Cash in Shanghai.

Question

Hi all,

My wife and I have a couple of days in Shanghai n November. We have planned to see some of the city and surrounds and am wondering if there is a need for cash? I have Alipay on my phone but do small vendors prefer cash for drinks and snacks etc?

Thank you in advance.

Answer

Shanghai is a modern city where mobile payment platforms like Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely accepted, often more so than cash. For most restaurants, cafes, shops, and even street vendors, these apps are the preferred method of payment. Tourists who have Alipay set up with an international card can generally pay without issues at major stores, chain restaurants, supermarkets, and even some local markets.

However, there are still some situations where having cash is useful, especially for smaller vendors or in more traditional areas:

Street food stalls, small snack vendors, or market stalls may not accept mobile payments, or may prefer cash for very small purchases.
Public toilets in certain areas or small transportation vendors (like rickshaw rides in tourist areas) may only take cash.
Tips, donations, or incidental purchases where mobile payment QR codes are not displayed.

Practical tips for cash usage in Shanghai:

Carry some small denomination RMB (¥10–¥50 notes) for minor purchases.
ATMs are widely available, including inside convenience stores, banks, and near major tourist spots. International cards are generally accepted at bank ATMs but not always at convenience store ATMs.
Use mobile payment apps where possible, as they are faster and safer than carrying large amounts of cash.

In general, for a couple of days in Shanghai with Alipay ready on your phone, you can rely mostly on mobile payments. Carrying a small amount of cash is sufficient as a backup for very small vendors or unexpected situations.