Currency Exchange At Beijing Airport: What You Need To Know

Beijing Capital International Airport and Beijing Daxing International Airport have currency exchange facilities available for travellers. However, some travellers recommend avoiding the currency exchange counters at the airport, particularly Travelex, due to potentially poor exchange rates and additional fees. Instead, it is suggested that travellers use the ATMs or bank counters in the airport, or wait until they reach the city to exchange their currency.

Currency exchange at Beijing Airport

Beijing Capital International Airport and Beijing Daxing International Airport have currency exchange facilities for foreign visitors.

Currency Exchange Counters

Beijing Airport has currency exchange counters in the arrival hall. There are seven currency exchange outlets in the two airports. The Bank of China has a booth in the arrival area of the Beijing Airport, just before you exit the arrivals gate and enter the terminal. This booth is open 24/7 and does not charge travellers' check or transaction fees.

Other banks with windows set up at the airport for foreign currency exchange include the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, the Agricultural Bank of China, and the Construction Bank of China. Some of these banks can also provide cash advances with a Visa card. The bank windows are open during normal flight and arrival/departure hours.

ATMs

There are 12 ATMs and four auto cash exchange machines located throughout the airport terminal. The usual bank fee for withdrawing money in foreign currencies is 4%. The ATMs are available 24 hours a day and accept the following cards:

• UnionPay
• Visa
• MasterCard
• American Express
• JCB
• Diners Club
• Discover

Tips

• The rate is better at the banks in the main hall than at the Travelex counter near the luggage carousel.
• Exchange rates and fees are controlled and the same everywhere within China.
• Save your receipts as they are needed to change Renminbi (yuan) back into foreign currency.
• If you are using an international card, look for an ATM with your card system's logo. Bank of China machines accept most international cards and are reliable and easy to use.

Bank of China at Beijing Airport

Currency exchange is available at Beijing Airport. The airport has added signage for airport payment service centres in its arrival hall, and there are kiosks for currency exchange, small-denomination cash exchange, and facilities selling transportation cards (Yikatong).

The Bank of China has a booth in the arrival area of the Beijing Airport, just before you exit the arrivals gate and enter the terminal. This booth does not charge for travellers' cheques or other transaction fees, and it is open 24/7. The Bank of China in the international separating area on the second floor also provides foreign currency exchange for passengers.

ATMs are available throughout the airport, and these are available 24 hours a day.

ATM currency exchange

When it comes to currency exchange at Beijing Airport, travellers have a few options, including exchanging cash at the airport or using an ATM. While it is possible to exchange cash at the airport, some travellers have reported that certain bank counters offer better rates than others. For example, it is recommended to avoid Travelex and opt for banks such as the Agriculture Bank or Bank of China, which generally offer better rates.

Using an ATM is another option for currency exchange at Beijing Airport. ATMs are available in the arrival hall, and there are 24 of them across the two major airports. Using an ATM can be a convenient and economical way to get cash while travelling, as they often offer good exchange rates. However, it is important to be aware of potential ATM fees, such as international or transaction fees, surcharge fees, and poor exchange rates. To minimise fees, it is recommended to use ATMs at major banks or post offices, and to always choose to pay in the local currency to avoid additional conversion fees.

When using an ATM for currency exchange, it is also important to prioritise safety. This includes being aware of ATM scams and counterfeit money, covering the keyboard when entering your password, and choosing an ATM inside a bank or airport rather than a standalone machine. Additionally, it is advisable to inform your bank that you will be using your card abroad and to have a backup card or cash in case of emergencies.

Overall, while Beijing Airport does have currency exchange options available, using an ATM can be a convenient and cost-effective choice, especially if you do your research beforehand and are mindful of potential fees and safety concerns.

Travelex counter

Beijing Capital International Airport does have currency exchange services available. Travelex is one of the providers offering currency exchange at the airport.

While Travelex is a well-known and easily accessible option, with over 1,100 stores worldwide, it is recommended that you avoid the Travelex counter in the Beijing Airport luggage area due to its unfavourable exchange rates and additional fees. Instead, you can opt for the banks located in the main hall of the airport, which typically offer better exchange rates.

If you wish to exchange a large amount of money, it is advisable to do so at a bank in the city, as they may have higher transaction limits compared to the airport branches. The Bank of China is a recommended option, as it does not charge additional fees for travellers' cheques and is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Additionally, withdrawing cash from ATMs is another convenient option. You can find ATMs in the airport's arrival hall and throughout Beijing. When using ATMs, ensure that your debit or credit card is authorised for use in China, and always be cautious of potential scams and counterfeit money.

Bank counters

Beijing Capital International Airport and Beijing Daxing International Airport have currency exchange facilities. There are five bank branches and seven currency exchange counters in the two airports.

The following banks have windows set up at the airport for foreign currency exchange: Bank of China, the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, the Agricultural Bank of China, and the Construction Bank of China. The Bank of China in the international separating area on the second floor also provides foreign currency exchange for passengers.

Some travellers recommend avoiding the Travelex counter near the luggage carousel, as it is known for poor rates and fees. Instead, they suggest using one of the bank counters in the main hall, which offer better rates.

It is worth noting that the rate downtown is slightly better than at the airport, but you will save time by exchanging at the airport.

Frequently asked questions