Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay
Both wallets can be registered with an overseas phone number and linked to supported international bank cards. Install the official app, register with a number that can receive verification messages, and follow its current identity and card setup prompts.
- If you already use WeChat, either wallet can be your main one. Otherwise, start with Alipay and add WeChat Pay only if you want a second fallback.
- Your bank must approve the card link. Supported networks, fees and limits vary by wallet and issuer, so the current app screen is the final word.
- Test a small purchase before relying on the wallet for a hotel, restaurant or long ride.
- Be ready to scan a merchant’s QR code or show your payment code for the merchant to scan.
China’s official guide for international visitors covers supported card networks and the basic setup process.
Paying directly with a foreign card
Carry the physical card as a useful backup. Card acceptance varies by business: a shop that accepts Alipay or WeChat Pay may not have a terminal for an overseas card.
Where to exchange foreign cash
Changing foreign banknotes and withdrawing RMB from an ATM are different things. For physical notes, use a bank counter or money changer marked Exchange, or a self-service foreign-currency exchange machine. Bring your passport; accepted currencies, payouts and fees vary by service.
Sanya Phoenix International Airport
The airport has the clearest confirmed arrival options, landside in the International Arrivals hall:
- Hainan TransForex staffed counter: handles major currencies plus currencies including Russian roubles, Thai baht, Philippine pesos and Korean won. Its opening times follow international flight arrivals.
- ICBC self-service exchange machine: listed as open 24 hours for GBP, HKD, USD, SGD, JPY, CAD, AUD, EUR and NZD.
The airport’s facilities listing is the best source for current exchange arrangements. The listed exchange-service number is 182 8979 6170.
Sanya Joy City
An ICBC self-service exchange machine is documented at Sanya Joy City, 233 Yingbin Road, Jiyang District. A May 2026 Sanya government update says it exchanges nine major currencies without advance booking, but does not publish the machine’s exact floor or operating hours. Treat it as a convenient option when you are already nearby. See the government update.
Finding another exchange point
Open the Nihao China app and choose Payment Methods. Hainan’s official payment map lists nearby bank exchange counters, licensed money changers, affiliated hotel counters, self-service exchange machines and compatible ATMs. Currency availability varies by location. How to open the Hainan Payment Service Electronic Map.
Withdrawing RMB and using cash
Use an ATM displaying your card network’s logo to withdraw RMB from your account. An ATM withdrawal does not exchange foreign banknotes.
- Review the withdrawal amount and any displayed fee before confirming; your own bank may also charge.
- RMB cash is a useful fallback. Keep smaller notes because a small business may not have change for a large one.
When a payment fails
Move to the simplest available fallback instead of trying the same payment repeatedly:
- Try another card in the wallet.
- Try your second wallet.
- Use your physical card if the business accepts its network.
- Pay with RMB cash and troubleshoot later through the official app or your card issuer.