Xinjiang Money & Payments: Cash, Card or Alipay? (2024 Honest Guide)

Quick Reference: Xinjiang Payment Methods at a Glance

Our Experience: What Actually Works on the Ground

When we first traveled to Xinjiang in 2019, we made the classic mistake of relying too heavily on international credit cards and cash. We quickly learned that traveling in Xinjiang requires a completely different payment strategy than most international destinations.

On our most recent trip — a three-week journey from Urumqi through Kashgar to the Khunjerab Pass — we tested every payment method across more than 50 transactions. Here’s what we found:

• Alipay Tour Pass (international version) worked at 85% of urban merchants
• Cash was essential in rural areas, small towns, and traditional bazaars
• UnionPay cards (even foreign-issued) worked at most ATMs and mid-size merchants
• Visa/Mastercard was only useful at 5-star hotels and the Urumqi airport duty-free

Can Foreigners Use Alipay and WeChat Pay in Xinjiang?

Yes — and as of 2024, it’s easier than ever. Both Alipay and WeChat Pay now support international credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Discover) for foreign visitors.

Alipay International (Recommended)

Alipay’s “Tour Pass” or international account allows foreigners to link a foreign credit card and use Alipay in China, including Xinjiang. Here’s how:

1. Download Alipay app (international version available)
2. Register with your passport/ID number
3. Add a foreign Visa, Mastercard, JCB, or Discover card
4. Complete identity verification (passport photo required)
5. You can now scan QR codes at merchants across Xinjiang

Transaction limit: Typically ¥500–2,000 per transaction for unverified accounts; up to ¥5,000/day after passport verification. Annual limit applies.

Where it works in Xinjiang: Urumqi (99% of merchants), Kashgar Old City shops (90%), Turpan restaurants (85%), larger hotels everywhere (100%).

WeChat Pay International

WeChat Pay also supports foreign cards as of 2023. The process is similar:

1. Download WeChat app
2. Go to Me → Services → Wallet
3. Add foreign credit card (Visa/Mastercard)
4. Verify identity with passport

Reality check: WeChat Pay is slightly less widely accepted than Alipay in Xinjiang, especially in rural areas. Alipay is the safer choice.

Cash in Xinjiang: How Much Do You Need?

Despite China’s reputation as a cashless society, cash is still essential in Xinjiang — especially outside Urumqi and Kashgar city center.

Where Cash Is Essential

• Sunday bazaars (Kashgar, Hotan, Kuqa): most vendors are cash-only
• Small restaurants in rural towns: often no QR code or card machine
• Homestays in remote areas: cash preferred
• Taxis (outside Urumqi): many don’t accept digital payments
• Entrance fees at small scenic spots: cash sometimes required
• Tipping (not expected, but cash is appreciated)

How Much Cash to Carry

Currency note: Only Chinese Renminbi (RMB/¥/CNY) is accepted. US dollars and other foreign currencies are NOT accepted except at banks for exchange.

ATMs in Xinjiang: Where to Withdraw Cash

ATMs are widely available in cities but scarce in remote areas. Here’s what you need to know:

ATM Accessibility by Card Type

• UnionPay cards (Chinese or foreign-issued): Works at virtually all ATMs
• Visa/Mastercard: Only at major bank ATMs in Urumqi, Kashgar, and Yining (Bank of China, ICBC)
• Foreign debit cards (Plus/Cirrus): Bank of China ATMs are your best bet

ATM Locations We’ve Used Successfully

• Urumqi Diwopu Airport: Bank of China ATM (arrival hall)
• Urumqi International Bazaar: Multiple ATMs nearby
• Kashgar Old City: Bank of China branch (near Id Kah Mosque)
• Kashgar Airport: ATM in arrival hall
• Turpan Railway Station: ATM available
• Yining (Ghulja) city center: Multiple bank ATMs

Currency Exchange in Xinjiang

If you’re arriving with foreign currency, here’s where to exchange:

