For foreigners in China in 2026, using a card-linked mobile payment (WeChat Pay/Alipay) is overwhelmingly the best and most convenient option. Cash and physical cards are now secondary backups.
Here's a direct comparison to answer your question:
1. Mobile Payments (WeChat/Alipay + Int'l Card)
Primary Recommendation
- Ubiquitous acceptance (street vendors to malls).
- Highly convenient (scan QR codes).
- Secure (no need to carry much cash/card).
- Works for transport, dining, shopping, apps.
- Requires internet data.
- Has transaction/annual limits (~¥3,000/transaction, ~¥60,000/year).
- 3% fee may apply (can be avoided with prepaid "TourCard").
>90% of daily spending. The default choice for almost everything.
2. Physical International Cards (Visa/Mastercard)
Growing Acceptance
- Widely accepted at major chains, hotels, airports.
- Good for large purchases above mobile limits.
- No need for app setup.
- Often NOT accepted by small merchants, taxis, local restaurants.
- May have foreign transaction fees.
- Always carry as a backup, not primary.
Large purchases, hotels, premium retail, backup.
3. Cash (RMB)
Universal Fallback
- Accepted everywhere as a last resort.
- No tech or network required.
- Essential for very old markets or remote villages.
Emergency backup, tiny vendors, rural areas.