| Where | Foreign card accepted? |
|---|---|
| International hotels | Yes |
| Domestic chain hotels | Sometimes |
| Department stores, luxury brands | Yes |
| Mid-range restaurants | Sometimes |
| Noodle shops, street food, markets | No |
| Taxis, DiDi | No (DiDi charges your linked wallet) |
| Metro ticket machines | No — cash or QR |
| Train station counters | Sometimes |
| Airport shops | Yes |
| Museums, temples | No |
The 3% question
When a foreign card is used through Alipay for a transaction over ¥200, a 3% service fee applies. Below ¥200 there is no fee. Your issuing bank may add 1–3% on top. The practical consequence: use the QR wallet for small purchases, and consider paying large hotel bills with the physical card at the desk, where the merchant absorbs the fee.
What to do when the card is declined
- 1Ask them to try the physical card, not the QR
Different rails, different failure modes.
- 2Switch to Alipay with a second card
Having two cards linked is not paranoia; it is the standard setup.
- 3Offer cash
Keep ¥500 for exactly this.
- 4Ask for the manager
Some terminals are simply not enabled, and a manager knows which of the three machines works.
Cash advances and the thing not to do
Credit card cash advances at Chinese ATMs work but attract immediate interest from your bank. Do not use them. Withdraw on a debit card instead, or fund Alipay from a debit card.
Frequently asked
Is Visa accepted in China?+
At hotels, malls and upscale restaurants. Not at everyday places — taxi drivers, noodle shops and market stalls do not take cards.
What is the best card to bring?+
A Visa or Mastercard with no foreign transaction fee, plus a debit card for ATM withdrawals.
Can I use Apple Pay in China?+
Apple Pay works where the underlying card works, which is the same limited set of places. It is not a solution to the coverage problem.