China Travel Money - Best Options for New Zealanders
Our guide outlines everything you need to know about spending money in China , specifically cash vs debit and credit cards vs travel money cards.
Updated 13 October 2025
Summary:
Our guide explains everything you need to know to make travelling in China a cost-effective experience. We cover:
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Related guide: The Best Travel Money Cards
- China is increasingly a popular year-round destination, with daily flights from Auckland to Shanghai, Beijing, Hangzhou, Chengdu, and Guangzhou.
- China operates on a digital payment ecosystem dominated by Alipay and WeChat Pay, which are used for virtually everything from street food to luxury shopping.
- New Zealand travellers can now link foreign cards, such as Wise, to these apps, making payments seamless and convenient.
- However, cash remains essential in certain situations, such as for taxis, small vendors, and areas with poor internet connectivity. International credit/debit cards have very limited acceptance outside major hotels and specific shops.
- The official currency of China is the Yuan (Renminbi), often represented as CNY or with the "¥" symbol locally. Over the past year, the exchange rate for NZD to CNY has experienced some fluctuations, but on average, 1 NZD is equivalent to approximately 4.10 CNY. As the NZD weakens, a trip to China gets more expensive, and vice versa. The Yuan's controlled exchange rate makes budgeting relatively predictable for New Zealand travellers.
- Most New Zealanders will pre-book and/or prepay for hotels or Airbnb, but on-the-ground costs can be significantly more than prepaid costs. For this reason, having the most economical and convenient payment method for China makes every dollar go further.
- We are confident in suggesting that travelling in China will require linking your Wise card to Alipay and/or WeChat Pay for maximum convenience and the best exchange rates. This combination enables you to pay like a local while benefiting from Wise's competitive foreign exchange rates.
- You'll also need some cash for situations where digital payments aren't accepted. Our research confirms that the best approach is to obtain a Wise travel money card, link it to Alipay or WeChat Pay, and use the Chat (the Chinese payment apps) before or upon arrival. Additionally, use ATMs for cash withdrawals when needed.
Our guide explains everything you need to know to make travelling in China a cost-effective experience. We cover:
- Option 1 - Using Cash in China
- Option 2 - Using NZ-Issued Debit and Credit Cards in China
- Option 3 - Using Travel Money Cards (Including the Wise Debit Card) in China
- Must-Know Facts for Using Money in China
- NZD to CNY Conversion and Spending CNY - Frequently Asked Questions
- Our Conclusion
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Related guide: The Best Travel Money Cards
Setting Up WeChat Pay for Foreign Visitors
Foreign visitors can now use WeChat Pay without a Chinese bank account by linking an international credit card. Debit cards (including Wise) are also now accepted, despite older information suggesting otherwise). This gives you access to millions of merchants across China, though person-to-person transfers remain restricted.
Quick Setup Guide:
Important:
Alipay Alternative: Alipay offers similar functionality for foreign visitors. Some travelers find Alipay slightly easier to set up, though WeChat Pay is more commonly used for social features. We recommend setting up both for maximum flexibility.
Foreign visitors can now use WeChat Pay without a Chinese bank account by linking an international credit card. Debit cards (including Wise) are also now accepted, despite older information suggesting otherwise). This gives you access to millions of merchants across China, though person-to-person transfers remain restricted.
Quick Setup Guide:
- Download WeChat (international version) from your app store
- Create an account with your phone number
- Navigate to Me > Services > Wallet
- Select "Add Card" and choose "Add International Card"
- Enter your Wise or credit card details
- Complete identity verification with your passport details
- Verify your phone number via SMS code
Important:
- The entire process takes about 10 minutes
- You'll need your passport number and a working phone number
- International cards can be used for merchant payments but not peer-to-peer transfers
- Daily spending limits apply (typically around NZ$1,000-2,000 equivalent)
- The app interface is available in English
Alipay Alternative: Alipay offers similar functionality for foreign visitors. Some travelers find Alipay slightly easier to set up, though WeChat Pay is more commonly used for social features. We recommend setting up both for maximum flexibility.
Option 1 - Using Cash in China
If you want physical Chinese CNY notes before leaving New Zealand for China, you have a couple of options:
Getting CNY Cash from an NZ Bank: Most New Zealand banks have stopped offering FX cash services; Westpac is currently the only provider, but it does not offer Chinese CNY.
Getting CNY Cash from a Bureau de Change/Forex Booth:
The primary operators are travel money booths like Travelex and No1 Currency. However, the FX rates are well below mid-market rates, meaning you'll get less CNY for your NZD than you otherwise would if you withdrew CNY from an ATM once you're in China.
