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.

Some metros (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen trial, Chengdu) let you tap an overseas contactless Visa/Mastercard at marked gates — 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.

Cash is still official policy. Do not expect shops to refuse RMB cash. Carry small notes.

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.