PayPal in Xi’an: A Traveler’s Honest Guide to Paying in China

Okay, let’s get straight to it: I landed in Xi’an last week, excited to explore the Terracotta Army, wander the Muslim Quarter, and stuff myself with roujiamo (the Chinese hamburger, seriously, try it). But within an hour of arriving, I hit a wall: “Can I use PayPal here?” Spoiler: It’s not as simple as a yes or no. As a traveler who relies on PayPal back home, I learned the hard way—and now I’m breaking down exactly what you need to know, so you don’t end up staring at a confused vendor like I did.

PayPal in Xi’an: A Traveler’s Honest Guide to Paying in China

First things first: Where can you use PayPal in Xi’an?

Let’s start with the good news, though it’s limited. PayPal works in a few specific spots, mostly tied to international tourism or high-end businesses. Here’s what I found:

• Some hotels and hostels: If you’re staying at a foreign-owned chain (like Marriott or Hilton) or a boutique hostel catering to expats, PayPal might be an option. I stayed at a small hostel near the Bell Tower that accepted PayPal for bookings—they even sent a link to pay via email, which was easy. But when I asked a local-run guesthouse if they took PayPal, the owner just shook his head and handed me a QR code for Alipay.

• Big international stores and restaurants: Think Starbucks, KFC, or the McDonald’s near the Terracotta Army. I grabbed a coffee at a Starbucks downtown and swiped my phone for PayPal—worked like a charm. But when I tried to pay for a local breakfast shop’s baozi (steamed buns) with PayPal, the lady behind the counter just pointed to her WeChat QR code.

• Online bookings for attractions: If you book tickets to the Terracotta Army or the Big Wild Goose Pagoda through sites like Klook or GetYourGuide (which are popular with tourists), PayPal is often a payment option. I booked my Terracotta Army tour this way—paid in USD, no problem. But onsite ticket booths? Cash or Chinese payment apps only.

That’s it. For everything else—street food, local markets, small shops, taxis, even most museums—PayPal is pretty much a no-go.

So, what actually works in Xi’an? Alipay and WeChat Pay (and yes, you can use them as a foreigner)

Let’s be real: China is a cashless society, and the two kings here are Alipay and WeChat Pay. I was intimidated at first—“Do I need a Chinese bank account? How do I even set these up?”—but it’s easier than you think. Here’s your step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Download the apps (and link a payment method)

• Alipay: Download it from the App Store or Google Play. When you open it, it’ll ask if you’re a “foreign user.” Select that—you’ll get an English interface! Then, link a payment method. You can add a foreign credit/debit card (Visa, Mastercard, etc.), but here’s the catch: some cards might be rejected (my Capital One card worked, but my Amex didn’t). Alternatively, if you have a friend in China, they can send you money via Alipay “red packets” (more on that later).

• WeChat Pay: Similar process—download WeChat (you probably already have it for messaging), go to “Me” > “Services” > “Wallet” > “Payment Methods.” Add your foreign card. WeChat Pay is a bit more clunky with foreign cards than Alipay, but it works for most things.

Step 2: Top up your balance (or link directly to your card)

You don’t have to preload money into Alipay or WeChat Pay—you can pay directly with your linked foreign card. But here’s the thing: every time you use a foreign card, there’s a small currency conversion fee (around 1-3%). If you plan on spending a lot, it’s worth topping up with RMB to avoid fees.

How? If you have a Chinese friend, ask them to send you money via Alipay/WeChat (they can use the “transfer” feature). You can also exchange cash at a bank or hotel—most places will let you deposit RMB into your Alipay/WeChat account (bring your passport!). I exchanged $200 USD at my hotel, and the staff helped me deposit it into Alipay—super easy.

Step 3: Learn to scan QR codes (it’s the magic trick)

Here’s the fun part: everyone in Xi’an uses QR codes to pay. Every shop, stall, or taxi has a little sign with a QR code—usually green for WeChat Pay, blue for Alipay. When you want to pay, just open your app, scan the code, and confirm the amount. That’s it.

I’ll never forget my first successful payment: I bought a jianbing (Chinese crepe) from a street vendor. I showed him my Alipay QR code, he scanned it with his phone, and boom—paid. He even gave me a thumbs up. It’s that simple.

Pro tip: Some vendors have a “scan me” sign, but if they don’t, just ask—most young people speak a little English, and older vendors will point to their phone. I learned to say, “Nin hao, Wo yong Alipay zhifu” (Hello, I’ll use Alipay to pay)—they’ll get it.

What about cash? Do you still need it?

Yes, but not much. Here’s when cash comes in handy:

• Small markets or street stalls: Some older vendors in places like the Muslim Quarter might not accept QR codes (though most do now). I carried a few 10 RMB and 20 RMB bills for things like fresh fruit or a bottle of water.

• Taxis: Most taxis in Xi’an accept WeChat/Alipay, but a few drivers (especially older ones) still prefer cash. I always had a 50 RMB bill handy just in case.

• Emergency situations: If your phone dies (bring a power bank!) or you lose your wallet, cash is your backup.

How much to bring? I’d say $100-150 USD in RMB (exchange at the airport or a bank—avoid airport exchange kiosks, they have worse rates). Break it into small bills (10s, 20s) and some coins (for buses, though most people use QR codes for buses too).

Wait, what about PayPal? Is it completely useless?

Not exactly. Here’s when PayPal might save your butt:

• Online shopping: If you want to buy souvenirs from Taobao (China’s Amazon) or JD.com, some sellers accept PayPal. I bought a silk scarf from a Taobao seller who took PayPal—paid in USD, no issues.

• Transferring money to friends: If you’re traveling with someone and need to split costs, PayPal is great for sending money to foreign friends. But for splitting with locals, WeChat/Alipay is easier (they can send you a “red packet” with the exact amount).

• Backup for big expenses: If you’re booking a expensive tour or a fancy dinner, PayPal is a good backup in case your Alipay/WeChat card gets declined.

My top 5 payment tips for Xi’an (from one traveler to another)

1. Download Alipay and WeChat Pay before you leave home. Trying to set them up at the airport with jet lag is no fun. I did it the night before I left, and it took 10 minutes.

2. Tell your bank you’re traveling. Nothing worse than having your card declined because your bank thinks it’s “fraudulent.” I called my bank and told them I’d be in Xi’an for a week—they flagged my account for international transactions.

3. Bring a power bank. Your phone will die from scanning QR codes and using maps all day. I used my power bank every single day—worth the investment.

4. Learn a few basic phrases. “Nin hao” (hello), “Duoshao qian” (how much), “Wo yong Alipay” (I use Alipay)—even if the vendor doesn’t understand English, they’ll get the “Alipay” part.

5. Don’t stress. I was worried I’d be stuck with no way to pay, but honestly, Alipay and WeChat Pay are so easy to use. Within a day, I was scanning QR codes like a pro.

Final verdict: Can you use PayPal in Xi’an?

Technically, yes—but barely. For 95% of your trip, you’ll be using Alipay and WeChat Pay. But don’t let that scare you! These apps are designed for travelers, and with a little prep, you’ll be paying like a local in no time.

Xi’an is an amazing city—ancient history, incredible food, and the friendliest people. Don’t let payment worries ruin your trip. Download those apps, grab some cash, and get ready to explore. Trust me, once you pay for your first roujiamo with a QR code, you’ll feel like a Xi’an local.

Happy travels! 🥟✨