Payment Methods in China
Essential information about paying for goods and services in China
🔥 Mobile Payments (Most Popular)
WeChat Pay
- • Most widely accepted
- • Requires Chinese bank account or Overseas WeChat Pay
- • QR code based payments
- • Works in taxis, shops, restaurants
Alipay
- • Second most popular
- • Tourist version available
- • Can link international cards
- • Great for shopping and dining
💳 International Cards
International credit and debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, UnionPay) are accepted at:
- • High-end hotels and restaurants
- • International shopping centers
- • Tourist attractions
- • Airport and train stations
⚠️ Note: Many local businesses don't accept international cards
💵 Cash (CNY - Chinese Yuan)
While digital payments dominate, cash is still useful for:
- • Street food vendors
- • Small local shops
- • Tips (though not common)
- • Emergency situations
Where to get cash:
- • Bank ATMs (widely available)
- • Currency exchange counters
- • Hotels (usually higher rates)
Common denominations:
- • ¥100, ¥50, ¥20, ¥10, ¥5, ¥1
- • Coins: ¥1, 5角, 1角
- • 1 Yuan = 10 Jiao (角)
💡 Tips for Travelers
Before You Go:
- • Download Alipay and set up tourist account
- • Notify your bank about travel
- • Bring some USD/EUR for currency exchange
In China:
- • Always carry some cash as backup
- • Ask "可以刷卡吗?" (Can I use card?)
- • Look for UnionPay symbols