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 2026? Fret not, let this CNY ang bao rate guide help you along!
How much ang bao to give for CNY?
| Recipient’s relationship to you | Recommended amount (i.e. what my friends and I usually give) |
| Grandparents, parents, in-laws | Above $200 |
| Spouse, own children, siblings | $88 – $188 |
| Cousins, nephews, nieces | $28 – $88 |
| Other children | $6 – $18 |
| 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!
CNY ang bao rules: What are the do’s and don’ts?
Chinese New Year 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?
Chinese New Year ang bao don’ts
- Don’t open your ang baos in front of the ang bao giver.
- 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!
What is the Chinese New Year ang bao all about?
Chinese New Year ang baos – also called ang pao, hongbao or red packets – are more than just festive gifts of cash. They are a deep-rooted cultural tradition symbolising luck, prosperity and good wishes for the year ahead. During the Lunar New Year period, married adults and elders give these bright red envelopes to children, unmarried relatives and younger family members as a way of sharing blessings and expressing hopes for health, happiness and success.
The red colour itself is significant too: in Chinese culture, it represents joy and wards off bad luck, making it the perfect frame for lucky money. While the amount inside varies depending on your relationship with the recipient, there’s a long-standing emphasis on giving in even, auspicious numbers that sound lucky in Mandarin.
Although traditions evolve, the spirit of ang baos remains the same – it’s a heartwarming way to connect with family, uphold cultural values and usher in good fortune for everyone as the new year begins.
Don’t sweat the CNY ang bao rates this 2026!
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!
