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Cash, cards, Alipay, WeChat Pay
How payments actually work in China for tourists in 2026.
China has become almost entirely cashless in major cities. Alipay and WeChat Pay dominate everyday transactions — from convenience stores to street vendors. Both apps now allow foreign tourists to link international Visa or Mastercard credit cards, which has made China dramatically more accessible to short-term visitors than it was just a few years ago.
Cash is still legally accepted but increasingly inconvenient. Some small merchants may struggle to provide change. ATMs that accept foreign cards exist in major airports, banks, and tourist areas, but using them is no longer the default for most travelers. Carry a small amount of RMB as backup, but expect to pay digitally for almost everything.
Cash is still legally accepted but increasingly inconvenient. Some small merchants may struggle to provide change. ATMs that accept foreign cards exist in major airports, banks, and tourist areas, but using them is no longer the default for most travelers. Carry a small amount of RMB as backup, but expect to pay digitally for almost everything.