Can I Use My Debit Card in China? (2025 Guide)

Limited use. Your international debit card will work at ATMs and some larger establishments, but not for everyday purchases. Here's the reality.

Where Debit Cards Work

ATMs

Most reliable use:

• Bank of China ATMs
• ICBC ATMs
• Other major bank ATMs
• Airport ATMs

Withdraw cash as backup. See our ATM guide.

Some Hotels

International hotels:

• Payment accepted at checkout
• Visa/Mastercard logos
• May charge foreign transaction fee

Some Larger Stores

Limited acceptance:

• High-end malls (sometimes)
• International chains (not always)
• Airport shops

Online Bookings

Before arrival:

• Trip.com accepts foreign cards
• Booking.com
• Hotel websites
• Airline websites

Where Debit Cards DON'T Work

Most Daily Transactions

Your debit card won't work at:

• Regular restaurants
• Street food vendors
• Small shops
• Convenience stores
• Taxis (most)
• Metro ticket machines (most)
• Markets
• Most Chinese businesses

Why Not?

China skipped from cash to mobile payment:

• Card readers aren't installed
• Alipay/WeChat Pay dominate
• Processing fees discouraged card adoption
• Infrastructure doesn't support it

The Payment Hierarchy in China

What Actually Works (Ranked)

1. Alipay — Works almost everywhere
2. WeChat Pay — Nearly as universal
3. Cash — Backup, some places refuse
4. Credit Card — Very limited
5. Debit Card — ATMs mainly

The Smart Approach

Before your trip:

1. Set up Alipay (international card accepted)
2. Load money onto Alipay

During your trip:

1. Use Alipay for 90% of purchases
2. Cash for small vendors, tips, backup
3. Debit card for ATM withdrawals only

Setting Up Alipay

Why it works:

• Links to your Visa/Mastercard debit card
• Works at almost every merchant
• QR code scanning
• English interface available

Steps:

1. Download Alipay app
2. Register with passport
3. Link international card
4. Use "Tour Pass" feature
5. Scan QR codes to pay

See our Alipay guide for detailed setup.

Fees to Expect

Debit Card Fees

ATM withdrawal:

• Your bank's international fee: $3-5
• Chinese bank fee: ¥10-20
• Exchange rate spread: ~1-3%

Point-of-sale (where accepted):

• Foreign transaction fee: 1-3%
• Exchange rate spread

Minimize Fees

Options:

• Get a no-foreign-fee debit card before travel (Charles Schwab, some credit unions)
• Withdraw larger amounts less frequently
• Use Alipay (no per-transaction fee)

Debit vs Credit Card

Factor	Debit Card	Credit Card
ATM use	Works	Cash advance (expensive)
Hotel payment	Sometimes	Better acceptance
Daily purchases	Rarely works	Rarely works
Protection	Less	Better fraud protection
Fees	Transaction fees	Usually similar

Recommendation: Bring both as backup, rely on neither for daily use.

Emergency Card Use

If Alipay/Cash Fail

Your debit card backup plan:

1. Find ATM, withdraw cash
2. Head to international hotel lobby (usually can break bills)
3. Find Western chain store (might accept card)
4. In emergency, airport exchange counters

Card Blocks

Prevent issues:

• Notify bank of travel dates
• Confirm international access enabled
• Know your PIN
• Have backup card from different bank

Quick Summary

Payment Method	Daily Use	Recommended
Alipay	★★★★★	Yes - primary
Cash	★★★☆☆	Yes - backup
Debit Card	★★☆☆☆	ATM only
Credit Card	★★☆☆☆	Hotels, emergency

Bottom line: Your debit card is for ATM withdrawals. Set up Alipay for everything else.

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Need payment help in China? The China Survival Kit includes Alipay setup guides, ATM locations, and backup payment strategies.