Best way for travelers to pay for things in China
Best Ways for Travelers to Pay for Things in China
China operates primarily on a cash economy, especially in smaller cities and rural areas. However, in larger coastal cities, alternative payment methods are more widely accepted.
- Credit and Debit Cards
- Obtain a UnionPay card when opening a bank account in China for assured acceptance.
- Major international cards like Visa and MasterCard are accepted in tier-1 cities at hotels, restaurants, shopping malls, and transportation hubs.
- Contact your card company before travel to ensure international usage compatibility.
- Travelers’ Cheques
- Can be cashed at major banks with a valid passport.
- Recommended to use the main branches of Bank of China in smaller cities for ease.
- Currency Exchange
- Exchange foreign currency for yuan at major banks or licensed moneychangers.
- Accepted currencies typically include USD, EUR, GBP, and JPY; avoid unregistered moneychangers.
- Online Payments and Mobile Payment Services
- Alipay is widely used for online and mobile payments; requires a Chinese bank card and some fluency in Mandarin to set up.
- No English version of the website currently, but detailed instructions are available online.
- ATM Cash Withdrawal
- International cards are accepted at ATMs with English language options.
- Banks may charge a flat fee plus a percentage of the transaction amount.
- UnionPay cards are widely accepted, but there are transaction limits and potential availability issues, especially for larger withdrawals.