Getting CNY Cash When You Arrive in China:
Our View: We've found that the FX rates at Forex booths are very expensive and offer poor value for money. In practical terms, if you use Wise to withdraw money from an ATM in China, you'll get the best rates and avoid the poor value FX rates offered in kiosks in and around New Zealand. Plus, having a Wise card means you can link it directly to Alipay and WeChat Pay, giving you access to China's digital payment ecosystem.
Bonus: The Wise Debit Card offers withdrawals of up to NZ$350 per month without charging a transaction fee, meaning you can withdraw up to around CNY 1,500 in cash without paying FX transaction fees (after NZ$350, it's a flat 1.75% fee).
Know This: If you make a one-off withdrawal of say, the equivalent of NZ$1,000 while outside of New Zealand, Wise will charge you fees on the $650, whereas the first $350 per month is free.
Getting CNY Cash from an NZ Bank: Most New Zealand banks have stopped offering FX cash services; Westpac is currently the only provider, but it does not offer Chinese CNY.
Getting CNY Cash from a Bureau de Change/Forex Booth:
The primary operators are travel money booths like Travelex and No1 Currency. However, the FX rates are well below mid-market rates, meaning you'll get less CNY for your NZD than you otherwise would if you withdrew CNY from an ATM once you're in China.
Getting CNY Cash When You Arrive in China:
- If you want to have physical Chinese Yuan on hand for your arrival, there are ATMs in the arrivals areas and arrival concourses of Shanghai Pudong, Beijing Capital, and all other major airports. The ATM fee you'll pay to withdraw money depends on your bank; for example, Kiwibank will charge NZ$6 while ANZ is free. Any ATM fee will be deducted from your bank account when you withdraw.
- You'll likely receive 100 Yuan bills, which are worth around NZ$22 each (depending on the FX rate at the time), with smaller denominations of 50, 20, 10, 5, and 1 Yuan notes available for smaller purchases.
Our View: We've found that the FX rates at Forex booths are very expensive and offer poor value for money. In practical terms, if you use Wise to withdraw money from an ATM in China, you'll get the best rates and avoid the poor value FX rates offered in kiosks in and around New Zealand. Plus, having a Wise card means you can link it directly to Alipay and WeChat Pay, giving you access to China's digital payment ecosystem.
Bonus: The Wise Debit Card offers withdrawals of up to NZ$350 per month without charging a transaction fee, meaning you can withdraw up to around CNY 1,500 in cash without paying FX transaction fees (after NZ$350, it's a flat 1.75% fee).
Know This: If you make a one-off withdrawal of say, the equivalent of NZ$1,000 while outside of New Zealand, Wise will charge you fees on the $650, whereas the first $350 per month is free.
Using Chinese CNY Cash - Pros and Cons
Pros:
Cons:
- Universal Acceptance: China mostly accepts cash, and it's easier to have a stack of 100 CNY notes on you to use when you can't pay by card, but the chances of this are becoming less and less as China goes increasingly cashless.
Cons:
- Safety Concerns: While China is safe and theft against tourists is virtually unheard of, carrying large amounts always poses a risk, especially in crowded areas. However, you can always leave a portion of CNY in a hotel room safe or keep it somewhere secure on you.
- Airport Exchange Woes: While convenient, exchanging NZD to CNY at the airport can be costly if you use a high-fee debit card at an ATM or get a bad rate at the Forex kiosk in New Zealand or China. This is because rates are often marked up, and there might be hidden commission fees, reducing the amount of CNY you receive for every NZD you change.
If I have spare CNY cash on the last day I'm in China, what should I do with them?
- Spare notes and coins have a habit of gathering dust back in New Zealand, and it may be some time before you visit China again. The best way to avoid having leftover currency is to spend the notes and coins on your last day; many people make a part payment alongside their card to settle a final bill, for example a lunch or dinner, before they fly out. Or you can put the cash towards the hotel bill if you're settling the bill at the end of your stay.
- You may be able to convert them back to NZD within China, or you can do this when you return to New Zealand. The CNY/NZD rate isn't likely to be market-leading at an FX kiosk. However, having NZD you can spend is more useful than CNY notes that sit there, so it's a cost worth incurring.
- Lastly, if you know someone visiting China in the future, giving them CNY notes and coins makes for a nice present they'll appreciate.
Option 2 - Using NZ-Issued Debit and Credit Cards in China
Many New Zealanders will attempt to use a debit and/or credit card when in China, but face significant limitations as most Chinese businesses don't accept foreign cards directly. International cards typically only work at major hotels, some tourist shops, and ATMs.
