allow a single withdrawal of 1,000 – 3,000 equivalent local currency. Each withdrawal will generate a certain cross-border handling fee.
2. Thailand: A unified fixed withdrawal fee of about 220 THB is charged per transaction by local banks. The single withdrawal limit is about 25,000 – 30,000 THB. It is recommended to withdraw a larger amount at one time to reduce the number of transactions and save fees.
3. Vietnam: The single withdrawal limit of most ATMs ranges from 2,000,000 VND to 10,000,000 VND. Some banks do not charge local withdrawal fees, but your card-issuing bank may collect cross-border fees.
4. Myanmar: ATMs only dispense Myanmar Kyat. The number of ATMs in remote areas is limited. Please withdraw enough cash in downtown areas in advance.

5.2 Universal ATM Safety Tips

1. Choose ATMs in banks, shopping malls and hotel lobbies with bright light and dense crowds; try not to use independent ATMs on remote streets, especially at night.
2. Check the card slot and password keyboard for abnormal additional devices before use. Block the keyboard with your hand when entering your password to prevent peeping.
3. If your card is swallowed by the ATM or the machine malfunctions, do not call the phone number posted on the ATM. Dial the official customer service hotline on the back of your bank card for help, and never disclose your password to others.
4. After each withdrawal, keep the transaction receipt properly and check the account balance regularly.

6. Comprehensive Travel Money Tips

1. Combination of Cash & Card: Carry a small amount of US dollars (universal for exchange in all Southeast Asian countries) plus a small amount of local cash for daily petty expenses. Use credit cards for large consumption such as accommodation and shopping for safety and convenience.
2. Peak Season Reminder: During holidays, large exhibitions and tourist peak seasons, the queuing time for bank exchange and ATM withdrawal will increase. It is recommended to prepare enough cash in advance.
3. Tips Preparation: In Thailand, Vietnam and Myanmar, it is a local custom to tip tour guides, drivers and hotel attendants. Please prepare small-denomination cash for tips.
4. Unused Currency Handling: Before leaving each destination, exchange the remaining local currency back to US dollars or your home currency at formal exchange points with exchange receipts, so as to avoid losses from repeated exchange.