If you’re planning a trip to China, one of the first questions is: “How much cash should I bring?”

China is a highly digital country where mobile payments dominate. With Alipay and WeChat Pay, you can pay for almost everything with your phone. For most city travel, your smartphone is all you really need.

This guide will show you how to use these apps, how to plan your cash needs, and how mobile payments make everyday travel — including city exploration on shared bikes — a breeze.

1.When You Might Still Need Cash

While mobile payments cover most purchases, having a small amount of cash is useful for:

Street food stalls or night markets
Small towns or rural areas
Older taxis or shops that don’t accept QR code payments

Tip: 100–300 RMB is usually enough for backup purposes.

2.Alipay: Your Travel Wallet in China

Alipay is the most widely used mobile payment app in China, acting like a digital wallet that fits in your phone.

Where you can use it:

Shopping at malls, supermarkets, and convenience stores
Dining at restaurants and cafés
Paying for transport, including subways, buses, taxis, and shared bikes
Booking tickets for attractions or online purchases

How to get started:

Download Alipay International
Register your account with your phone number
Link a foreign credit card or top up via an international bank
Optional: complete identity verification for certain features

Pro tip: Alipay makes riding shared bikes seamless — scan, ride, and the payment is automatic.

3.WeChat Pay: Another Essential Tool

WeChat Pay works similarly to Alipay and is also widely accepted.

Where you can use it:

Pay in stores, restaurants, cafés, and some taxis
Cover daily expenses like transport, tickets, and online shopping
Send or receive digital “red envelopes” for social or promotional purposes

Getting started:

Link an international credit card or recharge via your bank
Scan QR codes to pay instantly

WeChat Pay is especially convenient if you already use WeChat for messaging or social networking.

4.Mobile Payments in Real Travel Scenarios

Here’s how mobile payments simplify daily life in China:

Shopping & Dining

Supermarkets, convenience stores, cafés, and restaurants accept QR code payments.
No need to carry cash or calculate change.

Public Transport

Pay subway and bus fares with your phone.
Taxis increasingly accept Alipay or WeChat Pay.

Shared Bikes

Unlock bikes instantly via Alipay or WeChat Pay.
Ride anywhere in the city and return the bike wherever it’s allowed.
Affordable and flexible — perfect for exploring neighborhoods or moving between attractions.

Attractions & Services

Scan to pay for tickets at popular sites.
Recharge SIM cards, pay for Wi-Fi, or settle utility-style fees.

Shared bikes are a prime example of how mobile payments make travel smoother — no cash, no hassle, just scan and go.

5.Cash vs Mobile Payments: What You Really Need

For most urban travel, mobile payments cover nearly all expenses.
Cash is only a backup for special situations.

Travel tips:

Carry 100–300 RMB in small bills
Install Alipay and WeChat Pay before arriving
Learn how to scan QR codes — this will cover shopping, dining, transport, and shared bike rides

Conclusion

So, how much cash should you bring to China? The answer: not much. Mobile payments like Alipay and WeChat Pay handle nearly all purchases.

From shopping and dining to hopping on a shared bike and exploring the city, these apps make traveling in China easy and convenient.

Pro tip: Set up your mobile payment apps before you arrive, and enjoy a seamless, mostly cash-free travel experience that lets you focus on exploring the city instead of worrying about money.

How Much Cash Should I Bring to China? Using Alipay and WeChat Pay for a Smooth Trip (2025)

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