What Do New Zealand Banks Charge for Card Use? Most banks impose foreign transaction fees ranging from 0% to 3.5% of the total transaction amount. This fee is atop the exchange rate margin the bank adds to the daily exchange rate. Some banks might also charge a flat fee for overseas ATM withdrawals.
For example, if you're using an ANZ Visa Debit or credit card, you'd typically incur a fee of 1.30% of the transaction amount when you make a purchase overseas per the ANZ's website while Kiwbank's debit cards will charge you 2.50%. The Co-operative Bank goes higher with a 2.60% fee. If you withdraw from an ATM, you may also pay an additional overseas ATM fee; it depends on the bank. Detailed bank charges are in our Debit and Credit Cards FX Fee comparison.
The China Challenge: Even with these fees, the bigger issue is that your NZ bank card won't be accepted at most Chinese merchants. This is why linking a travel money card like Wise to Alipay or WeChat Pay is essential - it bypasses the acceptance problem entirely while giving you better exchange rates than traditional New Zealand bank cards.
What Do New Zealand Banks Charge for Card Use? Most banks impose foreign transaction fees ranging from 0% to 3.5% of the total transaction amount. This fee is atop the exchange rate margin the bank adds to the daily exchange rate. Some banks might also charge a flat fee for overseas ATM withdrawals.
For example, if you're using an ANZ Visa Debit or credit card, you'd typically incur a fee of 1.30% of the transaction amount when you make a purchase overseas per the ANZ's website while Kiwbank's debit cards will charge you 2.50%. The Co-operative Bank goes higher with a 2.60% fee. If you withdraw from an ATM, you may also pay an additional overseas ATM fee; it depends on the bank. Detailed bank charges are in our Debit and Credit Cards FX Fee comparison.
The China Challenge: Even with these fees, the bigger issue is that your NZ bank card won't be accepted at most Chinese merchants. This is why linking a travel money card like Wise to Alipay or WeChat Pay is essential - it bypasses the acceptance problem entirely while giving you better exchange rates than traditional New Zealand bank cards.
Using NZ Bank Cards - Pros and Cons
Our View:
- New Zealand bank cards are essentially backup options only in China - useful for ATM withdrawals and hotel payments, but useless for daily spending.
- The solution isn't to rely on your NZ bank card, but to set up Alipay or WeChat Pay linked to a Wise card before or upon arrival. This gives you access to China's payment ecosystem while avoiding hefty bank fees.
- Keep your NZ bank card as an emergency backup, but don't expect to use it for meals, transport, or shopping.
Option 3 - Using Travel Money Cards (Including the Wise Debit Card) in China
Know This First: Our review and comparison of travel money cards confirms Wise as the best option, with no card a close second. This includes options from Travelex, OneSmart and Cash Passport. For this reason, we've focused on Wise for this section to explain what you need to know.
Getting Familiar with the Wise Debit Card Usage in China
What Does Wise Charge for Card Use?
ATM withdrawals are free up to a certain limit (NZ$350 per month), after which a 1.75% fee is applied. However, if you make a one-off withdrawal of say, the equivalent of NZ$1,000 while outside of New Zealand, Wise will charge you fees on the $650, whereas the first $350 per month is free.
Getting Familiar with the Wise Debit Card Usage in China
- Wise offers a travel money card that lets you have multiple currency wallets and comes with a physical and digital debit card. This includes CNY, meaning you can buy CNY in advance and store it in a CNY digital wallet.
- If you prefer to load NZD rather than lock in a CNY forex rate, you can do that too. This means when you spend in CNY, transactions are converted into NZD and deducted from your balance at the forex rate at the time of purchase.
- Most importantly, you can link your Wise card to Alipay and WeChat Pay, giving you instant access to China's digital payment ecosystem.
- This means you can pay at millions of merchants across China while benefiting from Wise's excellent exchange rates - essentially combining the best of both worlds.
What Does Wise Charge for Card Use?
ATM withdrawals are free up to a certain limit (NZ$350 per month), after which a 1.75% fee is applied. However, if you make a one-off withdrawal of say, the equivalent of NZ$1,000 while outside of New Zealand, Wise will charge you fees on the $650, whereas the first $350 per month is free.
Using the Wise Debit Card - Pros and Cons
Pros:
Cons:
Our View: The Wise debit card is essential for China travel because it bridges the gap between New Zealand banking and China's unique payment landscape. By linking Wise to Alipay or WeChat Pay, you get the best exchange rates while being able to pay anywhere locals do. With zero FX fees on withdrawals up to NZ$350 per month (around CNY 1,575), you can also access cash when needed.
