Nanjing, a vibrant blend of ancient dynasties and buzzing modernity, welcomes you! Regarding your main question: Yes, you can widely use major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) in Nanjing, especially in larger hotels, international chain restaurants, major department stores, and upscale venues. However, you absolutely should also carry a reasonable amount of Chinese Yuan (CNY/RMB) cash. Smaller local restaurants, street food stalls, traditional markets, taxis (though ride-hailing apps often take cards), scenic spot vendors, and smaller shops often operate on a cash-only basis, or their card terminals might be finicky. Think of cash as your essential key for the most authentic, local Nanjing experiences. Have both payment methods ready for a truly smooth trip.
Where in Nanjing should you carry cash versus using cards?
Navigating Nanjing’s payment landscape is easier once you know the lay of the land. Here’s a quick guide:
- Cards Shine Here: Major international hotel chains (like Marriott, Hilton), large shopping malls (Deji Plaza, Golden Eagle World), international brand stores (Apple, Zara, Starbucks), high-end restaurants (especially in Xinjiekou district), train station ticket counters for high-speed rail, and established tourist attractions ticket offices (like the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum main gate) readily accept major credit cards like Visa and Mastercard (Amex less common).
- Cash is Essential Here: The legendary Confucius Temple (Fuzimiao) market stalls, small local “noodle shop” eateries, delicious street food vendors (found everywhere!), traditional wet markets, most independent taxis (have cash ready!), entrance fees for smaller temples or historical sites, park boat rentals, rickshaw rides, and purchases from elderly vendors. Don’t expect these spots to have card machines.
- The Gray Area: Some mid-range local restaurants and larger chain taxis (like Dazhong) might accept digital payments via WeChat Pay or Alipay, but these typically require a Chinese bank account and phone number, making them tricky for short-term visitors. Cash remains your safest bet here unless you see explicit international card signage. Always carry some backup Yuan cash in Nanjing.
| Place Type | Cash Recommended? | Card Acceptance |
|---|---|---|
| Small Local Eateries | Essential | Rarely |
| Street Food Stalls | Essential | Almost Never |
| Taxis (Hailing) | Highly Likely | Sometimes (Apps better) |
| Markets (Fuzimiao) | Essential | Rarely |
| Convenience Stores | Possible | Often (Int’l Cards) |
| Hotels (Int’l Chains) | Rarely Needed | Widely Accepted |
| Upscale Restaurants | Optional | Widely Accepted |
| Attraction Tickets | Possible | Often (Main Gates) |
How to get Chinese Yuan cash easily in Nanjing?
Don’t stress about bringing loads of foreign cash to exchange. Nanjing has you covered:
- ATMs Are Your Best Friend: Look for Bank of China (中国银行), ICBC (工商银行), or China Construction Bank (建设银行) ATMs – they are plentiful at the airport (NKG), major train stations, shopping malls, and throughout downtown Nanjing. Crucially, these ATMs usually accept international debit cards (Cirrus, Plus networks) and major credit cards for cash withdrawals. Check with your home bank about international withdrawal fees and daily limits before you travel.
- Currency Exchange: You’ll find currency exchange counters at Nanjing Lukou International Airport (NKG) and some major banks in the city center (Bank of China branches are reliable). While convenient, airport counters often have less favorable rates and higher fees than ATMs. Hotel exchange rates are typically the least favorable.
- Smart Cash Management: Withdraw enough Yuan cash from a reputable ATM to cover a day or two of expected small purchases, street food, and transport. Split cash and cards between different secure spots (like a money belt and hotel safe). Avoid flashing large wads of cash publicly.
What’s the deal with tipping and bargaining in Nanjing?
Understanding these customs saves hassle and ensures smooth transactions with your Nanjing cash:
- Tipping: Generally not expected or customary in restaurants, taxis, or for most services in China. Upscale hotels or Western-style establishments catering heavily to tourists might be exceptions, but even there, it’s not mandatory. Don’t feel pressured to tip. Simply paying the bill is perfectly fine.
- Bargaining: This is expected and part of the culture in markets and with street vendors (like the Confucius Temple area or local flea markets). Don’t bargain in fixed-price stores, malls, or restaurants. Start by offering 50-60% of the initial asking price and negotiate politely with a smile. Cash makes this process much simpler and faster. Be prepared to walk away if the price doesn’t feel right.
Any Nanjing-specific budgeting or spending hacks?
Make your Yuan cash and plastic go further in Nanjing:
- Prepaid Transport Card: Grab a “Jinlingtong” card at a metro station. Load it with cash. It works seamlessly on the excellent Nanjing Metro, almost all public buses, and even in some taxis. Saves fumbling for small cash constantly and is super cost-effective.
- Cash Denominations: Break large bills (100 RMB) at supermarkets, convenience stores like Lawson or 7-Eleven, or when paying for slightly larger purchases. Smaller vendors appreciate payment in smaller bills (10s, 20s, 50s) and often struggle to change 100 RMB notes early.
- Track Card Spending: Inform your bank/card issuer about your travel dates to Nanjing, China, to avoid potential fraud alerts blocking your card. Monitor transactions online periodically. Use
