Shopping in Xi’an: A Tourist’s Guide to Malls and Easy Payments

Before I came to Xi’an, I thought of this city as just terracotta warriors and ancient city walls. And don’t get me wrong—those are incredible! But what surprised me most was how modern and shopper-friendly Xi’an is. If you’re a traveler who loves picking up unique souvenirs, trying local snacks, or just soaking up the city’s contemporary vibe, Xi’an’s malls are a must-visit. But as a foreign tourist, I’ll be honest: I was a little nervous about payments at first. Would my credit card work? Do I need to carry cash? How do locals even pay here? After exploring malls across the city, I’ve figured it out. Let me share what I learned—this guide will save you time, stress, and maybe even some money!

First Things First: Xi’an’s Top Malls—What to Expect

Xi’an has a mix of huge, luxury malls and smaller, trendy centers. Each has its own vibe, so pick based on what you’re looking for. Here are the ones I loved most, all with clear payment options (don’t worry, I’ll break down payments later!):

Shopping in Xi’an: A Tourist’s Guide to Malls and Easy Payments

Kaiyuan Department Store (开元商城)

Right in the heart of the city, next to the Bell Tower, this is Xi’an’s oldest and most famous department store. It’s like a five-story wonderland of fashion, cosmetics, and local snacks. I went here first because I wanted to pick up some roujiamo (Xi’an’s famous “hamburger”) from the food court on the 5th floor and maybe some silk scarves (Xi’an is famous for silk, after all). The store has everything from high-end brands like Estée Lauder to local brands like Hada (which makes great silk products).

Payment tip: The ground floor has a Bank of China ATM, so you can withdraw RMB if needed. Most counters accept Alipay/WeChat pay, but the luxury brand counters also take international credit cards (Visa/Mastercard).

SEG International Shopping Mall (赛格国际购物中心)

If you’re into tech, gadgets, or a more youthful vibe, this is your place. Located near the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, SEG is huge (9 floors!) and packed with everything from phone stores to gaming shops. I came here to buy a portable power bank (super useful for long days of sightseeing) and some cute phone cases with terracotta warrior designs. The best part? The 7th floor has a massive food court with biangbiang noodles, yangrou Paomo (bread soaked in lamb soup), and even bubble tea.

Payment tip: Almost every shop here uses QR codes—Alipay or WeChat Pay. I saw a lot of tourists at the tech counters paying with credit cards, but for smaller shops (like the phone accessory stalls), cash or mobile payment is easier.

Zhongda International (中大国际)

Fancy a splurge? Zhongda International is Xi’an’s luxury mall, located in the High-tech Zone. It has brands like Gucci, Prada, and Coach, plus a gorgeous rooftop garden with views of the city. I didn’t buy anything here (budget traveler, haha), but I window-shopped and grabbed a coffee at Starbucks on the 1st floor. The ambiance is super sleek, and it’s a great place to relax if you’re tired from walking around the ancient sites.

Payment tip: Luxury brands here definitely accept international credit cards, but I noticed some smaller cafes and even the Starbucks preferred mobile payments. No worries though—they’ll take your card if you ask!

Tang Paradise Mall (大唐不夜城步行街)

Okay, this isn’t a “mall” in the traditional sense—it’s a pedestrian street inspired by the Tang Dynasty, with shops, restaurants, and even live performances at night. But it’s too good to skip! I came here in the evening to see the lanterns and bought some Tang Dynasty-style souvenirs: a mini terracotta warrior keychain and a silk fan with poems. There are also street food vendors selling tanghulu (candied hawthorns) and roujiamo—perfect for a snack while you wander.

Payment tip: Street vendors here mostly take cash (small bills, like 10 or 20 RMB) or scan a QR code (they’ll show you their Alipay or WeChat Pay code). The bigger shops along the street accept cards, but cash is safer for small purchases.

The Big Question: How to Pay in Xi’an Malls?

This is what I was most worried about. Back home, I just tap my credit card, but in Xi’an, things are a bit different. Here’s the lowdown on payments, from easiest to most “prepare-for-this”:

Mobile Payment: Alipay & WeChat Pay (The Local Way)

If you want to blend in like a local (and avoid long lines), mobile payment is the way to go. Almost every shop, restaurant, and even street vendor in Xi’an uses Alipay or WeChat Pay. Both work by scanning a QR code—you either scan the merchant’s code (to pay) or show them your code (to receive payment).

