Payments
How much cash should I bring to China?
Last updated 2026-06-02
Why you need so little
Almost everywhere — convenience stores, restaurants, taxis, the metro — expects a QR-code payment through Alipay or WeChat Pay, both of which accept many foreign cards. You'll likely go days without touching cash.
When cash still helps
- Small or older vendors, some markets, and rural or temple areas.
- If a payment app's verification fails or your card is briefly declined.
- A small emergency buffer when your phone battery is low.
Getting and carrying RMB
- Exchanging a small amount at the airport is fine for a backup sum like this.
- For more, withdraw from a bank ATM — UnionPay-network machines have the widest foreign-card support.
- Ask for smaller notes; some tiny vendors can't break a 100 RMB bill.
Your next step
Next: get your payment setup sorted
Five quick questions and the Payment Setup Checker gives you a recommended path, a backup, and what to test before you fly. Save it to your Arrival Plan when it helps.
Open the Payment Setup CheckerKeep reading
Related questions
Planning the whole trip?
Build your China Arrival Plan.
Start with your first city, then save payment, internet, arrival, and final-check recommendations into one return link.
Payment-app support, visa rules, and connectivity change. Verify time-sensitive items with official sources before departure.