CN China Entry Guide Arrival Toolkit Alipay WeChat Pay Checklist Foreign cards and cash in China Use this guide to prepare payment backups before you arrive.
China is highly QR-payment based, so a physical foreign card alone is not enough for many daily situations.
Question Practical answer Can I use Visa or Mastercard directly? Sometimes at international hotels, major airports, large stores, and some tourist-facing merchants.
Many smaller merchants do not accept foreign cards directly.
Should I carry cash? Yes, carry small cash as backup.
Do not rely on cash alone for app-based services, but it helps when QR payment setup fails.
Where cards often fail? Small restaurants, local shops, taxis, food stalls, some attractions, local apps, and peer-to-peer payments.
Payment limits? Limits vary by app, card issuer, verification status, merchant type, and current rules.
Check live app prompts and bank alerts.
Best backup stack Alipay + WeChat Pay + foreign card + small cash + hotel assistance contact.