Xi’an Traveler’s Guide: Practical Money Tips for Foreign Visitors

Last month, I spent a week wandering through Xi’an’s ancient streets, from the Terracotta Warriors to the bustling Muslim Quarter. As a first-time visitor to China, I’ll admit I was a bit nervous about money—how to pay, where to exchange cash, and how to avoid getting ripped off. After a few hiccups (and some helpful locals!), I figured out a system that made my trip smooth and affordable. If you’re planning a trip to Xi’an, here’s no-nonsense, practical advice to help you manage your money like a pro.

Payment in Xi’an: Cash vs. Mobile Payments

The biggest surprise? Xi’an is super digital. Most locals use WeChat Pay or Alipay for everything—from buying a 5-yuan bowl of noodles to paying for a 200-yuan taxi ride. As a foreigner, you can’t use these apps right away (they require a Chinese bank account), but don’t worry—you have options.

Cash is still king for small vendors. While big restaurants, malls, and hotels accept credit cards (Visa/Mastercard work in most tourist spots), tiny street food stalls, local markets, and some small shops only take cash. I learned this the hard way when I tried to buy a jianbing (Chinese crepe) from a cart and the vendor just shook his head at my credit card. Always carry cash!

Xi’an Traveler’s Guide: Practical Money Tips for Foreign Visitors

How to get cash:

• ATMs: Your best bet. Look for Bank of China, ICBC, or China Construction Bank ATMs—they’re everywhere (airports, malls, subway stations). You can withdraw Chinese Yuan (CNY) with your international debit/credit card. Most ATMs have a daily limit (around 3,000–5,000 CNY, depending on your bank), so withdraw a few times if needed.
• Currency exchange: Avoid exchanging at the airport—their rates are terrible. Instead, go to a local bank (Bank of China is the most foreigner-friendly). You’ll need your passport. I exchanged $200 USD at Bank of China near the Bell Tower and got a much better rate than at the airport.
• Small bills matter: Get plenty of 10, 20, and 50-yuan notes. Vendors often can’t break 100-yuan bills (especially for small purchases), and carrying around wads of 100s feels awkward (and risky).

Mobile Payments: The “Hack” for Foreigners

Even without a Chinese bank account, you can use WeChat Pay or Alipay—here’s how:

• Ask a friend to help: If you have a Chinese friend (or a kind local you meet), ask them to add money to your WeChat Wallet via their own bank account. You can then send them cash (via PayPal or Wise) to reimburse them. I did this with my hostel host—she added 500 CNY to my WeChat, and I paid her back via PayPal. Super easy!
• Use Alipay’s “Tour Card”: Some Alipay versions (like AlipayHK) let you top up with foreign currencies, but it’s not widely available. If you’re from Hong Kong, Macau, or Southeast Asia, check this out. For others, the “friend method” is more reliable.
• WeChat “Red Packets”: If you’re traveling with other foreigners, you can split costs by sending “red packets” (digital cash) on WeChat. Just make sure everyone has the app!

Daily Budget: How Much Do You Need?

Xi’an is affordable compared to Beijing or Shanghai, but costs add up. Here’s a rough breakdown per day (budget traveler):

• Food: 50–100 CNY ($7–$14). You can eat like a king for cheap—baozi (steamed buns) for 5 CNY, roujiamo (Chinese hamburger) for 10 CNY, and a big bowl of yangroupaomo (soup dumplings) for 30 CNY.
• Transportation: 20–40 CNY ($3–$6). Metro rides are 2–6 CNY per trip, and taxis start at 13 CNY (use Didi, China’s Uber, for cheaper rides).
• Attractions: 100–300 CNY ($14–$42). The Terracotta Warriors (150 CNY), Big Wild Goose Pagoda (50 CNY), and City Wall (54 CNY) are must-sees. Buy combo tickets (e.g., “Tang Dynasty Show + City Wall” for 300 CNY) to save.
• Accommodation: 150–300 CNY ($21–$42) for a hostel dorm, or 300–600 CNY ($42–$85) for a budget hotel.

Total: 320–740 CNY/day ($45–$105). Adjust based on your travel style—if you splurge on fancy dinners or private tours, budget more.

Saving Money: Local Tips

Xi’an locals are friendly, and they love sharing money-saving secrets. Here’s what I learned:

• Eat where locals eat: Skip the “tourist trap” restaurants in the Muslim Quarter (they’re overpriced). Instead, wander into side alleys—look for stalls with long lines of locals. My favorite spot? A tiny miantiao (noodle) shop near the South Gate where a bowl costs 8 CNY and tastes better than any fancy restaurant.
• Bargain at markets (but politely): In places like the Muslim Quarter or the Shaanxi History Museum souvenir shop, prices are negotiable. Start at 50% of the asking price and meet in the middle. For example, a vendor wanted 80 CNY for a silk scarf—I offered 40, and we settled at 50. Smile and be friendly—they’ll respect you more!
• Free attractions: Xi’an has great free spots. The Drum Tower and Bell Tower have free evening views (you pay to go up, but the surrounding area is stunning at night). The Great Mosque is free (but dress modestly). And walking the City Wall at sunset is priceless (well, 54 CNY, but worth it).
• Avoid “tea scams”: In the Muslim Quarter, strangers might invite you to a “traditional tea house” for a “free tasting.” It’s not free—they’ll charge you 500+ CNY for a tiny cup of tea. Just smile and say, “Bu yao, xie xie!” (No, thank you!).

Tipping: Do You Need to Tip?

No! China has no tipping culture. Waiters, taxi drivers, and hotel staff don’t expect tips—if you leave one, they might even chase you down to return it (they think you forgot your change). The only time you might tip is if a hotel porter helps with heavy bags, but 10–20 CNY is more than enough.

Emergency Money Tips

Stuff happens—maybe your card gets stolen, or you lose your cash. Here’s what to do:

• Lost card: Call your bank immediately to block it. In China, you can visit your bank’s local branch (e.g., Bank of China) to get a temporary card, but this requires your passport and a lot of paperwork. It’s easier to have a backup card.
• Running out of cash: Use Western Union or MoneyGram to transfer money from home. There are branches in big cities (e.g., near the Bell Tower). You’ll need your passport and the reference number.
• Payment fails: If a credit card is declined, try another one. Some smaller shops only accept UnionPay (China’s local card system), so always have cash as a backup.

Final Thoughts

Xi’an is a city where history comes alive—and with a little money prep, you can focus on exploring, not stressing. Carry cash, use mobile payments (with help from locals), eat where the locals eat, and don’t be afraid to bargain. Most importantly, relax—China is safe, and people are happy to help if you’re polite.

As I sat in a Muslim Quarter café, sipping cha jian bing (fried dough sticks) and watching the sunset over the city walls, I realized: managing money in Xi’an isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being prepared. And once you’ve got that down, you’re free to fall in love with this amazing city.

Happy travels! 🚶‍♂️🍜🏯