How Can Foreign Tourists Pay in China?
Category: Payments & Money Reading Time: 5 min
Difficulty: Easy. Last Reviewed by EasyMate: 2026-06-17
China is largely a cashless society, with mobile payments widely used for everyday purchases and services. Although cash remains legal tender and cannot be refused by merchants, paying with cash may sometimes be less convenient, as many businesses primarily rely on mobile payment systems and may have limited change available.
1. What Payment Methods Are Available in China?
Foreign visitors can use the following payment methods in China:
- Alipay
- WeChat Pay
- Cash (RMB)
- International Bank Cards
Other payment methods are also available, although they are less commonly used. Click here for more details: https://english.shanghai.gov.cn/en-PaymentMethods/20240313/6f4e58272f1a4cea9aec59c518915bdf.html
How to use Ali pay:
How to use WeChat pay:http://www.alipaycn.com(需修改）
2. Frequently Asked Questions
-
Do I Need a Chinese Bank Account?
No.
Many international visitors can use Alipay and WeChat Pay without opening a Chinese bank account.
-
Do I Need a Chinese Phone Number?
No.
International mobile phone numbers can generally be used for registration.
- Can I Register Before Arriving in China?
Yes.
It is strongly recommended to complete registration before your trip.
-
What Cards Are Accepted in China?
Commonly accepted international cards include:
- Visa
- Mastercard
- American Express
- JCB
- Discover
- Diners Club
These cards are commonly accepted at:
- International hotels
- Airports
- High-end restaurants
- Major shopping malls
- Large tourist attractions
However, small shops and street vendors may only accept mobile payments.
-
Can I Use Cash?
Yes.
Chinese Yuan (RMB) remains legal tender.
Businesses are not allowed to refuse cash payments.
However:
- Many small merchants prefer mobile payment.
- Some stores may not have enough change for large banknotes.
It is useful to carry a small amount of cash for emergencies.
-
Can I Withdraw Cash in China?
Yes.
International cards can be used at many ATMs operated by:
- Bank of China
- Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC)
- China Construction Bank
- Agricultural Bank of China
Look for ATM logos showing:
- Visa
- Mastercard
- Cirrus
- Plus
- UnionPay
-
Can I Use Apple Pay or Google Pay in China?
Apple Pay and Google Pay are not as widely accepted as Alipay and WeChat Pay. While some merchants may support them, travelers should not rely on them as their primary payment method in China.
-
What Should I Do If My Mobile Payment Does Not Work?
If your payment fails:
- Check your internet connection.
- Confirm that your identity verification has been completed.
- Verify that your payment card is active and supports international transactions.
- Check for notifications from your bank or payment provider.
It is recommended to carry a backup payment method, such as cash or an international bank card, during your trip.
-
What Is the Best Payment Method for Tourists?
| Method | Convenience | Recommendation |
| Alipay + Foreign Card | ★★★★★ | Best Choice |
| WeChat Pay + Foreign Card | ★★★★★ | Best Choice |
| Cash | ★★★☆☆ | Backup Option |
| International Credit Card | ★★☆☆☆ | Big Amount/Emergency Use |
EasyMate Tip
For the smoothest travel experience in China, set up Alipay and WeChat before arrival and carry one international bank card plus a small amount of RMB cash as backup.