Money & Payments for Foreign Travelers in China
China is one of the most mobile payment-forward countries in the world. But for foreign visitors, this creates a learning curve. Here’s exactly how to handle payments on your trip.
Quick Overview
| Payment Method | Works Where? | Ease for Foreigners |
|---|---|---|
| Alipay / WeChat Pay (Tourist) | Almost everywhere | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Setup once before arrival |
| Visa / Mastercard | Luxury hotels, major department stores, tourist shops, some high-end restaurants | ⭐⭐ Limited |
| Cash (CNY) | Small vendors, street food, public restrooms, some taxis | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Always useful |
| American Express | Very limited | ⭐ Hardly accepted |
| UnionPay | Widespread but mostly domestic | ⭐⭐ Foreign cards may be declined |
Can Foreign Credit Cards Be Used in China?
The Short Answer
Visa and Mastercard work at a small subset of locations — mainly international hotels (Marriott, Hilton, InterContinental), upscale malls with international brands, some tourist attractions, and a handful of high-end restaurants.
Where They DON’T Work
- 90% of local restaurants and food stalls
- Most local shops and convenience stores
- Public transport (metro, buses)
- Most taxis and ride-hailing apps (Didi requires Alipay/WeChat or a linked payment card)
- Domestic online platforms (Meituan, Taobao)
Practical Tip
Bring a Visa or Mastercard for your hotel bill and emergency backup, but plan to use Alipay/WeChat Pay or cash for daily purchases.
Alipay & WeChat Pay for Tourists
Good news: Both platforms now offer international visitor versions that link directly to your foreign credit card.
Alipay (Alipay+ Tourist)
- Download the Alipay app from your home country app store.
- Sign up with your foreign phone number.
- Link your Visa or Mastercard (not Amex).
- When you pay in China, merchants scan your Alipay QR code, and the amount is charged to your credit card.
- Exchange rate is competitive; fees are minimal (~2.5–3% foreign transaction fee from your card issuer).
WeChat Pay (Tourist Version)
- Download WeChat from your home country app store.
- Register with your foreign phone number.
- Go to Me → Wallet → Add Card and link your Visa or Mastercard.
- Works the same way as Alipay — show your QR code to merchants.
Which One to Use?
- Alipay tends to have slightly better acceptance at smaller merchants.
- WeChat Pay is slightly more integrated into daily life (messaging + payment in one app).
- Get both if possible — some merchants accept only one.
Cash — Still Necessary
You should always carry some cash in CNY (Chinese Yuan) for situations where digital payments fail:
Where You’ll Need Cash
- Street food vendors and small hole-in-the-wall restaurants
- Metro station ticket machines (some accept mobile payment, but cash is universal)
- Public restrooms (some charge 1–2 RMB)
- Traditional markets and small family-run shops
- Tipping is not customary in China, but some tourist services may expect it
- Emergencies — if your phone dies or payment fails
How Much Cash to Carry
- 500–1000 RMB (~$70–$140 USD) is a reasonable starting amount for a 3–7 day trip.
- Carry small bills (1 RMB, 5 RMB, 10 RMB) for exact change.
How to Get CNY Cash
- Before departure: Exchange at your home bank or currency exchange (Travelex, etc.). Order in advance for best rates.
- At the airport: Major Chinese airports have 24-hour currency exchange counters and ATMs. Airport exchange rates are slightly worse than city banks but convenient.
- ATMs in China: Find ATMs with the UnionPay, Visa, or Mastercard logo. They dispense CNY directly from your foreign card. Check with your home bank for international withdrawal fees.
- ICBC (Industrial and Commercial Bank of China) ATMs are among the most foreigner-friendly.
- Hotels: Some luxury hotels can exchange currency at the front desk.
Currency Exchange Tips
- Current rate (approx.): 1 USD ≈ 7.2 CNY (rates fluctuate daily)
- Hotels, shops, and restaurants are required by law to show prices in CNY.
- You can enter China with up to 50,000 RMB without declaring. Larger amounts must be declared at customs.
Didi & Ride-Hailing Payments
Didi (China’s Uber) accepts:
- Alipay
- WeChat Pay
- Credit card (link in the app — Visa/Mastercard work for international users)
After your ride, Didi charges your linked payment method.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I use a credit card or debit card in China?
Credit cards offer better fraud protection. Use a credit card with no foreign transaction fees to minimize costs.
What if my card gets declined?
Have at least two different cards (Visa and Mastercard from different banks) as backup. Keep some cash too.
Can I use Apple Pay or Google Pay?
Apple Pay has very limited acceptance in China. Google Pay does not work at all in mainland China.
Is tipping expected in China?
No. Tipping is generally not practiced and may be considered rude. The only exceptions are:
- Tour guides and drivers (some travelers tip 50–100 RMB/day as a gesture)
- High-end hotels (optional, not expected)
- Do not tip in restaurants, cafes, or with taxi drivers
Related Guides
Editorial Note: Payment infrastructure changes rapidly. All credit card acceptance information was verified against traveler forums, payment processors, and merchant reports as of 2026. Exchange rates fluctuate — check live rates before departure.