Are there any specific locations or situations where carrying more cash would be necessary?

Here’s a few situations where carrying more cash could come in handy when you’re in China:

🏡 Rural or small town areas: In these parts, people are less likely to use mobile payments or even have a bank card so you’re better off with good old cash.

🛍️ Small shops and street vendors: A lot of mom-and-pop stores still do business primarily with cash. Same goes for the friendly neighborhood food cart.

🚕 Taxis: Despite many cabs taking mobile payments now, some drivers will still only take cash. Don’t get stranded!

🚌 Buses: Cash is still the way to go when paying your bus fare. Sure, some have tap-and-go options now, but you’ll want some yuan on hand just in case.

😎 Tourist spots: Some smaller attractions might only have ticket windows, and you won’t want to miss out on the fun.

🛣️ Highway toll booths: Some tolls still prefer that you pay with cash.

🤕 Health emergencies: When you’re rushing to the hospital, you might not have time to fiddle with your phone. Cash can be a quicker solution.

🌄 Border regions: Think places like Xinjiang or Tibet. In these areas, mobile networks might not be so reliable, so cash is a more certain bet.

💨 Off-peak travel seasons: In the low season, some smaller businesses might be more cash-heavy in their operations.

🎁 Buying souvenirs: Small markets and street stalls are a great way to pick up gifts, and cash will make the transaction smoother.

So, while China is moving towards a cashless society, it’s wise to have some paper notes on you for the situations above. Yeah, it’s a good idea to have a mix of both cash and the knowledge of how to use mobile payments. Your trip will be a lot smoother! Got it? 💯👍