Paying for things in Chengdu is most efficiently done through mobile payment apps like Alipay and WeChat Pay, which are the primary methods used by locals for everything from street food to public transportation. International visitors can download these apps, sign up using a foreign mobile number, and link their international Visa, Mastercard, or American Express cards to make payments by scanning QR codes. While China is rapidly becoming a cashless society, cash in Renminbi (CNY) is still legally accepted and remains a reliable backup, particularly for small vendors, though it is advisable to carry small notes as many businesses may not have change. Foreign credit cards are increasingly accepted at major hotels, large shopping malls, and for direct tap-to-pay at Chengdu Metro gates, but they are not widely used in smaller restaurants or shops. For a seamless experience, it is recommended to set up Alipay before arrival—as it often has a simpler verification process for foreigners—and to carry a small amount of cash (200-500 RMB) for emergencies or rural areas.