First Time in Xi’an: A Foreigner’s Honest Guide to Hotel Check-In and Payments in China

Landing in Xi’an felt like stepping into a postcard—anc city walls, the smell of roujiamo (Chinese hamburgers) wafting through the air, and streets buzzing with rickshaws and electric scooters. As a first-time visitor to China, I was equal parts excited and nervous. The excitement? Exploring the Terracotta Army, walking the Muslim Quarter, and getting lost in the Muslim Quarter. The nervousness? Mostly about logistics—especially hotel check-in and payments. I’d heard stories about foreigner-only procedures, cash-only policies, and language barriers, so I spent weeks prepping. Now, after a smooth (if slightly confusing) first experience, I’m sharing what really helps—no fluff, just practical tips for fellow travelers.

First Time in Xi’an: A Foreigner’s Honest Guide to Hotel Check-In and Payments in China

Before You Go: Prep Work That Saves Headaches

China’s hotel system can be tricky for foreigners, but a little prep goes a long way. Here’s what I did before arriving in Xi’an:

Choose the Right Hotel

Not all hotels are foreigner-friendly. When booking on sites like Booking.com or Agoda, filter for “foreign guests accepted” (some local guesthouses or budget motels only cater to Chinese citizens with ID cards). I stayed at the Xi’an City Centre Hotel near the Bell Tower—it had great reviews for English-speaking staff and clear “foreign-friendly” policies. Pro tip: Look for hotels with “international” or “chain” in the name (like Marriott, Hilton, or local chains like Jin Jiang); they’re more likely to handle foreign payments and have English staff.

Download Translation Apps

Google Translate doesn’t work well in China (thanks to the Great Firewall), so I downloaded Baidu Translate and iFlyer Translate. Both have offline translation modes—critical for when I had no Wi-Fi. I also pre-saved key phrases in Chinese:

• “I need to check in.” (我需要办理入住。)
• “Do you accept credit cards?” (你们接受信用卡吗？)
• “Can I pay in cash?” (我能付现金吗？)
• “My passport, please.” (请出示我的护照。)

Get Cash—But Not Too Much

China is still a cash-heavy country, especially outside big cities. ATMs at Bank of China or ICBC accept foreign cards, but they often charge high fees (I paid $5 per withdrawal). I exchanged $200 USD at my home country’s bank before leaving (rates were better than in Xi’an) and took out an extra ¥1,000 (≈$140) via an airport ATM upon arrival. Small bills (¥10, ¥20, ¥50) are key—many small shops or taxis can’t break ¥100 notes.

Arrival at the Hotel: The Check-In Dance

After a 12-hour flight, I stumbled into my hotel at 8 PM, tired but ready to crash. The lobby was sleek, modern—and instantly intimidating. Here’s how the check-in went, step by step:

Step 1: Show Your Passport (Not ID!)

In China, hotels are legally required to register foreign guests with the police using their passports. No ID cards, no driver’s licenses—only passports. I handed mine to the front desk agent, who scanned it and asked for a photocopy (I later learned some hotels keep a copy; others just scan it and return it). Tip: Carry your passport at all times in China—hotels, restaurants, and even some attractions will ask to see it.

Step 2: Fill Out the Registration Form

Even with international hotels, there’s a paper form to fill out. It was in Chinese, but the hotel had English forms ready—phew! The basics: name, passport number, nationality, check-in/check-out dates, and room number. I asked the agent to help with tricky parts (like writing my name in Chinese characters, which she kindly did for me). Pro move: Have a digital copy of your passport saved on your phone—some hotels ask for it if there’s an issue with the physical copy.

Step 3: The Room “Deposit” Dance

This is where things got tricky. In many countries, you just swipe a credit card for incidentals. In China? It’s often cash only. The agent smiled and said, “Deposit ¥500 for mini-bar and damages.” I froze—I only had ¥1,000 left, and I didn’t want to blow half of it on a deposit. “Credit card?” I asked, showing my Visa. She shook her head. “Cash only.”

Panic set in—until I remembered I’d hidden some emergency cash in my backpack. I handed over ¥500, and she gave me a paper receipt (keep these! You’ll need them to get your deposit back when you check out). Later, I learned some luxury hotels accept credit cards for deposits, but most mid-range or budget places require cash. Lesson: Always ask about the deposit method beforehand—I called my hotel a day before arriving to confirm, which saved me from a meltdown.

