Payment and Cash Preparation Guide for Foreign Tourists in China

1. Understand China’s Payment Ecosystem

• Mobile Payments: Alipay (支付宝) and WeChat Pay (微信支付) are ubiquitous, accepted at nearly all merchants, from street food stalls to high-end stores.
• Credit/Debit Cards: International cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) are accepted in major hotels, restaurants, and malls, but UnionPay (银联) is the local standard.
• Cash: RMB (¥, 人民币) is the only legal tender. While less common in big cities, it’s essential for small vendors, rural areas, and emergencies.

2. Pre-Departure Preparation

A. Currency Exchange & Cash Planning

• Exchange RMB in Advance:
  • Convert a small amount of RMB (e.g., ¥1,000–2,000) in your home country to cover immediate needs (transportation, snacks, small purchases) upon arrival. Banks like HSBC, Citibank, or local national banks often offer this service.
  • Avoid exchanging currency at airports, which typically have poor rates and high fees.
• Notify Your Bank:
  • Inform your bank about your travel dates and destination to prevent your card from being blocked due to “unusual activity.” Ask about:
    • Foreign transaction fees (typically 1–3% of each purchase).
    • ATM withdrawal limits and daily caps (e.g., ¥10,000/day for most international cards).
    • Compatibility with UnionPay networks (critical for ATM access).

B. Set Up Digital Payment Methods

• Alipay/WeChat Pay for Foreigners:
  • Both platforms offer limited “tourist modes” without a Chinese bank account:
    • Alipay International: Link your international credit card (Visa/Mastercard) via the AlipayHK or Alipay+ app (available in over 60 countries). Scan QR codes at merchants or use the “Pay” function.
    • WeChat Pay Foreign Version: Access via the international WeChat app (WeChat International). Link your foreign card to “WeChat Pay HK” or use “Global Cards” (available in select regions).
  • Note: Some features (e.g., ride-hailing, hotel bookings) may require a Chinese phone number or local bank account, so register for a temporary SIM card upon arrival (see Section 3.C).
• Mobile Wallet Alternatives:
  • Apple Pay/Google Pay: Accepted at merchants displaying the UnionPay or contactless symbol, but less common than Alipay/WeChat. Ensure your card issuer supports these services in China.
  • UnionPay Cards: If you have a UnionPay-enabled card from your home country (e.g., in Hong Kong, Singapore, or Europe), it will work seamlessly at all UnionPay terminals.

3. Upon Arrival in China

A. Withdraw Cash from ATMs

• Locate UnionPay-Compatible ATMs:
  • Look for ATMs with the UnionPay logo (most banks, including ICBC, Bank of China, and China Merchants Bank). International cards may not work at smaller bank ATMs.
  • Major airports (Beijing Capital, Shanghai Pudong, Guangzhou Baiyun) have UnionPay ATMs in arrival halls.
• Withdrawal Tips:
  • Use your debit card for lower fees compared to credit card cash advances.
  • Withdraw larger amounts (e.g., ¥3,000–5,000) to minimize transaction fees (typically ¥10–30 per withdrawal, plus your bank’s foreign fee).
  • Check the exchange rate in real-time via XE.com to avoid dynamic currency conversion (which banks often mark up).

B. Exchange Remaining Foreign Currency

• Banks: Convert leftover USD, EUR, etc., to RMB at major banks (bring your passport for identification).
• Currency Exchange Counters: Available in airports and large shopping malls (e.g., Shanghai’s Nanjing Road), but confirm rates beforehand.

C. Get a Local SIM Card for Digital Payments

• A Chinese phone number is required for full Alipay/WeChat functionality (e.g., verifying payments, receiving OTPs). Purchase a prepaid SIM card (¥50–200 for 10GB data) from carriers like China Mobile, China Unicom, or China Telecom at airports or convenience stores (7-Eleven, Lawson).
  • Bring your passport for registration (mandatory by law).

4. Daily Payment Strategies

A. Using Digital Payments (Alipay/WeChat Pay)

• Scan-to-Pay: Most merchants display a QR code—open your app, scan, and enter the amount (in RMB). For foreign-linked accounts, the app will convert the amount to your home currency automatically.
• Top-Up (If Needed): Some tourist modes don’t require top-ups; payments are directly charged to your linked card. If using a local bank account (rare for tourists), top up via your card or cash.
• Split Payments: Not widely supported, so carry cash or use separate cards for group expenses.

B. Credit/Debit Cards

• Check for UnionPay Acceptance: Look for the UnionPay logo or ask “Do you accept international cards?” (能接受国际信用卡吗？ Néng jiēshòu guójì xìnyòngkǎ ma?).
• Chip-and-PIN vs. Swipe: China uses chip-and-PIN for card payments. Ensure your card has a PIN (not just a signature) to avoid issues.
• Contactless Payments: Tap-to-pay works for amounts under ¥1,000 at supported terminals (look for the wave symbol).

C. Cash Usage Scenarios

• Always Carry Cash for:
  • Street food stalls, night markets, and small shops (especially in cities like Xi’an, Chengdu, or Guilin).
  • Public toilets (some charge ¥1–2, often cash-only).
  • Rural areas or transportation in smaller cities (e.g., bus fares, tuk-tuks).
  • Tips: While tipping is not standard in China, small cash tips (e.g., ¥10–20 for exceptional service) are appreciated in luxury hotels or tour guides.
• Keep Cash Secure: Use a money belt or hidden pouch, especially in crowded areas (e.g., Beijing’s Wangfujing, Shanghai’s Yuyuan Garden).

5. Emergency Preparedness

A. Lost Cards or Payment Issues

• Block Your Card Immediately: Contact your bank’s 24/7 hotline (save the number in advance). For Alipay/WeChat, freeze the account via the app or call their international support.
• Emergency Cash: Carry a small amount of USD/EUR as a backup, exchangeable at major banks during working hours (9:00 AM–5:00 PM, Monday–Friday).
• Use Hotel Assistance: Most hotels can help with translation for payment issues or recommend nearby ATMs/banks.

B. Network Outages

• Offline Payments: Alipay/WeChat support offline QR code payments (merchant generates a code, you scan when online again).
• Carry Cash: As a failsafe for internet outages, especially in remote areas.

6. Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Assuming All Places Accept International Cards: Always ask before ordering/purchasing, especially at family-run businesses.
• Ignoring Exchange Rates: Use apps like Wise or Revolut for transparent, low-fee conversions instead of relying on your bank’s default rates.
• Overusing Cash in Big Cities: While convenient for small purchases, digital payments are faster and safer for larger transactions (e.g., hotel bills, train tickets).

7. Useful Phrases for Payments

8. Summary Checklist

• ✅ Exchange small RMB cash before departure.
• ✅ Notify your bank and confirm UnionPay/ATM compatibility.
• ✅ Download Alipay/WeChat International and link your card.
• ✅ Get a local SIM card for OTPs and full app functionality.
• ✅ Withdraw RMB from UnionPay ATMs in major cities.
• ✅ Carry cash for small vendors and rural areas.
• ✅ Save emergency numbers (bank hotlines, hotel contact, 12345 tourist service).