Payment in China: A Traveler’s Guide to Spending Smart in Xi’an

I landed in Xi’an with a mix of excitement and anxiety. I’d heard China was a “cashless society,” but as a first-time visitor, I wasn’t sure what that meant for me. Did I need to carry wads of yuan? Could my credit card swipe anywhere? Would I be stuck unable to buy a bowl of noodles? A week later, after navigating bustling markets, ancient sites, and late-night street food stalls, I’ve figured out the payment ropes. Here’s what every traveler to Xi’an (and really, China) needs to know to spend stress-free.

Before You Go: Prep Your Payment Tools

My first mistake? Assuming my home country’s credit card would work everywhere. Spoiler: it didn’t. In China, Alipay and WeChat Pay reign supreme—over 90% of transactions use these two apps. Even small street vendors prefer them to cash. So, before you leave, get these set up:

Link a Foreign Credit Card to Alipay or WeChat Pay

Both apps let you bind international Visa/Mastercard cards (Amex works too, but less widely accepted). Here’s how:

Payment in China: A Traveler’s Guide to Spending Smart in Xi’an

• Alipay: Open the app → “Me” → “Payment Methods” → “Add Bank Card.” Enter your card details, verify via SMS (you’ll need a Chinese phone number for this—ask your hotel/hostel to help, or buy a local SIM card at the airport).
• WeChat Pay: “Me” → “Payment” → “Wallet” → “Payment Methods” → “Add Bank Card.” Same process—card details + SMS verification.

Pro tip: Test with a small purchase (like buying a water bottle) to make sure it works. I tried paying for a taxi with my Alipay-linked card on day one and it went smoothly—no foreign transaction fees from my bank, either!

Download Alipay and WeChat Pay

Some places only accept one. For example:

• Most street food stalls, small shops, and taxis: WeChat Pay.
• Malls, big restaurants, and tourist sites: Alipay.
  Having both covers your bases.

Cash: Still Useful (But Not King)

Yes, China is cashless, but don’t skip cash entirely. Carry small bills (¥10, ¥20, ¥50) and coins (¥1, ¥5). You’ll need them for:

• Vendors in markets or alleyways: I tried buying a cute paper lantern at the Muslim Quarter with Alipay, but the elderly vendor just pointed to a “现金” (cash) sign. Luckily, I had a ¥20 bill.
• Taxis: Some drivers only take cash (or prefer it to avoid app fees). I once had a driver say “WeChat okay, but cash better” because he didn’t want to wait for the transfer to go through.
• Emergency situations: If your phone dies or you lose your wallet, cash is your backup.

How to get cash: Use ATMs at major banks (ICBC, Bank of China, China Construction Bank) in airports, malls, or downtown. They accept foreign cards and dispense yuan in ¥100, ¥50, and ¥20 bills. Avoid “independent” ATMs—they might charge high fees.

Day-to-Day Payments: What to Expect

Xi’an is a city of contrasts—you’ll pay for a ¥5 steamed bun with a QR code and a ¥300 ticket to the Terracotta Warriors with the same. Here’s how it works in real life:

Eating Out: From Street Stalls to Fine Dining

• Street food: At the Muslim Quarter or Beilin Snack Street, vendors stick a laminated QR code on their carts. Just open WeChat Pay/Alipay, scan it, and enter the amount. I paid for a roujiamo (Chinese hamburger) this way—¥8, done in 10 seconds.
• Restaurants: Most have QR codes on the table. After eating, the waiter will bring a bill with a code. Scan, confirm the amount, and pay. No need to call them back! I once forgot my wallet at a dumpling place, but the QR code saved me—paid via Alipay and walked out hassle-free.
• Splitting bills: WeChat Pay has a “Split Bill” feature. Go to “WeChat” → “Me” → “Payment” → “Wallet” → “Split Bill.” Enter the total, number of people, and it’ll send requests to friends. Perfect for group dinners!

