Introduction
China has moved almost entirely to mobile payments, and this is the single biggest practical difference a foreign visitor will notice. You can still pay with cash almost everywhere, but you will save yourself time, confusion and the occasional “no change” moment if you set up one of the two big payment apps before or early in your trip. This guide explains how it works in plain terms.
The two apps you need to know
Two apps dominate everyday payments in China: Alipay and WeChat Pay. Between them they cover everything from supermarket groceries and taxi fares to museum tickets and restaurant bills. You do not need both — Alipay alone is enough for most travellers — but having both is convenient if you run into a small vendor that prefers one over the other.
Setting up Alipay with a foreign card
The good news is that the apps have been built for international visitors in recent years. In Alipay you can register with a foreign phone number, link an international Visa, Mastercard or (where supported) other card, and pay by scanning the merchant’s QR code. Key points:
- Download the app before or at the start of your trip, register with your phone number and passport details, and add your card.
- Set it up on wifi or mobile data while you still have a connection — doing it at home before departure is easiest.
- Payment works the same way as locals use it: the merchant shows a QR code, you scan it in the app, enter your amount if prompted, and confirm.
- Foreign cards may carry a small transaction fee, and the exchange rate is set by your card network — check your card issuer’s terms.
WeChat Pay works the same way: international card registration is supported, and you scan the merchant’s QR code to pay.
What this means in practice in Luoyang
- Museums and attractions: The Longmen Grottoes and the city’s museums accept mobile payment and cash; the queue is faster if you scan a QR code.
- Taxis and ride-hailing: Ride-hailing apps and many taxis expect mobile payment. Carry some cash as a fallback for street taxis that only take cash or card.
- Restaurants and street food: The Luoyang water banquet and the old town’s food streets all take mobile payment; cash is accepted at most counters, but keep small notes — vendors often lack change for large bills.
- Hotels: International hotels accept cards at the front desk; smaller hotels and guesthouses may be cash- or mobile-payment-only, so check when booking.
Cash — still worth carrying
Cash is still legal tender everywhere and is your safety net. Practical guidance:
- Carry a modest amount (roughly ¥300–500) in small notes for taxis, markets and emergencies. You can always top up.
- ATMs accept foreign cards where they show the relevant network logos (UnionPay, Visa, Mastercard, Cirrus, Maestro). Bank ATMs are the most reliable; airport and hotel ATMs are convenient but may charge more.
- Foreign currency exchange is available at airports, major banks and some hotels; exchange counters typically need your passport.
What about credit cards?
International credit cards work at international hotels and some larger shops and restaurants, but do not count on them for everyday spending — most small businesses do not accept them. Treat your card as a backup and use mobile payment or cash as your day-to-day methods.
Tax refunds on departure
If you make significant purchases at stores that participate in China’s tax refund scheme (look for the “Tax Refund” sign), keep the receipts and your passport: refunds are processed at departure airports, including those you will pass through leaving China. Details change, so confirm the current procedure with the store when you buy.
Tipping
Tipping is not expected in Luoyang — not in restaurants, taxis or for services. It is neither required nor customary, so there is no need to calculate a tip anywhere.
Getting set up before you travel — the short checklist
- Install Alipay (and optionally WeChat Pay) on your phone before departure.
- Register with your foreign phone number and passport, and link an international card.
- Withdraw or exchange a small amount of cash (¥300–500) on arrival for taxis and small vendors.
- Keep your passport handy — it is required for exchange and some purchases.
FAQ
Only at international hotels and some larger shops or restaurants. For everyday spending, link your card to Alipay and pay by scanning QR codes, or carry cash.
No. Alipay alone covers most situations. Having both is a convenient fallback for small vendors that prefer one over the other, but it is not required.
Yes — cash is accepted at attractions, restaurants and shops, though small vendors may not have change for large notes. Carry small-denomination notes.
Yes, and it is the easiest time to do it: download the app, register with your foreign phone number and passport, and link an international card before you travel.
No. Tipping is not expected in restaurants, taxis or for services anywhere in China.
Use bank ATMs that show your card network's logo (UnionPay, Visa, Mastercard, Cirrus, Maestro), or exchange currency at airports, major banks and some hotels. Bring your passport.
