Rates here run weak, so treat T4’s Currency Exchange as backup
This Currency Exchange counter in T4 runs daily 06:30–23:00 and most flyers only swap a starter amount of cash here. Reviews out of Hangzhou Xiaoshan say the spread versus mid‑market can be several percent worse than pulling RMB from a Chinese bank ATM in town, so think “taxi money,” not full trip budget.
Post‑security in Terminal T4, the counter mainly handles foreign cash to CNY during those 6:30–23:00 hours. Travellers report the rate as “tourist” level and often swap the equivalent of ¥200–¥400 just to cover a first Didi cancellation, a snack, or a hotel deposit, then do the rest at city ATMs or banks the next day.
FlyerTalk regulars comparing notes say Hangzhou city ATMs from major banks typically beat the airport counter by more than 3–4% on the same card. Several TripAdvisor and Reddit threads also warn that some Chinese airport counters add a handling or commission fee that only shows on the receipt, so check the fee line carefully before signing anything.
Power move here: open XE, OANDA, or a similar app and compare the posted rate at T4’s window against live mid‑market for your currency. Many repeat visitors cap exchanges when the spread climbs past about 3–4%, then lean on Alipay, WeChat Pay, or UnionPay cards for most payments around Hangzhou.
Tip: if you land before 23:00 and still want cash, exchange the smallest amount you’re comfortable with in T4, then plan on a Bank of China or ICBC ATM in the city for the rest.