Payment Methods for Travelers in China
China Payment Guide 2025 - Cashless Solutions for Travelers
Updated for 2025 | Practical payment solutions for China travel in Beijing, Shanghai
1 Mobile Payments in China - WeChat Pay & Alipay
WeChat Pay for China Travel
The most widely accepted digital wallet in China, used by over 90% of vendors. Foreign tourists can now link international Visa/Mastercard for payments during China travel (3% transaction fee applies).
- Setup for China Travel: Download WeChat > "Me" > "Wallet" > "Cards" to add your foreign card
- Spending Limits: ¥1,000/day spending cap for foreign cards in China
- Travel Tip: Ask your hotel concierge to help verify your account - essential for China travel
Alipay for International Travelers
Better for chain stores and online services like DiDi (China's Uber) during your China trip. Offers "Tour Pass" prepaid function perfect for tourists.
- Best for China Travel: Booking train tickets, shopping on Taobao, hotel payments
- Tour Pass Feature: Load up to ¥5,000 valid for 90 days - ideal for extended China tours
- Business Travel: Expense tracking features useful for corporate travel in China
2 Cash (RMB) for China Travel
Still essential for small vendors, temples, and rural areas during China travel. Newest banknotes feature Chairman Mao's portrait on one side and famous landmarks on the reverse.
- Denominations for Travelers: Carry ¥10/¥20 notes (many taxis lack change for ¥100 in China)
- Currency Exchange: Avoid airport exchange counters - use ATMs at Bank of China/ICBC for best rates
- Security Features: 2019+ bills have tactile markings for the visually impaired
- Travel Tip: Always have small bills for markets and street food in Beijing, Shanghai
3 Credit Cards in China for International Travelers
Accepted at most hotels and upscale restaurants in China, but always carry backup payment methods during your travel.
- Most Accepted in China: Visa > Mastercard > UnionPay > JCB > Amex (rarely works)
- ATM Withdrawal Limits: ¥2,500-5,000 limit per transaction (check your bank's int'l fees)
- Pro Travel Tip: Inform your bank of China travel dates to avoid fraud alerts blocking payments
- Business Travel: Corporate cards work at major hotels in Beijing, Shanghai business districts
Essential China Travel Payment Reminders
- Always carry your passport in China - required for currency exchange and SIM card purchase
- Small vendors may refuse ¥100 bills for purchases under ¥20 - carry small change
- Download WeChat/Alipay before arrival in China - some functions require Chinese SIM for verification
- Keep small change for public toilets (¥1-2 common in rural areas during China travel)
- Notify your bank about China travel to prevent card blocks on international transactions
Need Transportation in China?
Book our private car service with English-speaking drivers. We accept multiple payment methods for your convenience in Beijing, Shanghai and beyond.
Book China Car Service - Multiple Payments Accepted