What if the merchant refuses to accept RMB?

It is illegal to refuse RMB in any way and for any reason. No unit or individual may refuse to repay all public and private debts in People's Republic of China (PRC) in RMB. It is forbidden to damage the RMB and hinder its circulation.

It is illegal to refuse 1 dime coins, or to refuse small denomination RMB because it is inconvenient to change, and to take discriminatory measures to exclude cash, which damages the legal status of RMB. At present, there are no relevant laws and regulations to stipulate the corresponding clear legal responsibilities and punishment measures for illegal acts of refusing to accept RMB.

Because it is not uncommon to refuse cash. In order to maintain the circulation order of RMB, protect the legitimate rights and interests of consumers, and standardize the cash receipt and payment behavior in tourism, catering, retail, transportation and other industries, as well as in administrative undertakings and public services, the People's Bank of China issued the Notice on Regulating the Refusal of Cash in mid-July, 20 18, standardizing the choice and application of payment methods by social and economic entities, and emphasizing that RMB (including banknotes and coins) is the legal right of People's Republic of China (PRC). Except in cases where non-cash payment instruments should be used according to law, no unit or individual may refuse to accept cash by means of format clauses, notices, statements, notices, etc. Any unit or individual shall not speculate on the concept of "cashless" when promoting non-cash payment tools. On the premise of accepting cash payment, encourage the use of safe and legal non-cash payment tools to protect the rights of the people and consumers to choose their own payment methods. All kinds of subjects should put themselves in their own shoes, negotiate and solve the problem of payment method selection, and reasonably reflect their demands. In the process of building intelligent and information-based cities, all localities should pay attention to protecting the legitimate rights and interests of all consumers and create a good atmosphere for the whole society to consciously safeguard the legal status of RMB.

On the basis of comprehensive management, the People's Bank of China will focus on administrative undertakings, public services and large and medium-sized merchants, and resolutely investigate and deal with unfair competition, malicious or discriminatory measures to exclude cash. Any unit or individual that refuses or takes discriminatory measures to exclude illegal activities such as cash shall make rectification within one month from the date of announcement. After the expiration of the rectification period, there are still illegal acts, which shall be investigated and dealt with by the branches of the People's Bank of China in conjunction with relevant departments.