Essential Guide
How to Pay in Xi'an
China runs on mobile payments. In Xi'an, 80%+ of transactions — from metro tickets to street food — happen through WeChat Pay or Alipay. Cash is accepted but increasingly rare. Credit cards work only at hotels and large restaurants. Here's how to set everything up.
Written by Chen Yu
Photography & Practical Guides Writer · Xi'an since 2021
Chen Yu is a Xi'an-based photographer who has shot the Terracotta Warriors in every season and lighting condition since 2021. He handles all the practical infrastructure content — transportation, payments, SIM cards, visa guides — because he has personally test-run every route and setup process described on this site.
The short answer
Get a Chinese SIM card → download WeChat → add your Visa/Mastercard → verify your identity → start paying. The whole process takes 30 minutes. Do it on your first day — you'll need it for everything.
Step-by-Step Setup
Get a Chinese phone number
Buy a SIM card at the airport or in the city. You need a local number to register for WeChat Pay or Alipay. See our SIM card guide.
SIM Card Guide →Download WeChat or Alipay
Both are available on iOS and Android. WeChat (微信) is the all-in-one app — messaging, payments, mini-programs. Alipay (支付宝) is focused on payments and services.
Register with your phone number
Open the app, enter your Chinese phone number, verify with the SMS code. Create a password.
Add your international card
Both apps now accept Visa, Mastercard, JCB, and Diners Club. Go to Wallet → Add Bank Card → enter your card details. A small verification charge (refunded) may apply.
Complete identity verification
Upload a photo of your passport. Some features require a video selfie. Verification takes 1–24 hours.
Start paying
Show the QR code to the vendor, or scan theirs. Works everywhere — from luxury hotels to street food stalls. You'll receive a notification for every transaction.
WeChat Pay vs Alipay: Which to Use?
| Feature | WeChat Pay | Alipay |
|---|---|---|
| International cards | Visa, MC, JCB | Visa, MC, JCB, Diners |
| Acceptance | Everywhere (99%) | Everywhere (98%) |
| Messaging | Yes (main app) | No |
| Mini-programs | Extensive | Good |
| English interface | Yes | Yes |
| Transaction fee | 0% (under $30) | 0% (under $30) |
| Daily limit | $150 (foreign card) | $220 (foreign card) |
Our recommendation: Set up both. WeChat is essential for messaging and mini-programs. Alipay has slightly higher limits and better tourist features. Having both means you'll never be stuck.
Cash & Credit Cards
Cash (人民币 RMB)
Cash is still accepted by law, but many small vendors don't keep change. If you pay cash, use exact amounts or small bills ($1.520, 50). Large bills ($15) may be refused by street vendors.
Where to withdraw: ATM at any bank (ICBC, Bank of China, China Construction Bank). Foreign cards work at major bank ATMs. Withdraw $75–$300 per transaction. Fee: $1.5–$3 per withdrawal.
Credit Cards (Visa/Mastercard)
Accepted at: international hotels (Hilton, Sofitel, etc.), large restaurants in tourist areas, and the airport. Not accepted at: street food stalls, small restaurants, metro stations, buses, or most shops. Always carry a mobile payment option as backup.
How to Actually Pay: QR Codes Explained
There are two ways to pay with QR codes in China, and they are confusing the first time. Here is exactly what happens at a street food stall or shop.
Method 1: You Scan Their Code (Most Common)
The vendor shows you a QR code (on a printed card or their phone screen). You open WeChat/Alipay, tap "Scan," point your camera at their code. Enter the amount, confirm with your password or Face ID. You will hear a "ding" — the payment went through. This is how 90% of small purchases work — street food, taxis, small shops.
Method 2: They Scan Your Code (Shops & Hotels)
The vendor has a barcode scanner. You open WeChat/Alipay, tap "Pay" or "Show QR Code." Your phone displays a dynamic QR code that changes every 60 seconds. They scan it with their device. The amount appears automatically — you do not need to enter it. This is used at supermarkets, hotel checkouts, and larger restaurants.
Paying for Transport
Metro
Buy single-journey tickets at station machines (cash accepted, $0.3-$1). For convenience, link your Alipay to the metro QR code: open Alipay, search "Xi'an Metro," activate the乘车码 (ride code). Scan at the gate. Same on exit. Fare is auto-deducted. WeChat has the same feature via mini-programs.
Bus
Most buses accept WeChat/Alipay QR codes. Single ride: $0.3. Look for the QR scanner next to the driver. Alternatively, buy a physical Changantong stored-value card at any metro station — it works on both metro and buses.
Didi (Ride-Hailing)
Didi charges the payment method linked in the app — your international card through Alipay works. No need to pay the driver directly. Fares are set in the app before the ride.
Troubleshooting: What to Do When It Does Not Work
Card Declined
(1) Check that your card is enabled for international/online transactions in your banking app. (2) Some US banks (Chase, Wells Fargo) flag first-time China transactions as fraud — call them or use the app to approve. (3) Try Alipay instead — it has a higher acceptance rate for foreign cards. (4) As a last resort, withdraw cash from a Bank of China ATM.
Identity Verification Failed
(1) Make sure your passport photo is clear, well-lit, and shows all four corners. (2) The name on your account must EXACTLY match your passport — including middle names. (3) If you get stuck in a loop, uninstall and reinstall the app, or try the other app (WeChat vs Alipay). (4) Some users report Alipay verification is faster (under 1 hour vs 24 hours for WeChat).
QR Code Expired or Not Scanning
(1) Your payment QR code refreshes every 60 seconds — if it expires, just go back and tap "Pay" again. (2) If the scanner cannot read your screen, increase brightness to maximum. (3) If the vendor's scanner is broken, switch to "You Scan Their Code" method — manually enter the amount and pay using their printed QR code.
Daily Budget & Limits
| Payment Method | Daily Limit (Foreign) | Fee | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| WeChat Pay | $150 | 0% under $30 | Daily expenses, messaging |
| Alipay | $220 | 0% under $30 | Larger purchases, transport |
| ATM Withdrawal | Varies by card | $1.5-$3 + bank fee | Emergency cash |
| Credit Card | Card limit | 2-3% FX fee typical | Hotel deposits, flights |
A typical solo traveler in Xi'an spends $60-$90 per day including food, attractions, and transport. The $150-$220 daily mobile payment limit covers most travelers. For larger expenses (hotel, tour packages), use a credit card.
Common Problems & Solutions
My card was declined
Some international cards need to be enabled for overseas transactions first. Check with your bank. Also try Alipay — it has a higher acceptance rate for foreign cards than WeChat Pay.
The vendor says their QR code isn't working
This usually means their internet is down. Move to the next vendor. In the Muslim Quarter, there are always alternatives 10 meters away.
I ran out of daily limit
Foreign cards on WeChat Pay/Alipay have a $150–$220 daily limit. For large purchases (hotels, tours), use your credit card directly or withdraw cash from an ATM.
Can I tip with mobile payment?
Tipping is not customary in China. Restaurants, taxis, and hotels do not expect tips. If you want to tip a guide, a cash envelope or WeChat transfer works.