A season of feasting and receiving ang baos — Chinese New Year sparks so much excitement and joy for all of us (if you’re unmarried that is)! However, if you’ve joined the married club and are no longer on the receiving end, it’s time to withdraw some crisp, fresh notes for your Chinese new year red packets. Not sure what the CNY ang bao rates are for 2025? Fret not, let this 2025 CNY ang bao rate guide help you along!
Overview of CNY ang bao rates in Singapore (2025)
| Recipient’s relationship to you | Recommended amount |
| Grandparents, parents, in-laws | Above $200 |
| Spouse, own children, siblings | $20 – $188 |
| Cousins, nephews, nieces | $28 – $88 |
| Other children | $6 – $20 |
| Co-workers, domestic helpers, security guards, cleaning aunties, etc. | $10 – $88 |
Do note that this is our general take on how much should be in each person’s ang bao. More importantly, you should use these recommendations just as a gauge. After all, it’s the thought that counts!
What are the ang bao rules during Chinese New Year 2025?
Ang bao do’s
- Embrace the number ‘8’. Auspicious ang bao amounts usually encompass the digit “8” because it sounds like the Chinese word for “fortune”. This symbolises well wishes for the recipient and will earn you those approving smiles and nods from older folks!
- Get some fresh bills. With new clothes, new hairstyles, new furniture and more, Chinese New Year is all about the freshness. So you don’t really have to fill those ang baos with new notes, but it’s highly recommended you do so.
- Be courteous; use both hands to give and receive ang baos.
- Remember to throw in well wishes to the recipients as you’re giving them these Chinese New Year red packets too.
- The best time to give out ang baos is when you arrive at the gathering. Otherwise, who knows when the most opportune time is going to come round again?
Ang bao don’ts
- No odd numbers. Ang bao amounts should be an even number as it’s considered to bring stability to the receiver on top of being more auspicious.
- Avoid the number “4”. While we did mention that even numbers are preferred, the digit “4” should still be avoided. This is because when spoken in Mandarin, “4” sounds like the word “death”, which is a faux pas in Chinese culture.
- If you’ve already received an ang bao from someone, you should wait a little before giving them an ang bao. Otherwise, it’ll end up looking like an exchange – we don’t want that!
- Don’t open your ang baos in public and especially in front of the ang bao giver
Don’t sweat the CNY ang bao rates this 2025!
We’re confident that with this ang bao rate guide, you’ll have an easier time preparing your CNY red packets this year! Other than that, get ready your best steamboat pot to organise a Chinese New Year hotpot gathering, especially if you can’t get reservations at the best Chinese restaurants in Singapore. Don’t forget to add some of the best yusheng and best abalones to your CNY reunion spread too. Enjoy festive discounts when you shop during our Shopee CNY Sale!
This article was updated on 8 January 2025. Additional research done by Caryn Tan.
