Three ways to pay
Mobile payment
Alipay and WeChat Pay are accepted almost everywhere. Sign up, link a Visa, Mastercard or other international card, and scan to pay.
Bank cards
Upmarket hotels, large malls and some restaurants take international credit cards; small shops and street stalls usually don’t.
Cash
Chinese yuan is still accepted and handy for small purchases or when mobile payment fails.
Setting up before you go
- 1Download the appInstall Alipay or WeChat from your app store and register with your own phone number.
- 2Link a cardAdd an international card and complete passport verification as prompted.
- 3Try a small paymentMake a small payment before you leave or just after you land to make sure it works.
- 4Tell your bankLet your card issuer know you’ll use the card in China so payments aren’t blocked.
Good to know
- Foreign cards in mobile wallets have per-transaction and annual limits; the app shows yours
- Payments above a certain amount may carry a fee; check the app and your card issuer
- Exchange yuan at airports, banks and some hotels, or withdraw at ATMs showing UnionPay or international card logos
- Keep a backup card stored separately from your main one
- Tipping is not customary in China; restaurants and taxis don’t expect it
Paying when you travel with us
You pay for your trip before departure, based on the confirmed quote, and the included tickets, vehicles and guide services are all arranged. On the road you only pay for optional extras, personal spending and meals not included. Every quote lists what is and isn’t included, item by item.
Questions
Can I rely on a credit card alone?
Hotels and malls in big cities mostly accept cards, but many restaurants, taxis and small shops at sights only take mobile payment or cash. Set up at least one mobile wallet.
How much cash should I bring?
Not much — a few hundred yuan covers small purchases and emergencies.
What if linking my card fails?
Try another card, or ask your issuer to allow overseas transactions. If it still fails, use your credit card and cash for now.
Do I need a Chinese bank account?
Not for a short trip. A mobile wallet with an international card is enough.
Sources and verificationOpening hours, prices and booking rules change. We confirm them for your exact dates before you pay anything.