Cash or card in China: Which is the best way to pay?

Getting ready for a trip to China? Besides researching the places you want to visit, you’re likely also working on your travel budget. Understanding how locals spend is key to this.

China is one of the most digitally advanced countries in the world and this is reflected in local payment habits. The most common methods are various apps and platforms which have become the primary way to make payments. While cash is still used, cards aren’t as common as they are in the West. We’ll explore this further to help answer the question - which is more convenient, cash or card in China?

We’ll also show you a cost-effective way to handle your finances in China with Wise. For all international purchases, online or in person, you can rely on the Wise card. You can even withdraw Chinese yuan like a local for low fees* and at the mid-market exchange rate.

How cash-centric is China?

China isn’t cash-centric at all. On the contrary, mobile payments are the most popular method, making China the global leader in these transactions.¹

Mobile payments account for over 70% of all transactions, with more than 960 million people in the country using them. However, cash still holds second place.¹

Cash etiquette in China

Tipping isn’t customary in China and is often considered unnecessary, which may be surprising to tourists. Your tips may be refused or misunderstood, so it's best to adapt to local customs. Some Chinese businesses even have no-tipping policies.²

Cash or card in China - the comparison

We’ve listed some common situations where you’ll be paying for things in China. Here’s whether you’ll be able to pay by card, in cash or both:

Paying for…	Card 💳	Cash 👛
🚕 Taxis	Sometimes3	Usually, yes - small notes are preferred4
🏪 Convenience stores5	Sometimes	Usually, yes
🍜 Restaurants5	Sometimes	Usually, yes
☕ Coffee shops5	Sometimes	Usually, yes
🛕 Temples and shrines5	Sometimes	Usually, yes - small notes are preferred
🚌 Public transport	In some cities6	Usually, yes7
🖼️ Museums5	Sometimes	Usually, yes

Want to work out exactly how much things cost? Explore our live Chinese yuan exchange rate currency converter.

Using your card in China at an ATM

Although the number of ATMs in China has declined in recent years, there are still plenty available. The demand for cash has decreased due to the popularity of mobile payments, but there are still nearly 900,000 ATMs across the country.⁸

Some banks, like ICBC, accept foreign cards. Their ATMs are available 24/7, so you won’t need to plan your day around an ATM visit. However, always check that your card’s logo is listed on the ATM you wish to use.⁹

Chinese ATMs have both daily and transaction limits. You can withdraw up to 2,500 yuan at once and a maximum of 20,000 yuan per day.⁹

ATM fees in China vary based on whether the machine is bank-owned or independent. You can typically expect to pay between 20 and 30 yuan per transaction.¹⁰ Your bank might also charge a fee on top of this.

Will my UK debit card work in China?

The Chinese government is taking steps to make the country more accessible to foreign visitors. As part of this effort, a decision has been made to accept foreign cards at many tourist attractions and resorts and at three-star or higher hotels.⁵

However, it’s still important to check whether your card’s logo is displayed at the checkout counter, as this policy might not have been implemented universally yet.

Can I use my UK credit card in China?

Similar to debit cards, UK credit cards aren’t accepted everywhere. They should be accepted at major tourist attractions and some hotels, but it’s best to ask in advance.

Reasons to use cash in China

Although China is highly advanced in digital payments, cash is still accepted almost everywhere. While businesses shouldn’t refuse cash payments, it’s a good idea to carry smaller banknotes to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Also, if you're visiting rural areas, the use of digital payments may not be as widespread. Cash will be essential in this case.

Reasons to use credit or debit cards in China

Cards aren’t used frequently in China, but efforts have been made to make sure tourists can use their foreign-issued cards while visiting. Additionally, you should be able to link your card to mobile payment services like Alipay or WeChat Pay and use them just like the locals.⁵

Are contactless card payments common in China?

In China, contactless payments are usually made through mobile payment platforms rather than cards. The limit for contactless transactions differs for locals and foreigners, but it has recently been raised for visitors. You can now spend up to 5,000 USD in a single transaction and up to 50,000 USD annually.⁵

Your Wise card can also be used for contactless payments in China. If you don’t want to carry multiple cards with you, you can get the Wise virtual card with the same features.

