Can I use my foreign credit card in China?
Only at international hotels, luxury malls, and major chain stores. 90%+ of restaurants, shops, taxis, and street vendors do NOT accept foreign cards. The solution: bind your Visa/Mastercard to Alipay Tour Card — then your card works everywhere mobile payment is accepted. Carry ¥500 cash for backup.
Quick answer
Only at international hotels, luxury malls, and major chain stores. 90%+ of restaurants, shops, taxis, and street vendors do NOT accept foreign cards. The solution: bind your Visa/Mastercard to Alipay Tour Card — then your card works everywhere mobile payment is accepted. Carry ¥500 cash for backup.
Detailed answer
Where Cards Actually Work
International hotel chains (Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, IHG, Accor) — almost all accept Visa/Mastercard/Amex at check-in and checkout.
Luxury shopping malls and brand stores — SKP, IFC, Plaza 66, and international brand boutiques (Apple, Nike, Zara, etc.) accept foreign cards.
Airport shops and duty-free — most accept international cards.
Some high-end restaurants and hotel restaurants — call ahead to confirm.
Large supermarket chains (Hema, Ole, CitySuper) — some accept foreign cards, but mobile payment is faster.
Does NOT work: local restaurants, street food, taxis, metro/bus, convenience stores (7-Eleven sometimes), small shops, markets, tourist ticket booths.
The Alipay Tour Card Solution
Bind your foreign credit card to Alipay's Tour Card — this converts your card into a mobile payment method accepted at 95%+ of merchants.
Supported cards: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, JCB, Diners Club.
How it works: Alipay charges your card in CNY, your bank converts to your home currency. You get the card's exchange rate plus Alipay's 3% top-up fee.
Limits: ¥5,000 per transaction, ¥50,000 per month per card. Bind multiple cards if needed.
This is the single most important thing to set up before your trip — do it at home before you fly.
Cash & ATMs
Carry ¥500–1000 in small bills (¥10, ¥20, ¥50) for arrival days and places that don't take mobile payment.
ATMs at major banks (Bank of China, ICBC, Construction Bank) accept foreign Visa/Mastercard for cash withdrawals.
Withdrawal limit: usually ¥3,000–5,000 per transaction, ¥10,000–20,000 per day. Fees: ¥15–50 per withdrawal + your bank's foreign transaction fee.
Airport ATMs are the most reliable for foreign cards — withdraw cash upon arrival.
Some smaller bank ATMs may not accept foreign cards. Look for the Visa/Plus or Mastercard/Cirrus logo.