Many newlyweds welcome this CNY season with open arms and half-open wallets. This is when you recall your years of enjoyment at the receiving end of Ang Baos with a nostalgic heart. To help you prepare for the upcoming joyful season of CNY, we have googled and summarized a list of dos and don’ts, and a angpao market rate for you.

In Chinese tradition, the red packets, “Hong Bao” or ‘Angpao’ are given during Chinese New Year as a symbol of well-wishing and good luck. The tradition of Ang Paos giving is generally carried out by married couples and elders to unmarried singles and children. Working adults give Ang Baos to parents and parent-in-laws too, to show thankfulness, respect, and filial piety.

Dos and Don’ts:

  1. The Chinese believe that even numbers signify that things will be well rounded. Thus, the amount in Ang Baos should be in even numbers.
  2. The number 4 should be avoided. (Only some Teochews think it sounds like “increment”).
  3. The number 8 is the auspicious number which symbolises fortune and prosperity in Chinese, this is welcomed.
  4. So in summary, you should prepare to Parents, Parents-in-laws, Siblings, Children, Nieces/Nephews, friends/friends’ kids and random kids.
Standard rate
Parents/in-laws $88 to $288
Siblings $38 to $88
Own Children $30 to $100
Cousins/Nieces/Nephews $10 to $30
Friends/Children of friends $6 to $20
Random Children $2 to $6

You are all set! Have a great CNY ahead!

Any new insights to angbao rates? Drop us an email at assistant@eClarity.com.sg!