- Digital Payment Integration: The Wise card can be linked to Alipay and WeChat Pay, instantly giving you access to China's payment ecosystem where Visa/Mastercard aren't accepted.
- Competitive Rates: Wise uses the real exchange rate (the one you see on Google) and thus avoids the typical markup that banks add - crucial when converting to CNY.
- Multi-currency: The Wise borderless account lets you hold and manage money in multiple currencies (including CNY), which can be extremely useful when travelling to more than just China.
- Transparent Fees: You always know what you're being charged, with no hidden costs.
- Instant Notifications: The Wise app notifies you immediately after every transaction, helping you keep track of your spending across both card and digital payments.
Cons:
- ATM Withdrawal Limit: While they offer free ATM withdrawals, it's only up to a certain limit (NZ$350/month). Beyond that, there's a 1.75% fee.
- Not a Credit Card: The Wise card is a debit card, meaning you can't spend money you don't have - we argue this is also a positive feature to avoid holiday debt.
- Setup Required: You'll need to link Wise to Alipay/WeChat Pay, which requires some initial setup time (though it's straightforward).
Our View: The Wise debit card is essential for China travel because it bridges the gap between New Zealand banking and China's unique payment landscape. By linking Wise to Alipay or WeChat Pay, you get the best exchange rates while being able to pay anywhere locals do. With zero FX fees on withdrawals up to NZ$350 per month (around CNY 1,575), you can also access cash when needed.
Our Top-Rated Travel Money Card - The Wise Debit Card
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Our Must-Know Tips for Using Money in China
Set Up Digital Payments Before You Go
Consider downloading Alipay and/or WeChat Pay from your app store before departure and link your Wise card. This setup process is easier to complete while you still have access to your New Zealand phone number for verification. Both apps now have English interfaces for international visitors.
​Cash is Still King in Some Situations
Despite China's digital revolution, always carry cash for taxis (especially outside major cities), small street vendors, public toilets (which may charge 1-2 yuan), and areas with poor internet connectivity. Rural areas and older establishments may only accept cash.
Important: Vendors sometimes struggle with change for 100 yuan notes. Keep smaller denominations (10, 20, 50 yuan) for markets, street food, and small purchases.
Important: Vendors sometimes struggle with change for 100 yuan notes. Keep smaller denominations (10, 20, 50 yuan) for markets, street food, and small purchases.
Know Your Daily Limits
China has strict regulations on foreign card withdrawals - most ATMs limit you to 2,000-3,000 CNY per transaction, with daily limits around 10,000 CNY. Plan your cash withdrawals accordingly, especially before holidays when ATMs may run empty.
Beware of Counterfeit Notes
When receiving change, especially 100 yuan notes, check for security features. Most Chinese people openly check notes in front of you - this isn't considered rude. ATM withdrawals are safest for avoiding counterfeit currency.
Save Your Purchase Receipts (Fapiao)
Official tax receipts (fapiao) may be needed for business expense claims or warranty issues. Many places don't automatically provide them - you need to ask by saying "fapiao" when paying.
Internet Restrictions Affect Banking
Many Western banking websites and apps are blocked in China. Set up a VPN before departure if you need to access your New Zealand bank accounts.
Transportation Card Convenience
In major cities, get a transportation card (like Beijing's Yikatong or Shanghai's Jiaotong Card) which works for metros, buses, taxis, and even some shops. You can top these up with cash or through Alipay/WeChat Pay.
Tipping is Not Expected
Like many Asian countries, China doesn't have a tipping culture. Tips may even be refused. The exception is high-end Western hotels where luggage porters will likely accept tips.
NZD to CNY Conversion and Spending CNY - Frequently Asked Questions
How does the NZD usually fare against the CNY?
The NZD-CNY exchange rate can fluctuate based on economic factors, and in 2025 has been as high as 4.30 CNY to 1 NZD. You can check the live rate here.
Can I use my travel money card, New Zealand-issued debit card or credit card everywhere in China?
No - foreign cards have very limited acceptance in China. They typically only work at international hotels, some tourist shops, and ATMs. However, by linking your Wise card to Alipay or WeChat Pay, you can pay virtually everywhere Chinese people do - from street food vendors to luxury malls. Always carry cash as backup.
What's the best way to get the most Yuan for my NZD?
Link a Wise card to Alipay and/or WeChat Pay for the best rates on daily spending. Wise uses real exchange rates with only a 0.47% conversion fee, far better than the 2-3% most NZ banks charge. For cash, use Wise to withdraw from ATMs (free up to NZ$350/month). Avoid airport exchange counters, which can charge 10-15% above market rates.