Shopping: Markets, Malls, and Souvenirs

• Markets (like the Muslim Quarter or Shuyuan Gate)): Bargaining is normal, but payment is digital. I haggled over a silk scarf (got it from ¥150 to ¥100), then scanned the vendor’s WeChat code to pay.
• Malls (like Century Ginwa or Big Goose Pagoda Plaza)): Big stores accept credit cards, but Alipay/WeChat is faster. I bought a jacket at a mall—used Alipay, got a digital receipt instantly.
• Souvenir shops near tourist sites: Some small shops only take cash. At the Terracotta Warriors, I bought a keychain and the vendor said “cash only.” Had to run to an ATM nearby—lesson learned: bring cash to major attractions!

Transport: Taxis, Metro, and Buses

• Taxis: Most drivers use WeChat Pay. Just tell them your destination, and when you arrive, scan their QR code (usually on the dashboard). I once took a taxi from the Terracotta Warriors to the city center—¥65, paid via WeChat in 2 seconds. No need to worry about small change!
• Metro: The easiest way to get around. Open Alipay → “Metro” → “Add Card” → select “Xi’an Metro.” Generate a QR code, scan it at the gate, and it’ll deduct the fare when you exit. I used this every day—cheaper than taxis and avoids traffic!
• Buses: Similar to metro—use Alipay’s “Bus” function. But honestly, metro is more reliable in Xi’an; buses get stuck in traffic.

Tourist Sites: Tickets and Skip-the-Line

• Terracotta Warriors: Buy tickets on Alipay’s “Trip.com” or “Meituan” app. I booked in advance, scanned the QR code at the entrance, and skipped the long line. Saved at least an hour!
• Big Wild Goose Pagoda: Same process—Alipay app, buy tickets, scan at the gate.
• City Wall: You can pay at the ticket office (cash/Alipay/WeChat) or buy online. I did online—no hassle.

Common Payment Problems (and How to Fix Them)

Even with prep, I hit a few snags. Here’s how to solve them:

“WeChat Pay/Alipay Failed” – Low Balance or Network Issues

If your phone has no signal (like in the metro or underground markets), mobile payments won’t work. Solution:

• Save QR codes offline: Open the QR code in Alipay/WeChat, take a screenshot, and save it to your photos. When you need to pay, show the screenshot (vendors can scan it).
• Carry cash: As a backup, always have ¥100-200 in small bills.

“No Foreign Cards Accepted” – At Small Shops

Some vendors (especially older ones) don’t realize you can bind foreign cards. Solution:

• Ask a young person for help: In China, most young people speak English and are happy to help. I once showed a college student my Alipay page, and she helped me explain to the vendor that my card was linked.
• Use cash: If all else fails, pull out cash. They’ll take it.

“I Don’t Have a Chinese Phone Number” – For Verification

Some apps require a Chinese number to verify. Solution:

• Buy a local SIM card: At Xi’an Xianyang International Airport, you can buy a China Unicom or China Mobile SIM for ¥30-50. It comes with data and a Chinese number—perfect for verifying apps.
• Ask your hotel: Most hotels can help you verify Alipay/WeChat with their landline number.

Final Tips: Spend Smart in Xi’an

• Set a daily budget: Use Alipay’s “Expense Tracker” (under “Me” → “Payment” → “Expenses”) to see where your money goes. I spent ~¥200/day on food, transport, and small souvenirs.
• Bargain politely: In markets, start at 50% of the asking price and meet in the middle. Smile and be friendly—they’ll respect that!
• Avoid “tourist traps”: Near the Terracotta Warriors, some shops overcharge. Walk 5 minutes away to local stores—same stuff, half the price.

Conclusion

Xi’an is a city where ancient history meets modern tech—and payment is no exception. Mobile payments make life easy, but cash is your safety net. With a little prep (downloading apps, linking cards, carrying small bills), you’ll spend less time worrying about money and more time exploring. By the end of my trip, I was paying for noodles like a local—no stress, just delicious food and great memories.

So go ahead, try that roujiamo, ride the metro, and haggle for a silk scarf. With these payment tips, you’re all set to enjoy Xi’an like a pro!