Traveling to China for the first time? One thing many international travelers worry about is: How do I pay for things in China?

The good news: it’s much easier than you think — as long as you prepare before landing.

For most travelers, the best setup is:

1. Set up Alipay before your flight Bind your international Visa / Mastercard and use it almost everywhere.
2. Add WeChat Pay as a backup Helpful in many local situations, especially where WeChat is part of daily life.
3. Carry a small amount of RMB cash 500–1000 RMB is enough as a safety net.
4. Don’t rely only on foreign credit cards They work in hotels, malls and airports, but not everywhere.

With the right setup, paying in China can feel surprisingly smooth — even if it’s your first time here.

Save this guide for your China trip 🇨🇳 And follow Hidden China Trips for more practical travel tips across Western Sichuan, Tibet, and the hidden side of China.