How do I set up Alipay or WeChat Pay as a foreigner?
Both apps now support international visitors. Download the app, select "International Card" during setup, and link your Wise or bank card. You'll need your passport details and phone number for verification. The process takes about 10 minutes. WeChat Pay typically has a slightly easier setup for vistors heading to China, while Alipay is more widely accepted.
Do ATMs in China accept foreign cards?
Major banks, such as the Bank of China, ICBC, China Construction Bank, and HSBC, accept foreign cards at their ATMs. Look for ATMs with Visa/Mastercard/UnionPay logos. Withdrawal limits are typically 2,000-3,000 CNY per transaction. Some rural ATMs may not accept foreign cards, so withdraw cash in cities.
What if I'm unable to set up digital payments?
Always have a backup plan - we suggest you carry sufficient cash (at least NZ$100-200 equivalent), keep your New Zealand-issued bank card for hotel payments and ATM access, and consider having both Alipay AND WeChat Pay set up. Major tourist areas often have "foreign card accepted" signs. Your hotel concierge can also help with bookings if needed.
Should I exchange money before leaving NZ or when I arrive?
Our view is that the rates at New Zealand airports for CNY are terrible. Instead, we suggest you use ATMs in China with your Wise card for the best rates. If you must have cash on arrival, consider withdrawing a small amount (approximately NZ$50) from an airport ATM in China for immediate needs, such as transport.
Is bargaining expected in China?
Yes, at markets, tourist shops, and with street vendors (except for food). Start at 30-40% of the asking price. Fixed prices apply in malls, supermarkets, and restaurants. Taxis should use meters - if they refuse, negotiate the fare before getting in or use a ride-hailing app through Alipay.
Our Conclusion
China's unique payment landscape requires a different approach than most countries, but overpaying for Yuan can be easily avoided with the right strategy. To navigate payments in China, we suggest the following approach:
1) Digital Payments (Essential):
2) Cash (Still Important):
3) NZ Bank Cards (Emergency Backup Only):
Popular Option: Wise Debit Card
Our View: Successfully navigating China requires embracing digital payments. We strongly recommend getting a Wise Debit Card and linking it to Alipay or WeChat Pay as your primary payment method. This gives you the best exchange rates while ensuring you can pay anywhere locals do.
We suggest you keep some cash (around CNY 500-1,000) for situations where digital payments aren't possible, and your NZ bank card as a last resort. This three-tier approach ensures you're never stuck and always getting good value for your NZD.
1) Digital Payments (Essential):
- Set up Alipay and/or WeChat Pay linked to your Wise card before departure or immediately upon arrival
- This combination gives you access to China's payment ecosystem at the best exchange rates
- Works everywhere from street vendors to high-end shops - just scan QR codes like locals do
2) Cash (Still Important):
- Essential for taxis, small vendors, and areas with poor connectivity
- Withdraw from major bank ATMs using your Wise card for the best rates
- The Wise Debit Card offers free ATM withdrawals up to NZ$350/month, avoiding fees while getting competitive CNY rates
3) NZ Bank Cards (Emergency Backup Only):
- Foreign cards have extremely limited acceptance - mainly hotels and some ATMs
- High fees (0-2.60% plus ATM charges) make them poor value
- Keep as a backup for emergencies or hotel deposits
Popular Option: Wise Debit Card
- Links seamlessly with Alipay/WeChat Pay for digital payments everywhere
- Provides transparent fees (0.47% conversion) and real exchange rates
- Combines the convenience of digital payments with the security of a physical card
- Free ATM withdrawals up to NZ$350/month for necessary cash
Our View: Successfully navigating China requires embracing digital payments. We strongly recommend getting a Wise Debit Card and linking it to Alipay or WeChat Pay as your primary payment method. This gives you the best exchange rates while ensuring you can pay anywhere locals do.
We suggest you keep some cash (around CNY 500-1,000) for situations where digital payments aren't possible, and your NZ bank card as a last resort. This three-tier approach ensures you're never stuck and always getting good value for your NZD.
Our Top-Rated Travel Money Card - The Wise Debit Card
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Related Guides:
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- Compare Travel Money Cards
- Travelex Money Card vs Wise Debit Card
- Wise Debit Card vs Cash Passport Travel Money Card
- Wise Debit Card vs Air New Zealand OneSmart Travel Money Card
- Wise Debit Card Review
- Foreign Currency Debit and Credit Card Fees
- Foreign Currency Exchange
- Compare Travel Insurance
Country-Specific Travel Money Guides:
