Your First 24 Hours in Xi’an: A Foreigner’s Guide to Payments & Airport Pickup

Landing at Xi’an Xianyang International Airport (XIY) felt like stepping into a whirlwind of ancient history and modern chaos—all at once. As a first-time visitor to China, I’d spent weeks worrying about one thing: How do I pay for anything here? Back home, I’d heard stories about China’s cashless society, but as a foreigner with no Chinese bank account, the logistics felt overwhelming. Fast-forward 48 hours, and I’d figured it out—mostly thanks to some trial, error, and very patient locals. If you’re heading to Xi’an soon, let me save you the headache. Here’s your no-BS guide to navigating payments, airport pickup, and beyond, straight from someone who’s been there.

Part 1: Surviving the Arrival Hall—Pickup & Your First Payment

The moment you step off the plane, the airport’s arrival hall will hit you with a wave of noise, signs in Chinese, and crowds. Breathe. Your first priority? Finding your ride (if you booked one) or figuring out how to get to your hotel. Let’s start with pickup, because this is where your first payment hurdle will pop up.

Airport Pickup: Book in Advance, Confirm Details

If you’re like me and traveling with a suitcase bigger than yourself, airport pickup is a lifesaver. I’d arranged mine through my hotel—they offered a “private car transfer” service for ¥200 (about $28), which included waiting for me at the gate and driving me directly to downtown Xi’an (about 45 minutes). Here’s what you must do to avoid chaos:

Your First 24 Hours in Xi’an: A Foreigner’s Guide to Payments & Airport Pickup

• Book ahead: Use your hotel’s email or a trusted platform (like携程/Ctrip or飞猪/Fliggy, which have English options). Confirm the pickup time, your flight number, and the driver’s contact info.
• Look for the sign: After clearing immigration and baggage claim, head to the “Meeting Point” outside the arrival hall. Your driver should hold a sign with your name (or your hotel’s name) in English. Pro tip: If you can’t spot them, call the number you were given—most drivers speak basic English, or have a hotel staff member translate.
• Payment on the spot: This is key. Most private drivers in China expect cash or mobile payment, but as a foreigner, cash is your safest bet first. I had ¥200 in small bills (¥50 and ¥100) ready, and the driver took it without a fuss—he even handed me a printed receipt. No haggling, no confusion.

What If You Didn’t Book Pickup? No Sweat.

If you’re winging it, head to the taxi stand outside arrival hall. Taxis in Xi’an are cheap, but here’s the catch: most drivers don’t speak English. Before you get in, show the driver your hotel’s address (in Chinese! Ask your hotel to write it down for you beforehand). I’d saved my hotel’s address in Chinese characters: “西安市碑林区南大街1号” (No. 1 South Street, Beilin District). The driver nodded, and off we went. The fare came to ¥85 (about $12)—cash only. No problem.

Part 2: The Big One—Payments for Foreigners in China

Okay, let’s talk money. China is mostly cashless, but as a foreigner, you can’t just swipe a credit card everywhere. Here’s what you need to know, step by step.

Option 1: Mobile Payment (Alipay & WeChat Pay)—The Gold Standard

Back home, I use Apple Pay everywhere. In China? It’s Alipay and WeChat Pay. These apps are used for everything: buying a bottle of water, paying for a taxi, or even buying snacks from a street vendor. But here’s the catch: you need a Chinese bank card to link them. As a foreigner, you can’t just sign up and add your Visa or Mastercard. So what’s the workaround?

Step 1: Download the Apps & Register

First, download Alipay and WeChat Pay from the App Store or Google Play (they’re available in English). When you sign up, use your phone number (you can get a Chinese SIM card at the airport—more on that later) or passport. You’ll need to verify your identity with your passport—this is mandatory.

Step 2: Link Your International Card (Limited, but Possible)

Alipay lets you link some international credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) to a “Foreigner Wallet,” but it’s not seamless. I tried linking my US Visa, but Alipay kept rejecting it—apparently, many foreign cards don’t work for in-store payments (they might work for online purchases, but that’s not helpful when you’re buying lunch). Frustrating.

Step 3: The “Workaround”: Get a “Virtual Prepaid Card”

Here’s the hack that saved me: Alipay and WeChat Pay offer “virtual prepaid cards” that you can fund with cash. You can buy these at convenience stores like 7-Eleven or FamilyMart (they’re everywhere in Xi’an). Here’s how:

• Go to a 7-Eleven, ask for “Alipay prepaid card” (show them the Alipay app if they don’t understand).
• Hand over cash (¥100, ¥200, whatever) and your phone. The staff will scan a QR code in your app, and the cash will be added to your “balance.”
• Now, when you pay at a store, open Alipay, select “Balance,” and scan the merchant’s QR code. Done!

WeChat Pay has a similar system. This is the easiest way to use mobile payments as a foreigner. I loaded ¥500 into my Alipay balance on day one, and it lasted me three days—covering meals, snacks, and even a subway ticket.

Option 2: Cash—Your Backup Plan

Let’s be real: cash is still king in some places, especially small shops or street markets. Before you leave the airport, exchange money. There are currency exchange counters right in the arrival hall—look for signs like “Currency Exchange” (they accept USD, EUR, etc.). The exchange rate is decent (better than at hotels or small exchange shops in the city). I exchanged $200 and got ¥1,400 (rate was ~1:7 at the time).

