A Traveler's Guide to Payment

The Middle Kingdom has moved beyond the jingle of coins and the rustle of paper notes. Today, mobile payments govern the marketplace. Yet fear not—with a little preparation, even the foreign traveler can move through China as smoothly as a local.

The Realm of Alipay

Alipay now welcomes international credit cards, making it the most accessible path for visitors.

How to Establish Your Account:

• 1Download the Alipay application to your device.
• 2Register with your mobile telephone number.
• 3Add your international credit card (Visa, Mastercard, or JCB).
• 4Verify your identity using your passport.

What You Can Accomplish:

• ◈Scan merchant QR codes to pay
• ◈Summon taxis through Didi
• ◈Order food to your lodging
• ◈Book train tickets
• ◈Translate signs and menus with the built-in tool

The Use of Cash

Though mobile reigns supreme, cash is still honored in every corner of the land.

Counsel for Cash Carriers:

• ◈Withdraw from ATMs at the Bank of China, ICBC, and other major institutions.
• ◈Inform your home bank of your travel before departure.
• ◈Carry small denominations; a 100-yuan note can be troublesome to break.
• ◈In rural villages, cash may still be preferred.

Credit Cards

International cards are gaining ground, but acceptance remains uneven.

• ◈Major hotels and international chains will accept foreign cards.
• ◈Large restaurants and shopping centers in big cities.
• ◈Subway ticket machines in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou.
• ◈Small shops, street vendors, and local restaurants often refuse them.

How Payment Works in Practice

At Restaurants: A QR code sits on your table. Scan it with Alipay or WeChat to settle the bill.

At Street Stalls: The vendor scans the payment QR code displayed on your phone.

In Taxis: Most accept cash, though many drivers prefer mobile payment.

On Public Transport: Use a transport card or simply tap with your mobile wallet.

Final Counsel

• 1Always keep some cash as a safeguard.
• 2Download offline maps in case your signal falters.
• 3Take screenshots of important translations and addresses.
• 4Learn the basic numbers in Chinese; they will serve you well in markets.

Before You Depart

• ◈Confirm that your bank cards work internationally.
• ◈Download and configure Alipay before you arrive.
• ◈Bring a backup card, stored separately from your primary.
• ◈Notify your banks of your travel dates to avoid frozen accounts.