Mobile payments are the everyday default

Chinese government guidance for overseas visitors lists Alipay, WeChat Pay and UnionPay among the main mobile-payment options. Foreign users can link eligible international cards, including major networks such as Visa and Mastercard, to supported mobile wallets.

Can you still use an international bank card?

Yes, international bank cards can be accepted where the relevant card-network logo is displayed. Acceptance is less universal than QR-based mobile payments, which is why setting up a mobile wallet can make day-to-day spending much easier.

Should you carry cash?

Cash remains a valid backup. It is useful if an app needs re-verification, your phone battery dies, or a particular payment method is temporarily unavailable.

Set everything up before arrival

Download the payment apps, create your account, complete identity checks and link your card before you travel. Doing this while you still have easy access to your home mobile number and bank authentication can reduce friction.

Bring redundancy

The safest setup is not one perfect payment method. It is a working mobile wallet, a physical international card and some cash so that you are not dependent on a single system.

Arrival essentials

What to do after you land

China is easiest when your phone is ready before you leave the airport. Set up mobile payments, data and your first ride before you start sightseeing.

01

SIM / eSIM

At Beijing Capital T3 and Beijing Daxing international arrivals, the Beijing Service counters can help with SIM issuance, airport Wi-Fi and mobile setup. You can also collect eligible pre-arranged China Mobile/China Unicom SIMs at the airport service points.

02

Money & cards

The same Beijing Service counters can assist with cash withdrawals using foreign bank cards, currency exchange and setup guidance for Alipay and WeChat Pay. Keep some RMB as backup even if you plan to use mobile payments.

03

Airport taxi / transfer

Use the official taxi queue or a ride booked through a recognized app such as Didi. Save the hotel name and address in Chinese before you fly. Never rely on an unsolicited driver approaching you in arrivals.

04

Your first 15 minutes

Before flying, install Alipay/WeChat Pay, add a foreign card where supported, save a Chinese-language hotel address and install a data solution. On arrival, get connected first; then confirm your official taxi or ride-hailing pickup.

Airport-by-airport
Beijing Capital (PEK)Beijing Service counter at Terminal 3, opposite International Arrivals Exit; SIM/payment/currency help in one place.
Beijing Daxing (PKX)Beijing Service counter opposite the International Arrivals Exit; SIM collection, mobile payment guidance and currency services available.
Save this before you land
✓ Hotel name + address offline✓ Ride app installed✓ eSIM instructions saved✓ Backup bank card packed separately
Official arrival referencesBeijing Service airport counters↗Beijing - Airport SIM service points↗Beijing - Payment apps↗
Official sources & useful references

Travel information can change. We review practical details regularly and recommend checking official sources again before departure.