If you’re planning a trip to China, you’ve probably seen two completely opposite claims online:
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“China is 100% cashless.”
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“You must carry cash or you’ll be stuck.”
Both are wrong — and believing either one can cause real trouble once you arrive.
This article will help you survive your first days in China smoothly, especially if you don’t speak Chinese and don’t have local bank accounts.
The short truth
Yes, cash still works in China.
But cash alone is not enough, and relying on it will make daily life harder than it needs to be.
Let’s break down what actually happens on the ground.
Where Cash Still Works (And Usually Won’t Be Refused)
Legally, cash is still accepted everywhere in China. Merchants are not allowed to refuse RMB banknotes outright.
In real life, cash usually works in:
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Hotels
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Large restaurants
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Tourist attractions
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Convenience stores
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Taxis (especially official ones)
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Train stations and airports
If you hand over cash, most places will accept it — but often awkwardly. Staff may need time to find change, call a manager, or double-check the bill.
Cash works, but it’s no longer the default.
Where Cash Becomes a Problem
This is where travelers get surprised.
Cash often becomes inconvenient or stressful in:
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Small local restaurants
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Street food stalls
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Coffee shops
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Neighborhood clinics
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Gyms, massage shops, wellness studios
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Ride-hailing apps (Didi)
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Vending machines
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Bike rentals
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Self-service kiosks
In these situations, staff may accept cash in theory, but:
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They may not have change
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They may look confused or annoyed
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They may redirect you to mobile payment anyway
Some places genuinely don’t know how to process cash anymore because they never use it.
This is why many travelers say, “China doesn’t accept cash” — what they really mean is: cash slows everything down.
The Real Payment System in China (2026 Reality)
China runs on mobile payments, not cards.
The two systems you need to understand are:
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Alipay
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WeChat Pay
These are used for almost everything:
food, transport, shopping, hospitals, tickets, even public toilets in some cities.
Credit cards (Visa / Mastercard) are not widely accepted, except in high-end hotels or international chains.
If you’re asking how people actually pay in China as a tourist, the honest answer is:
phone first, cash backup.
What Travelers Should Do Before Coming to China
If you want your trip to start smoothly, do this before boarding your flight:
1. Bring some cash — but not too much
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RMB 1,000–2,000 is usually enough for emergencies.
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Small bills are more useful than large notes.
2. Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay
Both apps now allow foreign cards (Visa / Mastercard) to be linked.
You don’t need a Chinese bank account.
This step alone removes 80% of daily friction.
3. Don’t rely on ATMs
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Not all ATMs accept foreign cards.
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Some only work with UnionPay.
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ATM English interfaces can be limited.
Cash is easier to exchange before you arrive than after.
Common Mistakes First-Time Visitors Make
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Assuming credit cards work everywhere
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Carrying only cash and no mobile payment
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Thinking cash refusal means “illegal behavior”
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Waiting until arrival to set up payment apps
None of these will ruin your trip — but they will create unnecessary stress.
So, Does Cash Still Work in China?
Yes.
But China is no longer a “cash-first” country.
Cash is now:
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A backup
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A safety net
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A transition tool for new arrivals
Mobile payment is how China actually functions day to day.
If you understand that before you land, you’ll feel confident, independent, and far less lost.
And that’s the real goal of travel prep.