Paying as a Foreign Tourist in Xi’an: A Practical Guide to Cultural Sites

Let me start with this: I landed in Xi’an with a pocketful of euros, a credit card, and zero clue about how to pay at cultural sites. My first stop? the Terracotta Army. I walked up to the ticket counter, smiled, and handed over my card. The cashier shook her head and pointed to a sign: “Cash or Mobile Payment Only.” Panic hit. I had 200 yuan in cash—enough for a ticket, but not for the guidebook, water, or the fancy souvenir I’d already eyeing. That day, I learned a hard truth: in Xi’an, even at world-famous sites, foreign tourists need a payment plan.

First things first: Cash is still king (but bring the right kind)

Xi’an’s major cultural sites—like the Terracotta Army, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, and the City Wall—do accept cash, but only Chinese Yuan (CNY). No dollars, no euros, no pounds. I made the mistake of exchanging just $50 at the airport, which gave me ~350 yuan. Enough for one ticket, but when I wanted to hire a English-speaking guide at the Terracotta Army (extra 200 yuan), I was short.

Paying as a Foreign Tourist in Xi’an: A Practical Guide to Cultural Sites

Tip: Exchange at least 800–1000 CNY per day for entrance fees, snacks, and small souvenirs. You can do this at the airport (convenient but slightly bad rates), banks (better rates, but need your passport), or ATMs (look for “UnionPay” signs—though not all foreign cards work). Pro move: Use ATMs inside shopping malls like Century Ginwa or Xi’an Mingzhu Plaza—they’re less likely to be “out of service” than standalone ones.

Mobile payments: The real game-changer (but setup takes time)

By my second day in Xi’an, I realized cash alone wasn’t enough. Vendors at the Muslim Quarter selling roujiamo (Chinese hamburger) or sweet fermented rice? They all scanned a QR code. Even the ticket machine at the Shaanxi History Museum had a “WeChat Pay/Alipay” sign. I had to get with the program.

Here’s the thing: WeChat and Alipay are China’s two dominant mobile payment apps, but they’re designed for locals. For foreigners, it’s not as simple as downloading and paying. Here’s how I made it work:

Step 1: Get a Chinese phone number (or skip it with workarounds)

Both WeChat and Alipay require a Chinese phone number to register fully. I didn’t have one, so I used a workaround:

• For WeChat: I signed up with my email, then went to “Payment Settings” > “Top Up” and linked my international credit card (Visa/Mastercard). Some merchants accept this, but many small vendors (like street food stalls) only accept “WeChat Pay with Chinese ID,” which I didn’t have.
• For Alipay: I used the “AlipayHK” app (for Hong Kong users) or “Alay+” (available in Southeast Asia). These let me link my foreign card and pay via QR code. It worked at the City Wall bike rental and some museum shops!

If you have time: Buy a local SIM card at the airport (China Mobile/Unicom/Telecom). Costs ~50 yuan for 7 days of data. Then register WeChat/Alipay with the Chinese number—you’ll unlock full functionality, like paying at every vendor, big or small.

Step 2: Link your international card

Once you have the app, go to “Wallet” (WeChat) or “My” > “Payment” (Alipay) and select “Bank Cards.” Add your Visa, Mastercard, or Amex. Alipay charges a small fee ( ~3%) for top-ups, but WeChat sometimes waives it for first-time users.

Test it before you go: Buy a bottle of water at a convenience store (7-Eleven or FamilyMart are everywhere). If the QR code scan works, you’re good to go!

International credit cards: Useful, but not everywhere

I brought my Visa credit card, thinking it’d be my savior. It worked at some places:

• Upscale restaurants near the Bell Tower (e.g., those serving Xi’an’s famous dumplings).
• Hotels and large souvenir shops (like the one at the Terracotta Army selling replica warriors).
• Online ticket booking sites (like Trip.com or Klook) for advance tickets to popular sites (avoids long queues!).

But it didn’t work at:

• Small ticket booths (e.g., at the Small Wild Goose Pagoda).
• Street food stalls in the Muslim Quarter.
• Local tour guides (most prefer cash or WeChat/Alipay).

Tip: Call your bank before traveling to tell them you’re in China—otherwise, they might block your card for “suspicious activity.” Also, check foreign transaction fees; some cards charge 3% per purchase, which adds up.

Third-party apps: Your backup plan

If WeChat/Alipay feel too complicated, use these foreign-friendly apps:

• Alipay+: Lets you link foreign cards (Visa/Mastercard) and pay via QR code at over 10 million merchants in China. I used it to pay for a bike rental on the City Wall—scanned the vendor’s Alipay QR code, paid with my Mastercard, and done.
• WeChat Pay International: Similar to Alipay+, designed for tourists. You can add foreign currencies and pay directly.
• Trip.com App: Buy tickets to cultural sites (Terracotta Army, City Wall, etc.) in advance with your credit card. Skip the line and avoid payment hassles at the entrance!

Practical tips I wish I’d known

1. Download apps before you arrive: WeChat, Alipay, and Alipay+ need Chinese app stores (or APK downloads if you’re outside China). Do this at home to avoid stress.
2. Carry a small power bank: Scanning QR codes drains your phone battery. Nothing worse than having cash but no way to pay because your phone’s dead.
3. Ask for help: Chinese people are friendly! If a vendor doesn’t speak English, show them your Alipay/WeChat QR code—they’ll usually figure out how to scan it.
4. Keep small bills: 10, 20, and 50 yuan notes are handy for taxis, street food, or tips.
5. Check ticket prices in advance: Many sites offer discounts for students (bring your ID!) or combo tickets (e.g., Terracotta Army + Huaqing Pool).

My final verdict

By the end of my Xi’an trip, I had a system: 30% cash, 50% Alipay (with my foreign card), and 20% credit card for big purchases. The Terracotta Army? Paid with Alipay. Muslim Quarter snacks? Cash. City Wall bike rental? Alipay+. It worked!

Xi’an’s cultural sites are incredible—you don’t want to waste time worrying about payments. A little prep goes a long way: download the apps, exchange some cash, and keep an open mind. Before you know it, you’ll be scanning QR codes like a local and soaking in all that history.

Now, go enjoy the terracotta warriors, the dumplings, and the city walls. Just don’t forget your payment plan!