How to pay and get around China without cash in 2026
In 2026, cash is becoming obsolete in China's cities. Mobile payments via Alipay and WeChat Pay dominate — from fancy restaurants to street vendors. Foreign tourists can now use these apps with international cards.
Always inform your bank before traveling to China that you'll use Alipay/WeChat. Otherwise, they may block transactions as fraud prevention.
Alipay is the easiest payment app for foreigners to set up. It's cleaner interface works better with foreign credit cards than WeChat.
Available on iOS App Store and Android (APK or Google Play if available)
Download from your app store. Switch language to English if needed.
Use your home country's phone number. Receive SMS verification code.
Go to "Tour Pass" section → Upload passport photo → Face verification. This creates a special foreigner account with ¥20,000 limit.
Add Visa, Mastercard, or American Express card. Note: 3% foreign transaction fee applies.
WeChat Pay is more popular among locals but slightly harder to set up for foreigners. Better for communicating with Chinese contacts.
Available globally. You'll use it anyway for messaging.
Use phone verification. Add Chinese friends to help verify if needed.
Go to Me → Pay → "Pay with foreign card" → Upload passport + face scan
Add Visa, Mastercard, or JCB. Transaction fees apply.
| Alipay | WeChat Pay | |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of Setup | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Interface | Cleaner | More features |
| Acceptance | Same | Same |
| Best For | Payments | Chat + Payments |
While mobile payment dominates, cash is still useful in:
Credit cards are rarely accepted except at:
Even at hotels that accept cards, the front desk may require cash deposit. Always have ¥500-1000 cash on hand.
China's metro systems are world-class, cheap, and easy to use. All support Alipay/WeChat QR code entry.
China has the world's largest high-speed rail network. Faster and more punctual than flights for routes under 5 hours.
| Route | Duration | Cost (2nd Class) |
|---|---|---|
| Beijing → Shanghai | 4.5 hours | ¥553 |
| Shanghai → Hangzhou | 45 min | ¥73 |
| Xi'an → Chengdu | 3 hours | ¥263 |
| Beijing → Xi'an | 4.5 hours | ¥515 |
| Shanghai → Guilin | 7 hours | ¥690 |
Didi is China's Uber — works with foreign phone numbers and credit cards. Cheaper than taxis in most cities.
Available in English. Supports international phone registration.
Can pay with cash directly to driver (show destination in Chinese).
GPS works well. Show driver the pin if address is confusing.
| Didi | Taxi | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Fixed (shown upfront) | Meter-based |
| Payment | App (card/cash) | Cash preferred |
| Language | App in English | Often none |
| Reliability | High | Variable |
China has millions of shared bikes (Mobike, Meituan, Hello) scattered everywhere. Perfect for short trips.
| App | Purpose | Must Have? |
|---|---|---|
| Alipay | Payments, metro, bikes | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Chat, WeChat Pay | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | |
| Didi | Taxis | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Gaode Maps | Navigation (better than Google) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Trip.com | Train/flight booking | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Meituan | Food delivery, discounts | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Pleco | Chinese dictionary | ⭐⭐⭐ |