Other payment methods in China

Besides the traditional cards and cash, other payment methods are available in China.

Beijing Pass

The Beijing Pass is a new payment option for transportation, tourist attractions and shopping. While it may sound like the pass is only for visitors to Beijing, it can actually be used in over 300 cities across China.¹¹

You can get the pass at 15 key transportation hubs, such as Beijing Daxing International Airport or Beijing Railway Station. It can be topped up at counters and machines in the Beijing subway, as well as through the SilkPass app.¹¹

This is a great option for tourists who aren’t familiar with Chinese mobile payment platforms or those who simply want a more convenient way to pay. The Beijing Pass can be used for public transportation in Beijing and hundreds of other cities, as well as at popular tourist attractions and supermarkets within Beijing.¹¹

Mobile payment

Mobile payments are the most popular option among locals in China. These QR-based methods are used everywhere, from restaurants and stores to street performers. The most popular ones are Alipay and WeChat.¹

There are two methods for QR code payments in China. In the first, the seller displays a QR code that the customer scans and enters the amount. This code can be found in various places, such as restaurant tables or checkout counters. Alternatively, customers can show their own QR code, which the seller then scans to select the amount.¹

These apps have other features as well. For example, Alipay also offers installment payments and cash back, while WeChat combines social media and mobile payment services.¹

For an additional layer of security, you could link your Wise virtual card to one of these apps. It has all the benefits of a regular Wise card, but it exists in your phone only. You can freeze your Wise virtual card after every transaction, too.

What is the best way to pay in China: cash or card?

If you have to choose between cash or card in China, cash is probably the better option. While the country is gradually adopting foreign card payments, they’re still not accepted everywhere, which can be a hassle.

However, the best option isn’t either cash or card, but mobile payments. Check if you can link your card to one of China’s payment platforms to use this method virtually everywhere.

Get your Wise virtual card 💳

Spend like a local in China with Wise

Mobile payments are the most popular option in China and efforts have been made to help foreigners use them. However, you’ll likely be able to use cash in many places as well, as long as you have the exact amount.

If you want to spend like a local in China and 150+ countries without worrying about exchange rates and hidden fees, the Wise card might be just the thing you’re looking for.

The Wise card can be used for all international payments, including accommodation costs and daily expenses. It automatically converts the currency at the mid-market exchange rate with only a small, transparent currency conversion fee*.

Learn more about the Wise card 💳

You can also use it to easily withdraw cash from the ATMs in China. Each month, you can make 2 withdrawals of up to 200 GBP for free. After that, there is a charge of 0.5 GBP per withdrawal. There’s also a 1.75% fee on any amount you withdraw above 200 GBP.

Cash or card in China - FAQs

To summarise, here are some of the most frequent questions about using cash or cards in China.

How do tourists and foreigners spend money in China?

Tourists can use mobile payment apps and e-wallets, cash and cards. However, cards are usually only accepted at hotels and tourist attractions.

Is China completely cashless?

China is not entirely cashless. While mobile payments account for the majority of transactions, the People’s Bank of China is taking steps to ensure cash remains in circulation.¹²

Can you use a UK debit card in China?

Some places in China allow the use of international debit cards. Just make sure you look for the logo at the checkout counter.

Do taxis in China accept cash?

They usually do, as long as you have the local currency and the exact amount.

Is it better to exchange money in China?

Yes, you’ll likely get a better rate if you exchange your pounds for yuan in China.¹³

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Sources used:

1. Daxue Consulting - mobile payments in China
2. Frommer’s - tipping in China
3. SHINE - Chinese cabs beginning to accept foreign cards
4. China Highlights - how to take a taxi in China
5. Gov.cn - payment service guide for visitors
6. Gov.cn - Beijing metro enables tap-and-go payment for foreign cards
7. Beijing.gov.cn - transportation
8. Statista - number of ATMs in China
9. ICBC - ATMs in China
10. Crown Currency Exchange - ATM fees in China
11. Beijing.gov.cn - Beijing Pass
12. Forbes - the limit of cashless payments in China
13. Bamboo Travel - currency, credit cards and changing money in China

Sources last checked on date: 10-Jan-2025