Urumqi

• Bank of China (Urumqi Branch): 789 Middle Beijing Road — full currency exchange services
• Urumqi Diwopu Airport: Limited exchange at arrival hall (better to exchange in city)
• Major hotels: Some 5-star hotels offer exchange (worse rates)

Kashgar

• Bank of China (Kashgar Branch): Near Id Kah Mosque area — can exchange major currencies
• Note: Kerbi (¥1 coins) are commonly used in Xinjiang for small transactions

Cross-Border Considerations

If you’re crossing into Xinjiang from Central Asia via the Torugart Pass or the Khorgos border crossing, note that:

• Kyrgyz som and Kazakh tenge are NOT accepted in Xinjiang
• Exchange your remaining foreign currency back to cash RMB before crossing
• Khorgos border has exchange facilities on the Chinese side

Credit and Debit Cards: What Works?

UnionPay (Recommended for China Travel)

If you can get a UnionPay debit or credit card in your home country (available in many Asian and some European countries), this is the most convenient option. It works at virtually all ATMs and most merchants in Xinjiang.

Visa and Mastercard (Very Limited)

International credit cards are accepted at:

• 5-star and upscale 4-star hotels in Urumqi and Kashgar
• Urumqi Diwopu Airport duty-free shops
• Some high-end restaurants in Urumqi city center
• Car rental agencies (limited in Xinjiang)

Reality: Don’t rely on Visa/Mastercard for daily expenses. We’ve had multiple instances where restaurants claimed to accept cards but the terminal didn’t work or didn’t support foreign cards.

Practical Payment Tips for Xinjiang Travelers

1. Set Up Alipay BEFORE Arriving in China

Registering and verifying your Alipay account is much easier with a stable internet connection and before you’re rushed. Do this at home, not at Urumqi airport.

2. Carry Small Bills

Many small vendors don’t have change for ¥100 notes. Carry plenty of ¥10, ¥20, and ¥50 notes. ¥1 coins (Kerbi) are useful for temples, luggage storage, and small purchases.

3. Tell Your Bank You’re Traveling to China

Foreign cards sometimes get blocked for “suspicious activity” when used in China. Notify your bank in advance.

4. Use Bank of China for All Foreign Card Needs

Bank of China is the most foreigner-friendly bank in Xinjiang. Their staff are more likely to speak English and their ATMs more likely to accept foreign cards.

5. Screenshot Your Alipay/WeChat QR Code

In case you have internet connectivity issues (remote areas), having a screenshot of your payment QR code can help at some merchants.

6. Ask “Can I pay with Alipay?” (你能用支付宝吗？)

Learn this phrase: “Wǒ kěyǐ yòng Alipay ma?” (Can I use Alipay?) — it will save you awkward moments at the counter.

Sample Daily Budget (Mid-Range Traveler)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use US dollars in Xinjiang?

No. US dollars are not accepted by merchants. You must exchange them for Chinese RMB at a bank. Some hotels in Urumqi may accept USD for room payment but at poor exchange rates.

Is it safe to carry large amounts of cash in Xinjiang?

Generally yes — Xinjiang is quite safe for travelers. However, use normal precautions: split your cash between money belt and bag, don’t display large amounts publicly, and use hotel safes when available.

Do I need to tip in Xinjiang?

No. Tipping is not a Chinese custom and is not expected in Xinjiang. Some upscale hotels may add a service charge to the bill, but additional tipping is not required.

Can I use Apple Pay or Google Pay in Xinjiang?

Not directly. However, if your bank card is linked to Alipay, you may be able to use Apple Pay through Alipay in some cases. Google Pay does not work in mainland China.

Are there Bitcoin or crypto ATMs in Xinjiang?

No. Cryptocurrency transactions are restricted in China. There are no crypto ATMs, and using crypto for payment is not legally supported.

What if I run out of cash in a remote area?

This is why we emphasize carrying sufficient cash. If it happens: ask your hotel to help you find an ATM, see if a local merchant can exchange a small amount, or use a money transfer service (Western Union is available at some Bank of China branches in larger cities).

Disclaimer