ChinaPathbook

Practical guide

China payments: keep a backup beyond your phone

Set up mobile payment where supported, but retain card and cash options.

China’s State Council English portal says overseas visitors can use mobile payments, bank cards and cash. It says foreign users can link international cards such as Visa and Mastercard in Alipay and WeChat Pay, and that bank cards may be accepted where their payment-network logos are displayed. It also identifies exchange outlets and compatible ATMs as ways to obtain RMB cash. Treat app prompts, merchant acceptance and fees as live conditions.

A clear next step

  1. Set up and test your preferred payment app using its current prompts before a time-critical purchase.
  2. Carry a compatible physical card and some RMB cash as fallbacks.
  3. At checkout, check the displayed payment-network logos and ask the merchant if unsure.

Source checked 2026-08-29Official source

Questions

What to keep in mind.

Will every merchant accept my international card or payment app?

Do not assume so. The official guidance ties card acceptance to displayed network logos and describes several payment options, so keep a backup.