Planning a trip to Hangzhou and wondering whether your Visa or MasterCard will be as handy as back home? The short answer is: mostly, but with some quirks. Major hotels, upscale restaurants, shopping malls, and official attractions (like the West Lake scenic areas) typically accept international cards. However, smaller vendors, street food stalls, or traditional tea houses might rely on cash or mobile payments like Alipay/WeChat Pay. To avoid surprises, carry a mix of payment options—though you’ll find card readers in many modernized places.

West Lake
A serene lake surrounded by lush hills, ancient temples, and poetic gardens. Explore shaded pathways, iconic pagodas, and tranquil waters—perfect for biking, boating, or simply soaking in China’s legendary beauty.

Do I Need to Exchange Cash Before Arrival in Hangzhou?

While it’s not strictly necessary to swap dollars or euros into RMB before landing in Hangzhou, having a small emergency cash reserve (around 200–500 RMB) is smart. Use this for taxis, local markets, or rural eateries where cards aren’t an option. ATMs are widespread in banks and airports, but beware of foreign transaction fees from your home bank. Alternatively, withdraw larger sums at airport ATMs for convenience—just check your bank’s overseas withdrawal policies.

How Does Mobile Payment Work in Hangzhou?

Hangzhou is China’s cashless capital, where apps like Alipay and WeChat Pay dominate daily transactions. Even budget hotels, street vendors, and bike-sharing kiosks often require these apps. For foreigners, here’s the deal:

  • Download apps pre-trip: Link them to your Visa/MasterCard via international payment services (e.g., Alipay’s “Tour Pass”).
  • Use them everywhere: From souvenir shops to the iconic Longjing tea plantations, scanning QR codes is seamless.
  • Pro tip: Ask locals to guide you—they’ll love showing off Hangzhou’s tech-savvy lifestyle!

Where Might You Still Need Cash in Hangzhou?

Despite the digital boom, a few scenarios demand RMB:

  1. Taxis: Some drivers avoid card readers; have cash ready for late-night rides.
  2. Older neighborhoods: Areas like Hefang Street’s historic lanes may favor cash.
  3. Rural escapes: In places like Anji’s bamboo forests or tea villages, small guesthouses might ask for cash. Tip: Carry a mix of ¥20, ¥50, and ¥100 bills—coins are rarely used.
Hefang Street
A thousand-year-old Hangzhou street blending ancient shops, local eats, and lantern-lit nights. Explore traditional tea houses, handcrafted wares, and Wu Mountain views—daytime charm, nighttime magic.

What Are the Best Money-Saving Tips for Payments in Hangzhou?

Maximize your yuan with these strategies:

  • Avoid airport exchange counters: Rates are worse. Use ATMs or banks downtown.
  • Ditch credit card fees: Use Alipay/WeChat Pay for zero foreign transaction charges.
  • Track deals: Malls like Intime City offer tax refunds for international cards; local markets often haggle better with cash.

Bonus: A Quick Payment Reference for Hangzhou

Place Cards Accepted? Cash/App Needed?
Hotels (4+ stars) Yes Rarely
Local Restaurants Sometimes Often
Shopping Malls Yes Occasionally
Taxi Drivers Rarely Usually
Bike Rentals (Hello/Blue) No Yes (via app)

In short, Hangzhou is card-friendly but mobile-obsessed. Bring your Visa/MasterCard for backup, load up on app-based payments, and keep a cash cushion for charm-filled corners of the city. With this mix, you’ll navigate Hangzhou’s wallet-friendly world like a pro!