Money and Mobile Payments in China

China is now one of the most cashless societies in the world. Mobile payments (WeChat Pay and Alipay) dominate daily life. Understanding how money works here will make your trip much smoother and less stressful.

Merely a few years ago cash was king in China, credit cards were not widely accepted outside of hotels and shopping centers, but ATMs were everywhere and was one of the easiest ways to access local money for smaller expenditures. Fast forward a couple of years and payments have gone entirely cashless, and the widespread use of mobile phones and apps has allowed for easy access to not only payments but all sorts of services.

Current Situation in 2026

Cash is still accepted in some places (especially small shops, markets, and rural areas), but mobile payments are king. Most restaurants, shops, taxis, and even street vendors prefer WeChat Pay or Alipay. Foreign credit cards are accepted in some big hotels and tourist spots, but not everywhere.

Cash, ATMs & Currency Exchange

Chinese Currency: Renminbi (RMB / ¥)
Prices are quoted in Renminbi (RMB) or Yuan ¥ (CNY). At the moment, one US$ equals approximately 7 Yuan. You can find out the exchange rate for your own currency below:

Currency Converter
ATMs: Widely available specially at airports, train and metro stations, most pedestrian areas and shopping centers. Bank of China and ICBC ATMs usually work best with foreign cards and support networks used by most major international financial institutions: VISA, Mastercard, Maestro, Cirrus, Plus, JCB, UnionPay, etc. The machines display the logos:
Withdrawal Limits: Usually 2,000–5,000 RMB per transaction or your own bank limit if lower.
Notify your bank that you will be traveling overseas, so they don't block your card for "suspicious activity".
Changing Money: Best done at airports or major Bank of China branches. Avoid hotel exchange desks where you might not get a very favorable exchange rate

Tip: Bring some cash (about $200–300 USD equivalent) as backup, but you won't need a lot if you set up mobile payments.

Credit Cards

International credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) are accepted in China at major international hotels, big shopping centers, theme parks and major attractions, some restaurants.
You can link your international credit card to one of China's mobile wallets, either AliPay or WeChat Pay, see below, which are widely used EVERYWHERE.
Try using a credit card from a bank that does NOT charge a foreign transaction fee.
Alert the bank that you will be traveling abroad so that your card is not blocked.

Tip: Many places still don’t accept them. Always carry cash or have mobile payments ready as backup.

Mobile Payments – The Real Game Changer

WeChat Pay and Alipay are essential. Although cash and credit cards are still accepted, the vast majority of people in China have switched to digital payments.

In some areas this is the only way to pay, if you are using cash, getting change back might be a problem. It is essential to install one of China's digital wallets, either AliPay or WeChat Pay, rather than relying solely in cash or credit cards.

China Digital Wallet Apps AliPay and WeChat Pay

Once set up, you can pay for almost anything by scanning a QR code.

It is a very straightforward process for both apps which will guide you with comprehensive instructions in English. Process is the same for both apps.

Step-by-Step: Setting Up WeChat Pay

1. Download WeChat and create an account (use your foreign phone number).

2. Go to Me → Services → Wallet.

3. Click Bank Cards → Add a Card.

4. Enter your international credit/debit card details.

5. Verify your identity (passport photo + selfie may be required).

6. Once approved, you can send/receive money and pay everywhere.

Note: Some foreign cards work better than others (Visa and Mastercard usually work well).

Step-by-Step: Setting Up Alipay

1. Download the Alipay app.

2. Register with your foreign phone number.

3. Go to Me → Bank Cards → Add your card.

4. Complete identity verification (passport required).

5. Link your card successfully.

In the Account Profile section click on Bank Cards

You can add you foreign credit card by entering the number or scanning the card

How to Use Mobile Payments in China

Once you have the app installed on your phone you are ready to make payments!

There are two ways to make a payment:

By scanning the merchant's QR code or
Let the merchant scan your QR code

With AliPay:

To Scan the merchant's QR Code:

→ Open Alipay → Tap "Scan" on Top Left → Scan the merchant's QR code → Enter amount (if needed) → Confirm with password or fingerprint.

To generate your QR Code to let the merchant scan it:

→ Open Alipay → Tap "Pay/Receive" on Top (next to "Scan") → Let the merchant scan your QR code

With WeChat Pay (Weixin):

To Scan the merchant's QR Code:

→ Open WeChat → Tap the + sign on top right → Tap "Scan" → Scan the merchant's QR code → Enter amount (if needed) → Confirm with password or fingerprint.

To generate your QR Code to let the merchant scan it:

→ Open WeChat → → Tap the + sign on top right → Tap "Money" → Let the merchant scan your QR code → Enter amount (if needed) → Confirm with password or fingerprint.

Try linking a credit card with no foreign transaction fees. When you are using these apps for small items that cost a few cents like a cone of ice cream, water at vending machines, an apple at the fruit stand, etc. these bank charges could be more than the items being purchased!

Mini Programs: Many services (Didi, Metro, food delivery) are accessed directly inside WeChat and Alipay.

Practical Tips for Foreigners

Set up AliPay or WeChat Pay and link a card before arriving in China
Bring two different cards (in case one doesn't work).
Keep some cash for small vendors, temples, or emergencies.
Notify your bank about travel to China to avoid card blocks.
Vendors are always helpful, don't hesitate to ask for help if you get stuck, specially at the beginning before you get the hang of it!

Final Recommendation

Set up WeChat Pay/Alipay as your main payment method. Keep a backup card + some cash.

Adoption of mobile payments has been countrywide, you can spend an entire cashless holiday without ever seeing a bank note. Everybody uses them in China!