Can I use my Visa card everywhere?
Not everywhere. Foreign-issued Visa and Mastercard are generally accepted at international hotels, larger restaurants and chain retailers in major cities, but many small shops, market stalls, taxis and local eateries cannot process them.
Acceptance varies by city and merchant, so it is wise to set up mobile payment and carry some cash as backup. Our credit and debit card guide explains where foreign cards work and what fees to expect.
How much cash can I bring into China?
Under current customs rules, cash equivalent to USD 5,000 or more must be declared to Chinese customs when you enter the country, and larger amounts may require additional documentation.
Rules and thresholds can change, so verify the latest requirements with official customs information before you fly. Our currency exchange guide covers declaration details and sensible amounts to carry.
Can foreigners use Alipay in China?
Yes. Alipay supports international visitors: you can register with an overseas phone number, link a foreign Visa, Mastercard or other supported card, and pay by scanning QR codes.
Identity verification with your passport may be required, and setup is much easier before you travel. Follow the step-by-step instructions in our mobile payment guide for visitors.
What is the fee for using a foreign card on Alipay?
It depends on the transaction size. Smaller payments are often processed without an extra fee up to a per-transaction threshold, while amounts above it may be charged a percentage-based service fee.
These policies have changed in the past, so check the fee notice inside the Alipay app before you pay. Our mobile payment guide covers typical fee structures in more detail.
Where can I exchange USD to RMB?
Common options include airport exchange counters, major Chinese banks such as Bank of China, and licensed currency exchange offices in large cities; some hotels also exchange small amounts for guests.
Banks usually offer fairer rates than airport kiosks, and you will need your passport either way. Compare the options in our currency exchange guide.
Do I need to tip at restaurants?
No. Tipping is not part of the dining culture in mainland China, and staff at local restaurants do not expect it — some upscale hotel restaurants simply add a service charge to the bill instead.
Trying to hand over cash tips can even cause confusion. For more on tipping etiquette and realistic meal costs, see our budget and travel cost tips.
Which prepaid travel card is best for travel?
There is no single "best" prepaid travel card — the right choice depends on the currencies it supports, issuance and top-up fees, foreign transaction and ATM charges, the exchange-rate markup, and how widely its network is accepted at your destination.
Compare a few well-known providers against these criteria before you buy. Our card guide lists the criteria to check.
How much cash should I carry per day?
Less than you might expect, since mobile payment covers most daily spending — a few hundred RMB per day is a sensible backup for small vendors, transport hiccups or places with poor connectivity.
Keep your total within customs declaration limits and split cash between bags. Our budget tips guide walks through realistic daily amounts.
Explore the Full Guides
Each answer above is a summary — the detailed guides below go deeper on setup steps, fees and limits.