Cash and Foreign Cards in China

slug: cash-and-cards title: "Cash and Foreign Cards in China" section: payment summary: "Which foreign cards work where, where to withdraw cash, and when you still need physical RMB." lastVerified: "2026-06-26" officialSourceUrl: "https://www.unionpayintl.com"

Despite China's mobile payment dominance, foreign visitors should understand where their international cards work — and where they don't. A combination of mobile payment setup and a modest cash reserve covers nearly every situation you will encounter.

International ATMs

Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted at ATMs affiliated with China's major state banks. Look for the Visa or Mastercard logo on the machine before inserting your card. The most reliably configured banks for foreign card withdrawals are:

• ICBC (Industrial and Commercial Bank of China) — the country's largest bank; foreign card support at most branches
• China Construction Bank — generally good Visa and Mastercard support across its ATM network
• Bank of China — historically the bank most oriented toward international visitors; often first choice if other ATMs refuse your card
• Agricultural Bank of China — coverage is variable; try another ATM if your transaction is declined

Daily ATM withdrawal limits depend on your home bank's policy — typically the equivalent of USD 300–500 per transaction. Your home bank may charge a foreign transaction fee (usually 1–3%) plus a fixed withdrawal fee. Chinese banks generally do not add a surcharge on top of this, though policies vary by institution.

Card Payments at Physical Merchants

Many international hotels, upscale restaurants, and large department stores in major cities accept Visa and Mastercard at point-of-sale card terminals. However, the vast majority of everyday merchants — street food stalls, local restaurants, taxis, transport services, and most shops outside luxury malls — are mobile-payment only. They do not have card terminals.

Do not rely on card swipe or contactless tap for day-to-day spending. Mobile payment via Alipay or WeChat Pay is the standard, and in many places the only available method.

Where Cash Is Still Needed

Even in major cities, there are situations where cash (RMB) remains the most practical option:

• Smaller towns and rural areas — mobile payment infrastructure thins out significantly outside tier-1 cities; carry more cash the further you travel from urban centres
• Some temple, heritage site, and national park entry fees — particularly at smaller or less-visited sites that have not upgraded their ticketing systems
• Bicycle and e-scooter rentals — some parks and scenic areas still use cash-based rental systems
• Tipping — tipping is not mandatory or expected in China, but if you choose to tip at a restaurant or give a small gratuity, cash is the appropriate form
• Emergency backup — if your phone battery dies or mobile payment fails, cash ensures you are never stranded

How Much Cash to Carry

Currency Exchange

You will need RMB (Chinese Yuan Renminbi, symbol ¥ or CNY) for cash transactions. Main exchange options:

• Airport exchange counters — convenient on arrival, but exchange rates are usually less favourable than in-city options; suitable for getting a small amount of cash to start
• Bank of China branches — competitive exchange rates, passport required; most branches in major cities have English-speaking staff at the foreign exchange counter
• Designated exchange offices in tourist areas — rates vary widely; compare a few before committing
• ATM withdrawals in RMB — often the most efficient option once you are in-country; your bank's exchange rate applies, plus the applicable fees

Avoid exchanging currency with street-side money changers. Unlicensed exchange is illegal in China and carries a significant risk of receiving counterfeit notes.