Step 4: Get Your Room Key (and Maybe a Wi-Fi Password)

The agent handed me a key card and pointed to a router in the corner. “Wi-Fi password is on the card,” she said in accented English. The password was in Chinese characters, but my translation app scanned it in seconds. Bonus: Some hotels now use QR codes for Wi-Fi—just scan, enter your phone number, and get a code (no need for a Chinese SIM card if you have Wi-Fi!).

Payments: Cash, Cards, and the “WeChat/Alipay” Confusion

The biggest headache for foreigners in China? Payments. Everyone uses WeChat Pay or Alipay—apps that link to Chinese bank accounts or phones. As a foreigner, I couldn’t set them up easily (you need a Chinese phone number to register). So how did I pay for my hotel and survive in Xi’an?

Hotel Payments: Cash Is King (But Cards Work Sometimes)

My hotel room fee was ¥600/night, booked in advance on Booking.com (which charged my credit card). But when I wanted to extend my stay by one night, I had to pay at the front desk. “Credit card?” I asked. The agent nodded, but then swiped my card, frowned, and said, “Sorry, system down. Cash only.”

Ugh. Back to the ATM. I withdrew ¥600, paid her, and got a receipt. Later, I talked to a traveler who’d stayed at a Hilton—they accepted credit cards without a hitch. So here’s the rule: International chains = credit cards usually work; local/budget hotels = cash is safer. Always ask: “Do you take credit cards?” before assuming you can pay by card.

What About WeChat/Alipay?

I tried to use WeChat Pay at a convenience store to buy water—big mistake. The cashier looked at my phone, shrugged, and pointed to the cash register. Foreigners can’t use WeChat/Alipay unless you have a “China Bank Account” (which is nearly impossible to get as a tourist). Some high-end hotels might accept them, but don’t count on it. Stick to cash or credit cards.

Tipping: Just Don’t

In China, tipping is not customary—at all. I left a ¥10 tip for the housekeeper once, and she chased me down the hall to give it back, saying, “We don’t take tips!” Save your money; hotels don’t expect it.

Check-Out: Getting Your Deposit Back

Checking out was easier than checking in, but there were still hiccups. I went to the front desk at 11 AM (checkout time), handed in my key card, and asked for my ¥500 deposit. The agent smiled, handed me the cash, and said, “Have a nice trip!”

But I’d heard stories of hotels “losing” deposit receipts, so I’d kept mine just in case. Good thing—another traveler at my hotel had lost his receipt and had to show his passport and booking confirmation to get his deposit back. Pro tip: Always keep deposit receipts until you’ve left the hotel.

Final Tips for Foreign Travelers in Xi’an

After three days in Xi’an, I felt like a pro (okay, maybe a semi-pro). Here’s what I wish I’d known before arriving:

• Learn basic Chinese phrases: “Xièxiè” (thank you), “Nǐ hǎo” (hello), and “Duìbuqǐ” (sorry) go a long way. Even if your pronunciation is bad, people appreciate the effort.
• Carry a power bank: China’s outlets are Type A/C (two flat pins or a mix), so bring a universal adapter. Also, Wi-Fi in hotels can be spotty— a power bank keeps your translation app alive.
• Don’t be afraid to ask for help: Chinese people are friendly! If you’re stuck, show a hotel address to a taxi driver (or use Google Maps, which works in China if you download the map offline).
• Avoid “tourist traps” for money exchange: The airport exchange desks have bad rates. Use ATMs at Bank of China or ICBC—they’re reliable and have better rates.

Wrapping Up

Xi’an is an incredible city—ancient history, amazing food, and warm people. The hotel check-in process? A little confusing at first, but totally manageable with prep. Remember: Bring your passport, carry cash, and don’t panic if things don’t go exactly as planned. China operates on its own terms, but that’s part of the adventure.

Now, if you’ll excuse me—I’m off to try another roujiamo. Xi’an, you’ve got my heart (and my ¥500 deposit).

Safe travels, and 欢迎来到西安 (Welcome to Xi’an)!