Payment
Cash or Card in China?
A practical guide to cash, foreign cards, and mobile payments in China for tourists, including where each one works and what to carry.
Published 2026-06-14 · Updated 2026-06-14 · By Travel Tips for China Editorial Team
Quick answer
Mobile payment is dominant in China, but tourists should carry a small amount of RMB cash and a backup foreign card, while setting up Alipay or WeChat Pay before arrival.
How payments actually work day to day
In most Chinese cities, daily payments happen through Alipay or WeChat Pay QR codes. Foreign credit cards are accepted at international hotels and large malls, but not at small restaurants, taxis, street vendors, or many attractions.
Cash is still useful as a fallback, but relying on it alone creates friction because many vendors no longer keep change.
What to carry
- Alipay or WeChat Pay linked to an eligible card and tested before arrival.
- A backup bank card in case the primary issuer blocks a transaction.
- Some RMB cash for small vendors, tips, and network failures.
- Offline screenshots of hotel addresses and booking confirmations.
Common payment problems
Card verification, network outages, and issuer blocks are the most common issues. Keep more than one payment method ready, and avoid situations where a single failed payment strands you at a station or attraction.
Conclusion
Use this guide with the site tools to turn general advice into a concrete plan. Before paying for anything non-refundable, verify live prices, official rules, transport availability, and holiday schedules.
Useful tools
Related guides
FAQ
Will my foreign Visa or Mastercard work everywhere?
No. Foreign cards work at international hotels and large stores but not at most small merchants. Mobile wallets are the default for daily spending.
How much cash should I bring to China?
Carry a small amount of RMB as backup, but do not rely on cash alone. Most day-to-day payments are mobile.