Money & Payments
China runs on mobile payments. The good news: Alipay and WeChat Pay now link directly to foreign Visa and Mastercard, so you can scan-to-pay like a local. Carry a little cash as a backup.
Currency
Renminbi (RMB / ¥)
Also called
Yuan / kuai
Pay with
Alipay · WeChat Pay
Cash backup
¥300–500
Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay
Before or right after you arrive, download Alipay (or WeChat) and add your international card in the payment settings. Small purchases go through instantly; larger ones may ask for passport verification. This single step unlocks almost everything — food, taxis, tickets, shops.
Scan to pay
Vendors show a QR code, or you show yours. Open the app, scan, type the amount if needed, confirm. Street stalls, temples and tiny noodle shops all take it.
Cash still matters
Keep a few hundred RMB for rural areas, older vendors, and emergencies. Withdraw from ATMs at major banks (ICBC, Bank of China) — they accept foreign cards. Notes come in ¥1, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100.
Tipping & bargaining
Tipping is not customary and often refused. At tourist markets, polite bargaining is expected — start around half the asking price. In malls and restaurants, prices are fixed.
Useful phrases Phrases
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Internet & Apps