China Travel Guide

Category: Travel Tips

  • How to Pay in China as a Foreigner (2026): Complete Guide

    China is the most cashless major economy on the planet. The two payment apps that dominate — WeChat Pay and Alipay — were originally designed for Chinese users only. The good news? Things have changed dramatically. Both now open to foreign users with international card linking.

    The Two Payment Apps You Need

    WeChat Pay

    • What it is: China’s super-app — messaging, social media, payments, everything
    • Foreign card support: Yes, Visa/Mastercard can be linked since 2024

    Alipay

    • What it is: China’s other payment giant, owned by Ant Group
    • Foreign card support: Yes, Visa/Mastercard/Discover/JCB supported

    Do you need both? Not necessarily, but having both gives you backup coverage.

    How to Set Up WeChat Pay

    1. Download WeChat from your app store
    2. Register with your phone number
    3. Tap “Me” → “Pay” → “Wallet”
    4. Tap “Add a payment method” → “International Bank Card”
    5. Enter your card details (Visa or Mastercard)
    6. Verify with SMS code from your bank
    7. Done! You can now scan QR codes to pay

    Important notes:

    • You’ll need to verify your identity (passport photo + selfie)
    • Small foreign transaction fee (usually 2–3%)
    • Daily and monthly limits apply (typically $10,000 USD equivalent)

    How to Set Up Alipay

    1. Download Alipay from your app store
    2. Register with your phone number
    3. Tap “Me” → “Bank Cards” → “Add”
    4. Enter your international card details
    5. Verify with SMS
    6. Complete identity verification if prompted
    7. Start paying!

    Pro tip: Look for the “Tour Card” feature — designed specifically for foreign visitors.

    What If I Don’t Want to Use Apps?

    Option 1: Cash Still Works

    • Get cash from ATMs (ICBC, Bank of China accept foreign cards)
    • Exchange at banks (not airports — worse rates)
    • Always carry some cash for emergencies

    Option 2: International Credit Cards

    Visa/Mastercard accepted at international hotels, upscale restaurants, major department stores. NOT accepted at: Street food stalls, small shops, most local restaurants, taxis.

    Common Payment Scenarios

    • Street food: WeChat Pay / Alipay / Cash
    • Taxi (DiDi): WeChat Pay / Alipay
    • Metro: WeChat Pay / Alipay / Cash
    • Restaurant: WeChat Pay / Alipay / Cash
    • Hotel: Credit Card / WeChat Pay / Alipay
    • Shopping mall: All options

    Currency Tips

    • Exchange rate: Approximately 7.2 RMB = 1 USD
    • Tipping: Not customary in China
    • Bargaining: Common in markets, not in stores

    Summary Checklist

    Before you arrive in China:

    • Download WeChat and Alipay
    • Register and link your international card
    • Enable international transactions on your bank card
    • Get some RMB cash as backup
    • Download Trip.com for bookings

    For more travel tips, check out our Ultimate China Travel Guide and Is China Safe for Tourists?

  • The Ultimate China Travel Guide 2026: Everything You Need to Know

    Planning a trip to China? You’re about to embark on one of the most rewarding travel experiences of your life. From the futuristic skyline of Shanghai to the ancient wonders of Xi’an, China offers an incredible mix of old and new.

    But let’s be honest — traveling in China can feel overwhelming, especially for first-timers. This guide covers everything you need to know.

    Why Visit China?

    • Incredible diversity: From tropical Hainan to frozen Harbin
    • World-class history: The Great Wall, Terracotta Army, Forbidden City
    • Mind-blowing food: Sichuan hotpot, Cantonese dim sum, Beijing duck
    • Modern infrastructure: High-speed trains connecting cities in hours
    • Value for money: Your dollar goes further than in Europe or Japan

    Best Time to Visit

    China is huge, so the “best time” depends on where you’re going:

    • Spring (March–May): Mild weather, perfect for Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an
    • Summer (June–August): Hot and humid, but great for Tibet, Qinghai, Yunnan
    • Autumn (September–November): Best overall — cool, clear skies everywhere
    • Winter (December–February): Cold in the north, mild in the south

    Pro tip: Avoid Golden Week (Oct 1–7) and Chinese New Year unless you love crowds.

    Top Destinations

    Beijing

    The imperial capital. Must-sees: Forbidden City, Great Wall (Mutianyu section), Temple of Heaven, hutong alleyways. Allow 3–4 days.

    Shanghai

    China’s largest city. The Bund, Yu Garden, French Concession, Shanghai Tower. Perfect for a weekend.

    Xi’an

    Home of the Terracotta Army and the Silk Road starting point. The city wall bike ride is unforgettable.

    Chengdu

    Pandas, hotpot, and teahouses. Visit the Giant Panda Breeding Center and eat Sichuan cuisine.

    Guilin & Yangshuo

    Iconic limestone karst landscape. Li River cruise, cycling through rice paddies, Yulong River bamboo rafting.

    Getting Around

    High-Speed Rail

    Fast, clean, affordable. Key routes:

    • Beijing → Shanghai: 4.5 hours
    • Shanghai → Xi’an: 6 hours
    • Chengdu → Chongqing: 1.5 hours

    Book on Trip.com or the 12306 app.

    Metro Systems

    Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu all have excellent metros. Bilingual signs, 2–7 RMB per ride.

    Taxis & Ride-Hailing

    DiDi is China’s Uber. Download before arrival. Regular taxis are cheap but need Chinese for destination.

    Essential Tips

    1. Get a VPN before arrival — Google, Instagram, WhatsApp, Facebook are blocked
    2. Download apps: WeChat, Alipay, DiDi, Trip.com, Google Translate (offline), Maps.me
    3. Get a SIM card — Buy at airport or get eSIM (Airalo, Holafly)
    4. Carry some cash — Not all places accept foreign cards
    5. Learn basic phrases: Nǐ hǎo (Hello), Xièxiè (Thank you), Duōshǎo qián? (How much?)

    Sample 10-Day Itinerary

    • Days 1–3: Beijing — Forbidden City, Great Wall, Temple of Heaven, Peking Duck
    • Days 4–5: Xi’an — Terracotta Army, Muslim Quarter, City Wall
    • Days 6–8: Chengdu — Pandas, Hotpot, Leshan Giant Buddha
    • Days 9–10: Shanghai — The Bund, Yu Garden, French Concession

    Budget Guide

    • Budget: $30–50/day (hostel, street food, public transport)
    • Mid-Range: $80–150/day (boutique hotel, restaurants, attractions)
    • Comfort: $200–400/day (4-star hotel, fine dining, guided tours)

    Next up: How to Pay in China as a Foreigner — the complete guide to navigating China’s cashless payment system.