(Yicai) Aug. 4 -- China’s supply of foreign currencies in cash is being stretched by peak travel over the summer holidays.

Yicai visited several banks recently to change Chinese yuan for HKD5,000 (USD640) in cash. But almost all required appointments and said they had no small denomination bills for the moment.

The dearth of foreign currency on hand at local bank branches is partly due to the inconsistent amount allocated by higher-level branches and the fact that supply cannot meet huge demand during peak season, according to a banking industry insider.

“I went to three banks before I could get HKD3,000 in cash,” a Shanghai resident told Yicai. “I couldn’t even choose the denominations.”

Regardless of the amount, foreign exchange clients need to make an appointment before 2 p.m. so that sub-branches can submit a request to the higher-level branch and secure the cash the morning after, an employee at a big state-owned bank said.

The tight supply is normal as it is high season for outbound travel, the person added.

Editor: Futura Costaglione