Payment & Currency FAQ

1. Can I still use cash in China?

Yes, but street vendors/taxis may refuse large bills (like ¥100), recommend carrying ¥10/20 small bills.

2. Must I use WeChat/Alipay?

Not mandatory, but without mobile payment it's extremely inconvenient (scenic area tickets, shared bikes, small shops all require QR code scanning). Alternative: Ask guide/hotel front desk to pay for you then settle with cash.

3. Where is the best place to exchange RMB?

Domestic banks (Bank of China/ICBC have best rates, need passport, daily limit ≈¥50,000). Avoid: Airport exchange rates are poor, hotels may charge 10% service fee.

4. Can I withdraw cash from ATMs?

UnionPay ATMs support Visa/Mastercard withdrawals (3% fee + card issuer fees), daily limit ¥10,000. Recommended: HSBC/Standard Chartered ATMs (foreign banks have lower fees).

5. Where do they accept Visa/Mastercard?

High-end venues: Four-star hotels and above, airport duty-free shops, some chain restaurants (like Starbucks). Note: Street shops, taxis, attraction tickets 99% don't support.

6. Why was my credit card declined?

Possible reasons: Haven't activated 'cross-border payment' function (need to contact card issuer in advance). Merchant POS only supports UnionPay (common in second-tier cities).

7. How do foreigners register WeChat Pay/Alipay?

Steps: Register account with overseas phone number. Bind international credit card (Visa/Mastercard/JCB). Single transaction limit ¥200, monthly cumulative ¥5,000 (need Chinese bank account to remove restrictions).

8. Are there alternative apps?

Recommended: TourCard (Shanghai Bank electronic prepaid card, recharge through Alipay). Airwallex (virtual card, supports multiple currencies).

9. How to pay for taxis?

DiDi international version (DiDi-Ride) supports international credit cards, or use cash (prepare small change in advance).

10. Can I buy attraction tickets with cash?

Popular attractions (like Forbidden City, Great Wall) require advance online booking (only supports WeChat/Alipay), ticket windows may not sell tickets.

11. What to do if cash is refused?

Call 12363 (Central Bank Financial Consumer Rights Protection Hotline) to complain, or show this statement: 'According to Chinese law, RMB is legal tender and cannot be refused'.

12. How to resolve mobile payment account fraud?

Freeze account immediately (Alipay customer service +86-571-95188, WeChat Pay +86-10-95017).

13. How to quickly get small amounts of cash?

When shopping at supermarkets with credit card, ask to 'overcharge ¥100' and get cash back (requires merchant agreement).

14. What to do with remaining RMB when departing?

Spend at airport duty-free shops, or exchange back to foreign currency (need to keep original exchange receipts).

15. What's the best payment strategy?

Combination approach: WeChat Pay bound to credit card (small purchases). Carry ¥1,000-2,000 cash (50% in ¥10/20 denominations). Have a UnionPay card (if you have Chinese friends who can help recharge).