Xi’an Long Stay: How to Handle Payments Like a Local

I never planned to stay in Xi’an for a month. But after my first week—waking up to the smell of jianbing (savory crepes) at the Muslim Quarter, cycling the ancient city walls at sunset, and getting lost in the quiet alleys behind the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda—I was hooked. The city’s blend of history, food, and laid-back energy made it hard to leave. But staying longer meant one big question: How do I handle payments without going broke or getting stuck?

Xi’an Long Stay: How to Handle Payments Like a Local

As a foreigner, I’d heard horror stories about cash-only vendors, confusing payment apps, and hidden fees. So I spent my first week figuring out the system—trial and error, mostly (like trying to pay for a bus with a credit card… oops). By week two, I had it down. Here’s what I learned, so you can skip the headaches and focus on enjoying Xi’an.

First Things First: Get Your Payment Apps Ready

China is a cashless society, and Xi’an is no exception. Even street vendors selling roujiamo (Chinese hamburgers) will pull out a QR code. You’ll need two apps: Alipay and WeChat Pay. Both work almost everywhere—from restaurants to supermarkets to your rent.

Setting Up Alipay

Alipay is like PayPal but way more popular. Here’s how to get started:

1. Download the app: It’s in English (search for “Alipay” in your app store).
2. Sign up: Use your phone number (you’ll need a Chinese SIM card, or ask your hotel/hostel to borrow one temporarily).
3. Link your bank: Go to “Me” > “Payment Methods” > “Bank Cards.” Add your international credit/debit card (Visa/Mastercard work most places). I used my Chase card—no foreign transaction fees, which was a lifesaver.
4. Add “Balance”: For small purchases, it’s easier to top up your Alipay balance with cash (at 7-Eleven or Bank of China) or link a Chinese bank account (if you have one).

Pro tip: Enable “Face ID” or “Fingerprint” login—way faster than typing passwords every time you buy a 5 RMB bubble tea!

Setting Up WeChat Pay

WeChat Pay is integrated into WeChat (China’s WhatsApp/Instagram hybrid). If you already use WeChat, here’s how to activate it:

1. Open WeChat > “Me” > “Services” > “Wallet.”
2. Tap “Payment Methods” > “Add Bank Card” (same as Alipay—link your international card).
3. For small payments, friends can send you money via WeChat (“Red Packets”), and you can transfer it to your wallet.

Why both? Some places only take one. Muslim Quarter vendors? Mostly WeChat. Cafes near the university? Alipay. Better safe than sorry!

Long Stay Payments: Accommodation & Rent

If you’re staying a month or more, skip hotels—they’re pricey for long stays. Instead, look for:

• Serviced apartments: Companies like Homelands or Booking.com have “monthly stay” options (often 20-30% cheaper than nightly rates).
• Local Airbnb/VRBO: Many hosts offer discounts for long stays (ask! I got 15% off my month in the Bell Tower area).
• Direct renting: Use apps like Zuber or local Facebook groups to find apartments. Cheapest option, but requires more negotiation.

How to Pay for Rent

1. Short stays (1-2 weeks): Pay via Alipay/WeChat to the host. Always get a receipt (screenshot the payment confirmation).
2. Long stays (1+ months): Landlords usually want:
   • Deposit: 1-2 months’ rent (payable via bank transfer or Alipay). Ask for a deposit receipt!
   • Monthly rent: Pay on time (landlords are strict). I transferred mine to the landlord’s Alipay on the 1st of each month.
   • Utilities: Water, electricity, gas—you’ll pay these separately. In my apartment, I used the “State Grid” app (for electricity) and “WeChat Water” (for water). Just scan the meter number and pay.

My mistake: First month, I paid rent in cash (big no-no). The landlord “lost” the receipt and claimed I never paid. Now I always use Alipay—even for small payments. It’s trackable!

Daily Expenses: Food, Transport & More

Xi’an is cheap, but long stays add up. Here’s how to budget:

Food (30-50 RMB/day)

• Street food: 5-10 RMB per item (jianbing, roujiamo, tanghulu). Pay via WeChat/Alipay—vendors have QR codes taped to their carts.
• Restaurants: Mid-range places (like Muslim Quarter restaurants) cost 50-100 RMB/person. Use Alipay to split bills with friends (tap “AA” in the app).
• Groceries: Carrefour (supermarket) or local wet markets. I bought veggies, rice, and eggs for 200 RMB/week. Pay via Alipay at checkout.

Transport (50-100 RMB/week)

• Metro: 2-8 RMB per ride (depending on distance). Buy a “长安通” (Chang’an Tong) card at any metro station (50 RMB deposit + 20 RMB top-up). Or use Alipay’s “Metro Code” (scan at the gate).
• Buses: 1-2 RMB. Same as metro—use Chang’an Tong or Alipay.
• Bikes: Shared bikes (Meituan/Hellobike) cost 1-5 RMB per 30 minutes. Unlock via WeChat/Alipay (scan the QR code on the handlebars).
• Taxis/Didi: Start at 13 RMB. Use Didi (China’s Uber)—pay via Alipay/WeChat. Avoid cash drivers—they might “forget” to give change.

Other Costs

• Phone plan: 50 RMB/month (unlimited data from China Unicom). Buy at a local store—bring your passport!
• Tourist sites: Shaanxi History Museum (free, but book via “WeChat Mini Program”), Terracotta Army (150 RMB). Pay via Alipay at the entrance.

Long Stay Payment Tips to Save Money

1. Negotiate discounts: For long stays, ask hosts/landlords for a discount. I got my apartment from 3,500 RMB/night to 2,800 RMB/night (monthly rate).
2. Use “balance transfers”: If you run low on Alipay/WeChat, transfer money from your international card (it takes 1-2 days, but no fees).
3. Avoid currency exchange traps: Don’t exchange money at airports or hotels—their rates are terrible. Use Bank of China or ATMs (they give the “interbank rate”).
4. Keep cash for emergencies: Always have 200-300 RMB in cash (in case your phone dies or a place doesn’t take apps).

Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This!

Xi’an is one of the most traveler-friendly cities I’ve ever visited. Yes, the payment system takes a day to get used to, but once you do, it’s smooth sailing. The key is: Be prepared, use apps, and always keep receipts.

Now go—eat all the jianbing, bike the walls, and stay a month. Xi’an will feel like home before you know it. And when it comes to payments? You’ll be paying like a local in no time.

Xi’an awaits! 🍜🚲