Before you arrive, you'll probably read two completely opposite things online: "China is cashless, don't bother with cash" and "always carry cash or you'll be stuck." Both are wrong.
Here's what actually works in Guangzhou.
Cash still works — but it's a backup, not a default
Legally, merchants in China cannot refuse RMB cash. In practice, cash is accepted at hotels, large restaurants, tourist attractions, convenience stores, and official taxis — but it's no longer how most people pay, and some smaller places genuinely struggle to make change.
One place where cash is straightforwardly useful: TCM clinics. Most traditional clinics in Guangzhou accept cash and don't take bank cards. If you're planning a clinic visit, bring RMB with you. RMB 500–1,000 in small bills is a reasonable amount to have on hand for the trip.
Visa and Mastercard: more useful than you'd expect
You can tap Visa or Mastercard directly at Guangzhou metro fare gates — one card per person, no app needed. Large hotels and major shopping malls also accept them. For everyday spending at smaller restaurants, street food, or clinics, cards won't work — but for transport and accommodation they're genuinely convenient.
Mobile payment: how Guangzhou actually runs
Alipay and WeChat Pay cover almost everything cards don't — food, shopping, ride-hailing, smaller shops. Both apps now allow foreign Visa or Mastercard to be linked, so you don't need a Chinese bank account.
Set this up before you board your flight. The process takes about ten minutes and removes most day-to-day payment friction once you're here.
The practical setup for most visitors
- Link a foreign card to Alipay or WeChat Pay before arriving
- Bring RMB 500–1,000 in small bills for clinics, street food, and emergencies
- Use Visa/Mastercard for metro and hotels
- Don't rely on ATMs — not all accept foreign cards, and finding one that does takes time
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