For acquaintances and coworkers, you can dole out around 10-50 CNY. The most cash is usually reserved for parents, but Chinese parents generally do not like taking cash from their children. For immediate family and close relatives, New Year’s cash can range from 200-1000 Chinese Yuan (CNY) depending on how close you are.

There are no set rules as to how much you should give. No particular amount is set as to how much you should place in a red pocket. As the economy improved, the value of luck cash also increased. Children were happy to receive five cents. When paper currency was established in China, people would pick out bills with successive numbers to symbolize continuous success.Īfter the Second World War, as China’s economy plummeted, the amount of money placed in red pockets significantly decreased. In the 20th century, 100 cents were wrapped in red paper to represent living up to 100 years old chǎng mìng bǎi suì (长命百岁). The Right Amount of Money to Place in a Red Pocket When giving red paper to your elder loved ones, thank them sincerely and wish them good health and longevity. That way, you prevent children from wasting or losing cash. It also best to make sure that the parents see you handing out a red pocket to their child. With a smile on your face, tell the recipients “happy New Year!,” “wish you success in school!” or “hope you have a great year!” instead of just “here’s your lucky money.” If you are rather old and in the position of giving out red pockets rather than receiving them, try to be soft and suave when handing them over.

You are traditionally expected to perform three kē tóu when given a red pocket.įor less traditional families, children use the phrase gong xǐ fā cái, hóng bāo ná lái (恭喜发财，红包拿来), meaning “wishing you wealth and prosperity, hand over the red envelope.” If you say it with enough conviction, it should melt hearts and open pockets! If you want to learn more about traditional Chinese customs, check out our article on Chinese New Year Clothes, Chinese New Year decorations, and Chinese New Year greetings.

Give me pocket money