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Alipay

Hi guys, I was wondering if I need alipay for about 5 days in Beijing? Or will I be okay with uk credit cards and cash? I was a bit concerned that my cards might get blocked / alipay might block the payments.

Thank you

For a 5-day stay in Beijing, you can manage without Alipay, but having it (or WeChat Pay) can make some transactions more convenient. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Using UK credit cards and cash:

  • Most international hotels and higher-end restaurants in Beijing accept major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex), so you can book accommodation and pay for meals without issue.
  • Taxis usually accept cash (RMB) rather than cards, and some may accept QR payments, but cash is still the standard.
  • Tourist attractions often accept cash or credit cards at ticket counters, though some smaller sites may prefer cash.

Using Alipay:

  • Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely used for everything from convenience stores to restaurants, taxis, and even street food. Using them can make small payments faster and more convenient than handling cash.
  • Foreign cards can sometimes be linked to Alipay via the international version, but there may be occasional restrictions. Top up in advance to avoid payment blocks.
  • For short stays, you don’t strictly need Alipay, but it is convenient for small purchases or if you want to use QR code payments.

Tips and precautions:

  • Carry some RMB cash for small vendors, taxis, and places that do not accept cards or QR payments.
  • Notify your bank about your travel dates to avoid your UK cards being blocked for suspected fraud.
  • If you decide to use Alipay, consider downloading the international version and linking a card beforehand. Check limits and top-up procedures.

In summary, for a short 5-day stay, you can rely on cash and credit cards for most transactions in Beijing. Alipay is optional but useful for convenience and small purchases, especially if visiting markets, local eateries, or using taxis that support QR payments.

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