How to set it up as a foreigner:

• Alipay: Download the app, sign up with your phone number (you’ll need a Chinese number, but you can use a friend’s or buy a temporary SIM card), and link your international credit/debit card (Visa/Mastercard). I did this at my hotel—they helped me verify my account.
• WeChat Pay: Similar to Alipay, but if you already use WeChat, it’s easier. Go to “Me” → “Services” → “Wallet” → “Payment Methods” and add your card. Some merchants prefer WeChat Pay because it’s more social (you can split payments with friends!).

Pros: Super fast, accepted everywhere, no need to carry cash.
Cons: Need a Chinese phone number (or a friend to help), and some apps require VPN if you’re from certain countries.

Credit/Debit Cards (Visa/Mastercard—Useful, But Not Universal)

Don’t throw away your cards! Most luxury malls (like Zhongda International) and big department stores (Kaiyuan) accept international credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex). I used my Visa to buy a silk scarf at Kaiyuan, and it worked like a charm.

But here’s the catch: Smaller shops, street vendors, and even some mid-range stores in malls might not take cards. I tried to pay for a bubble tea at SEG with my Mastercard, and the cashier just shook her head and pointed to a QR code. So, cards are good for big purchases, but not for everyday stuff.

Tip: Always carry a small amount of cash (RMB) for emergencies—like when a vendor doesn’t take cards or your phone dies.

Cash (Still King for Small Stuff)

Yes, cash is still useful in Xi’an, especially for:

• Street food (tanghulu, roujiamo stalls).
• Small souvenir shops (like the ones at Tang Paradise).
• Taxis or ride-hailing apps (Didi—some drivers prefer cash).

How to get cash:

• ATMs: Most malls (Kaiyuan, SEG) and banks (Bank of China, ICBC) have ATMs that accept international cards. I withdrew 500 RMB at Kaiyuan’s ATM—easy peasy.
• Currency exchange: If you’re arriving at Xi’an Xianyang International Airport, there are exchange counters in the arrival hall. The rate is okay, but not the best. I’d recommend exchanging a small amount (200-300 RMB) to get started, then using ATMs for more.

Pro tip: Carry small bills (10, 20, 50 RMB). Vendors often don’t have change for 100 RMB notes, so if you buy a 10 R tanghulu, paying with a 100 RMB bill might leave you stuck.

International Payment Apps (Revolut, Wise—Good for Travelers)

I use Revolut, which lets me spend in RMB without foreign transaction fees. It’s linked to my Alipay and WeChat Pay, so I can use it just like a local. If you have an app like this, it’s a great option—no need to worry about exchange rates or ATM fees.

But not everyone has these, so they’re more of a “bonus” than a “must-have.”

My Top Payment Tips for Xi’an Shoppers

After a week of shopping in Xi’an, here’s what I wish I’d known before:

1. Download Alipay/WeChat Pay before you arrive. It saves so much time! I spent my first afternoon at my hotel setting them up instead of exploring.
2. Tell your bank you’re traveling. I almost had my card frozen because I didn’t tell my bank I was in China. A quick call to customer service fixed it.
3. Carry a power bank. Mobile payment drains your phone battery fast, especially if you’re scanning codes all day. I bought a cheap one at SEG for 80 RMB—totally worth it.
4. Ask for help! If you’re confused about payment, just say, “Can I pay with WeChat/Alipay?” in English (or show them your phone). Most shop workers speak a little English, and they’re happy to help. I even had a cashier at Kaiyuan help me link my card to WeChat Pay!
5. Check for “tax-free” shopping. Some malls (like Zhongda International) offer tax-free shopping for foreign tourists. You need to spend over 500 RMB at a single store and show your passport. They’ll give you a form to get a refund at the airport. I didn’t do this, but next time I will!

Final Thoughts: Shopping in Xi’an Is a Breeze—If You’re Prepared

Xi’an’s malls are a mix of ancient culture and modern convenience, and paying for things is easier than you might think. Mobile payment is the way to go for everyday shopping, credit cards work for big purchases, and cash is your backup for small stuff. Don’t stress about it—just download a few apps, carry some cash, and ask for help when you need it.

Now, go forth and shop! Whether you’re buying silk scarves, tech gadgets, or just a bag of tanghulu, Xi’an’s malls have something for everyone. Happy (and easy!) shopping!