China has undergone a payment revolution. The country is now one of the most cashless societies on Earth — and as a foreign visitor, navigating this system can feel daunting at first. This guide explains exactly how to handle money in China in 2026, so you arrive fully prepared.
Set up Alipay Tourist Edition with your foreign card before you arrive. Bring ¥500–1,000 RMB cash as backup. Your international credit card will work at major hotels and international restaurants.
The Chinese Currency: Renminbi (RMB)
China's currency is the Renminbi (RMB), also called Yuan (¥ or CNY). Approximate exchange rates in 2026: 1 USD ≈ 7.2 RMB | 1 EUR ≈ 7.8 RMB | 1 GBP ≈ 9.1 RMB.
You can exchange currency at international airports, major banks (Bank of China is the most foreigner-friendly), and some hotels. Always keep your exchange receipt — you may need it to convert RMB back when you leave.
How China Pays: Mobile Payment Revolution
Over 90% of daily transactions in China use one of two mobile payment platforms: WeChat Pay or Alipay. Street food stalls, taxis, temples, supermarkets, restaurants — almost everything uses QR codes. You scan the vendor's code, enter the amount, and pay in seconds.
Good news: since 2024, foreign visitors can now link their international cards to Alipay — making it possible to join the cashless economy without a Chinese bank account.
How to Set Up Alipay as a Foreign Tourist
Download Alipay
Available on the App Store and Google Play. Download it before you travel — the app is accessible internationally.
Select "International User"
On signup, choose the international/tourist user option. This gives you access to the Tourist Edition designed for foreign visitors.
Link Your International Card
Add your Visa or Mastercard. A small verification charge may appear. American Express is not currently supported.
Top Up or Pay Directly
You can either top up a RMB wallet from your card, or pay directly in your home currency with automatic conversion. Payments are deducted from your linked card.
Where Can I Use My Credit Card?
| Venue | Credit Card | Alipay/WeChat Pay | Cash |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5-star international hotels | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| International restaurant chains | ✅ Usually | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Local restaurants | ❌ Rarely | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Street food stalls | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Taxis / DiDi | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Usually |
| Supermarkets | ⚠️ Sometimes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Tourist attractions | ⚠️ Sometimes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Rural areas / small towns | ❌ Rarely | ⚠️ Sometimes | ✅ Essential |
Using ATMs in China
International cards work at many ATMs in major cities. The most reliable ATMs for foreign cards are at Bank of China, ICBC, and HSBC branches. Look for the Visa, Mastercard, or UnionPay logo. Withdrawal limits are typically ¥2,500–5,000 per transaction. Fees apply — check with your home bank before travelling.
Tell your bank you are travelling to China before you go. Many banks automatically block international transactions as fraud prevention. A 5-minute phone call before you leave can save significant stress on the road.
How Much Cash to Carry?
Even with Alipay set up, carry some RMB cash. We recommend ¥500–1,000 (approximately $70–140 USD) for smaller purchases, rural areas, and anywhere mobile payment is unavailable. Larger notes (¥100) are widely accepted; ¥1 and ¥5 coins are useful for small transactions and public transport.
Set up Alipay Tourist Edition before you travel. Bring a Visa or Mastercard as backup. Exchange ¥1,000 cash at the airport on arrival. This combination covers virtually every payment situation you will encounter in China.
All China Cheat Sheet clients receive a detailed pre-trip payments guide specific to their itinerary and destinations. We also pre-book and pay for major activities, so you rarely need to handle payments on the ground. Contact us to start planning.