The official currency in China is the Renminbi (RMB or CNY)or in Chinese "Ren-min-bi". which translates as" the people's money", and is generally used in the same way we use the word' currency'-the Renmibi exchange rate, for instance. The basic unit is the yuan (also known as "kuai"),which is used to express all quantities including prices in shops etc. The yuan comes in paper notes of 1. 2, 5, 10, 50 and 100 yuan notes, and 1 yuan coins. 1 yuan equals 10 jiao(or mao).
Always check your change to be sure that you have not confused jiao and yuan. Jiao notes and coins can be useful is you want to drop small change into a beggar's bowl. Foreign currency (cash or traveler's checks) may be exchanged for Chinese currency at licensed exchange facilities of the Bank of China and other authorized banks. Money exchange facilities are available at major airports, hotels, and department stores. Major brands of traveler’s checks are accepted at such exchange facilities and cash advances against a credit card can be arranged, a service charge is usually added. Consult with your bank before departing the United States to be sure that your brand of check or credit card will be accepted. Major credit cards (American Express, Mastercard and Visa) are accepted by most major hotels and in many well-known restaurants. ATMs compatible with US bankcards are also available throughout Hong Kong and to a limited extent in major Mainland cities such as Shanghai and Beijing.