Pro tip: Get small bills (¥10, ¥20, ¥50). Many vendors can’t break ¥100 bills, and you don’t want to pay ¥100 for a ¥5 bottle of water.

Option 3: Credit Cards—Use Sparingly

Major hotels, big restaurants, and shopping malls (like the Big Wild Goose Pagoda Plaza) accept Visa and Mastercard. But don’t rely on them. I tried to pay for dinner at a mid-range restaurant with my Visa, and the server just stared at me like I’d handed her a rock. “Cash or WeChat only,” she said, pointing to a QR menu. Credit cards are mostly for “foreign-friendly” spots—stick to cash or mobile payments for everything else.

Bonus: SIM Card & Data—Non-Negotiable

If you don’t have a Chinese SIM card, get one at the airport. There’s a China Unicom or China Mobile counter right after baggage claim. I bought a “Tourist SIM” for ¥50, which included 10GB of data and unlimited calls for 7 days. Why is this important? Because you need data to use Alipay, WeChat Pay, Google Translate, and maps. No data = no payments = very bad day.

Part 3: Getting Around Xi’an—Transportation & Payments

Once you’ve survived the airport, navigating Xi’an is easy—if you know how to pay for transport. Here are your options:

Subway—The Cheapest & Easiest

Xi’an’s subway is clean, efficient, and connects all major attractions (like the Terracotta Army, Bell Tower, and Muslim Quarter). A single ride costs ¥2-¥5, depending on the distance. You can buy a “Transport Card” at any subway station ticket machine (it accepts cash!). Just touch the card to the sensor when you enter and exit. I bought a ¥50 card, used ¥10 for a few rides, and had ¥40 left for my next trip. Easy.

Taxis—Cash Only

Taxis are cheap (starting at ¥9) but remember: cash only. Always ask the driver to use the meter—if they refuse, find another taxi. I took a taxi from my hotel to the Terracotta Army (about 40 minutes), and the fare was ¥85. Cash. No problem.

Didi (Chinese Uber)—Mobile Payment Only

If you’re comfortable with WeChat Pay or Alipay, Didi is a game-changer. It’s like Uber— cheaper than taxis, and you can book in English. Here’s how:

• Download the Didi app (English version available).
• Add your pickup and drop-off addresses (use Chinese characters or pin the location on the map).
• Choose your car type ( “Comfort” is fine for solo travelers).
• Pay via WeChat Pay or Alipay when the ride ends.

I used Didi to get back from the Muslim Quarter at night—fare was ¥25, and it was way easier than hailing a taxi.

Part 4: Eating, Shopping, and Sightseeing—Payment Tips

Xi’an is a foodie’s paradise (hello, roujiamo and biangbiang noodles!), but paying for meals and souvenirs can be tricky if you’re unprepared. Here’s what to expect:

Eating at Restaurants

• Big, touristy restaurants: These might accept credit cards, but always ask first (“Can I pay by card?”). If they shake their head, pull out cash or open Alipay.
• Small, local spots: Cash or mobile payment only. I ate at a tiny noodle shop near the Muslim Quarter—pointed at what the person next to me was eating, handed over ¥20, and got a bowl of delicious yangrou paomo (mutton soup). No English, no problem.
• Street food: Same as small restaurants—cash is king. I bought tanghulu (candied hawthorns) from a street vendor for ¥10. Cash.

Shopping at Markets

The Muslim Quarter and Shaanxi History Museum have great souvenir shops (terracotta army figurines, silk scrolls, etc.). For big purchases (like a silk scarf), you can use a credit card at the museum gift shop. But at the market? Cash only. I bargained for a terracotta warrior figurine—started at ¥80, got it down to ¥50. Cash in hand makes bargaining easier.

Attraction Tickets

Major attractions like the Terracotta Army (¥120) and Big Wild Goose Pagoda (¥50) accept cash and mobile payments. You can buy tickets at the gate—just look for the “Tickets” counter (signs in English). I paid for my Terracotta Army tickets with Alipay (using my virtual balance)—scanned the QR code, and done. No waiting in line for cash!

Part 5: What to Do If You Run Out of Money (or Panic)

Let’s be real: things can go wrong. What if you forget to load your Alipay balance, and you’re out of cash? Don’t panic. Here’s what to do:

• Find a 7-Eleven or FamilyMart: They have ATMs that accept foreign cards, and you can load Alipay/WeChat with cash there.
• Ask a young person: Most Chinese under 30 speak basic English and are happy to help. I showed a college student my empty wallet, and she walked me to an ATM and even helped me explain to the security guard what I needed.
• Use your hotel: Hotel front desks can sometimes help with currency exchange or even lend you a small amount (but don’t rely on this).

Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This

Xi’an is an incredible city—ancient walls, amazing food, and friendly people. The payment thing seems scary at first, but once you figure out the cash + mobile payment combo, it’s a breeze. My biggest advice? Download Alipay and WeChat Pay before you go, exchange $200-300 at the airport, and keep small bills on hand. And don’t be afraid to ask for help—locals are more than happy to lend a hand.

Now go eat that roujiamo, ride the subway, and soak in the history. Xi’an is waiting—and with these tips, you’re ready to conquer it.

Safe travels! 🚀