The short version
- Most payments are QR-based (Alipay / WeChat) — set those up first.
- Carry some cash (¥200–500) for small vendors, deposits and emergencies.
- ATMs at banks and airports accept foreign cards; Bank of China and ICBC are reliable.
When you still need cash
- Small vendors without QR codes (rural stalls, some temples).
- Deposits at guesthouses, bike rentals, some lockers.
- Places with poor signal (remote areas).
- Tipping (rare, but cash is simplest).
Getting cash
- Use a bank ATM (Bank of China, ICBC, CCB, ABC) — they show English menus.
- Insert your card, choose English, withdraw.
- Decline “conversion” — let your bank convert; it’s usually cheaper.
- Take a receipt; keep it until you’ve checked your balance.
Limits: foreign cards often withdraw up to ¥2,500–3,000 per transaction, a few times a day.
Notes and coins
- ¥100 and ¥50 notes are common; ¥1 coins and ¥5/¥10 notes for small buys.
- Small change is sometimes refused or hard to get — keep a few ¥10/¥20 notes.
- Damaged notes may be refused; ask for clean ones.
Keeping your money safe
- Split cash, cards and phone across bags.
- Don’t flash large notes in markets.
- Screenshot your bank’s emergency number.
- Backup card: carry a second card, stored separately.
Verify before you travel
- Tell your bank you’re travelling to China (avoid a block).
- Check your daily withdrawal limit and any overseas fees.
- Confirm your card works with Alipay/WeChat and at ATMs.