Cards and cash

Mainland China is a QR-code country. Still carry three tracks: a working mobile wallet, a physical Visa/Mastercard or UnionPay card, and some RMB cash.

Metros in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Chengdu let you tap an eligible overseas contactless bank card at the gates. Accepted cards and conditions differ by city — see Getting around → Metro and bus. Not nationwide, and most buses still need a Transport QR or cash.

Must-accept list (PBOC + MCT + SAFE, 9 Apr 2024): 3-star+ tourist hotels, 4A/5A attractions, named tourist resorts and districts — plus cash windows.

UnionPay, including many overseas-issued 62- cards, is officially all mainland POS. Visa/Mastercard work where the logo shows, not at every small restaurant or taxi. Do not rely on Apple Pay or Google Pay. Official inbound guidance never lists them as primary.

RMB cash is legal tender. Carry some small notes, and keep a mobile wallet ready too.

Bank of China ATMs (5 Jan 2026): UnionPay, Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Amex issued outside China. Single foreign-card withdrawal RMB 3,000. Fees are set by the issuing bank.

UK FCDO (10 Aug 2026): outside big cities, cards and ATMs can be limited. Counterfeit 100-yuan notes are common, including from ATMs. Banks will not replace them.