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How much cash should I bring to China?
Aggiornato 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.
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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.