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Costs vary greatly between major cities, provincial capitals and rural areas. National holidays also affect accommodation and transport. Work in yuan or renminbi (CNY/RMB), confirm amounts for your dates and avoid fixed conversions into euros or other currencies.
Allocating the budget
| Category | Limited budget | Mid-range budget | Comfortable budget |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | Hostel or simple room | Mid-range hotel | Higher-category or boutique hotel |
| Food | Stalls and local restaurants | A range of restaurants | Special meals and hotel dining |
| Urban transport | Metro and bus | Metro and some DiDi journeys | More taxis or a car with driver |
| Sightseeing | Parks and free sites | Major admissions | Guides, shows or private excursions |
Calculate high-speed trains, domestic flights and long excursions separately. During holidays, availability may be as important as price.
Mobile payments
Alipay and WeChat Pay are common at large and small businesses. Certain international cards can be linked, but acceptance depends on the issuer, verification, QR-code type and current terms. Limits or charges may apply to some transactions.
Set up both apps before departure if possible, but do not rely on either one alone. Some personal transfers, deposits and mini programs do not support foreign cards even when ordinary merchant payment works.
Cash and cards
Renminbi cash is legal tender. In practice, a business focused on mobile payment may have limited change or take longer to process cash. Carry a range of denominations and show the amount clearly.
International cards are accepted more often at higher-category hotels, department stores and tourist businesses than at small shops. Keep two cards on different networks, stored separately, and notify your bank if required.
ATMs and currency exchange
Some ATMs operated by major banks accept foreign cards, but compatibility is not uniform. Check network logos and the fee message before confirming. Your bank may add its own charges and limits.
If the ATM offers to convert the withdrawal into your home currency, compare the rate. Choosing CNY and allowing the issuer to convert is often more transparent when your card has reasonable terms.
Use banks or authorised businesses for currency exchange and retain receipts where relevant. A passport may be required. Do not accept informal exchange or assistance from strangers at an ATM.
Bookings, deposits and refunds
Hotels, rentals and hospitals may request deposits. Ask which methods they accept and how long refunds take, particularly when paying with a foreign card.
For trains and attractions, the passport may act as the ticket identifier. Enter the name and number exactly as shown on the document and review cancellation terms.
Commonly missed costs
- Trains and flights between cities.
- Transport from stations outside the centre.
- Charges or limits on foreign cards within apps.
- Hotel deposits and holiday accommodation.
- Admission requiring advance booking.
- Roaming, translation and other digital services.
Checklist
- ☐ Alipay and WeChat Pay configured where possible
- ☐ Yuan in cash for arrival and contingencies
- ☐ Two cards and bank charges reviewed
- ☐ Passport details entered correctly in bookings
- ☐ Intercity transport and deposits included in the budget