Xi’an for Tourists: A Practical Guide to Payments (Learn from Expats!)

Let me be real—when I first landed in Xi’an, I was so busy imagining myself walking through the Muslim Quarter with a lamb skewer in one hand and a camera in the other that I forgot to think about the boring stuff: like, how do I actually pay for things? I’d heard China was a “cashless society,” but as a foreign tourist with a limited grasp of Mandarin, I was nervous. What if my credit card got rejected? What if I couldn’t figure out Alipay?

Xi’an for Tourists: A Practical Guide to Payments (Learn from Expats!)

Three weeks and way too many “payment fails” later, I’ve learned a ton—mostly from chatting with expats who’ve lived here for years. So, whether you’re planning a weekend trip or a month-long stay, here’s a no-BS guide to handling money in Xi’an, straight from a (now way more confident) traveler.

First Things First: The Big Three—Cash, Mobile Pay, and Cards

Xi’an isn’t completely cashless, but it’s close. For tourists, the key is balancing convenience and safety. Here’s what you actually need:

Cash: Your “Just in Case” Backup

Yes, even in 2024, cash still matters. Why? Small vendors—like the old lady selling chestnuts at the city wall, or the guy making jianbing (savory crepes) on a street corner—rarely take cards or mobile payments. I learned this the hard way when I tried to buy a bottle of water from a convenience store and my card was declined (turns out, their machine was broken, but they happily took cash).

How to get it:

• At the airport/train station: As soon as you land at Xi’an Xianyang International Airport or Xi’an North Railway Station, hit the Bank of China or ICBC counter. They exchange USD, EUR, GBP, and more. Pro tip: Avoid the airport exchange booths if you can—their rates are worse than downtown banks.
• In the city: Head to a major bank (Bank of China, ICBC, or Construction Bank) for better rates. You’ll need your passport—no exceptions.
• ATMs: They’re everywhere—in malls, 7-Elevens, even outside some subway stations. Most accept international cards (Visa, Mastercard), but notify your bank before you go! My bank blocked my card twice because I didn’t tell them I was in China.

How much to carry? Start with ~500 RMB (about $70). It’s enough for small buys, snacks, and emergencies. Don’t carry a wad of cash—pickpockets exist, but they’re rare if you stay alert.

Mobile Pay: The Expat Secret Weapon

This is where Xi’an (and all of China) shines. Alipay and WeChat Pay are everywhere—from high-end malls to hole-in-the-wall noodle shops. But here’s the catch: as a foreigner, you can’t just sign up with a foreign phone number. So how do expats do it?

Option 1: Link Your International Card (Easiest for Short Stays)
Both Alipay and WeChat Pay let you add international credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex). Here’s how:

• Alipay: Download the app, sign up with your email/phone number, go to “Me” > “Payment Methods” > “Add Bank Card,” and enter your card details. You’ll need to verify it with a small deposit (usually ~1 RMB) from your bank.
• WeChat Pay: Open WeChat, go to “Me” > “Wallet” > “Payment Methods” > “Add Bank Card.” Same process—just follow the prompts.

Important: Not all vendors accept international cards on these apps. Big chains (Starbucks, H&M, supermarkets) do, but small street vendors often only accept domestic cards (Chinese bank-issued). So while this works for meals at nice restaurants or shopping, you’ll still need cash for the really local stuff.

Option 2: Get a “Virtual Prepaid Card” (Expats Love This)
If you’re staying longer than a week, ask a Chinese friend (or your hotel concierge) to help you get a prepaid Alipay/WeChat card. You give them cash, they load it into your account—no international card needed. I met a Canadian expat, Sarah, who does this every month: “I give my landlord 3000 RMB cash, he transfers it to my Alipay, and I use it for rent, groceries, everything. No fees, no fuss.”

Option 3: Use “WeChat Pay Pass” (For Tourists with a Chinese SIM)
If you buy a Chinese SIM card (at the airport for ~100 RMB, with 10GB data), you can link your international card to WeChat Pay Pass. It’s designed for tourists and works at most places that accept WeChat. I tried this and it was a lifesaver—paid for my taxi, bubble tea, and even entrance to the Terracotta Army with a few taps.

Credit/Debit Cards: For Big Spends

Your international cards (Visa, Mastercard) work at:

• Hotels and high-end restaurants
• International supermarkets (like Metro or Olé)
• Some tourist sites (the Terracotta Army accepts cards, but the Big Wild Goose Pagoda doesn’t—cash only!)
• ATMs (as mentioned earlier)

Don’t rely on them for daily stuff. I tried to use my Visa at a local dumpling place and the owner just stared at it like I’d handed him a rock. “We only take WeChat or cash,” he said, shrugging.

Common Payment Problems (and How Expats Solve Them)

Even with all this, you’ll hit snags. Here are the big ones—and how to fix them, fast:

Problem 1: “Your card is invalid” at a Small Shop

What to do: Smile, say “Wo you xianjin” (I have cash) in Mandarin, and show them cash. 99% of the time, they’ll take it. If not, find a nearby vendor who does—someone nearby will help translate.

Problem 2: Alipay/WeChat Won’t Scan My QR Code

Why it happens: Some vendors use “old” QR codes that only work with domestic accounts. Or your phone’s camera is lagging.
What to do: Open the app, tap the “+” or “Scan” button, and hold your phone steady over the QR code. If it still doesn’t work, try switching between Alipay and WeChat—one will work.

Problem 3: I Don’t Have a Chinese Phone Number

What to do: Use your email to sign up for Alipay/WeChat. For WeChat, you’ll need to verify your account with a friend—send a “red envelope” (even 0.01 RMB) to a contact, and it’ll prompt you to verify. If you don’t have friends in China, ask your hotel staff to help.

Problem 4: I Need to Split a Bill with Friends

Expats use “WeChat Pay” or “Alipay Transfer.” Open the app, go to “Transfers,” enter the person’s phone number or QR code, and send the amount. No more fumbling with cash!

Expat Tips for Saving Money (and Headaches)

After chatting with expats at coffee shops and co-working spaces, I picked up their best tricks:

• Use “Dianping” (the Chinese Yelp) for deals: Many restaurants offer discounts if you pay via Alipay and show a Dianping coupon. I saved 20% on a hotpot dinner this way!
• Avoid “tourist trap” exchange booths: The ones near the Muslim Quarter or Terracotta Army have terrible rates. Stick to banks.
• Keep small bills: Vendors often can’t break 100 RMB notes. Carry 10s, 20s, and 50s for easier transactions.
• Download a translation app: Google Translate or Baidu Translate with the camera feature helps when you’re trying to tell a vendor you want to pay with cash. Just point your phone at the screen!

Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This

Xi’an is one of the most traveler-friendly cities I’ve ever visited. Yes, payments can be tricky at first, but once you get the hang of cash + mobile pay, it’s a breeze. The key is to prepare a little (download the apps, get some cash) but stay flexible—things will go wrong, and that’s okay!

Remember: Expats here have been through it all. If you’re stuck, ask a local shopkeeper, your hotel staff, or even a stranger on the street—most people will happily help. And when you finally pay for your roujiamo (Chinese hamburger) with a smooth Alipay scan, you’ll feel like a local.

Now go—eat all the noodles, climb the city wall, and don’t worry about the money. You’ve got this.