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Can I use Maestro in China in 2026?

Maestro is accepted at most hotels, large restaurants, and chain retailers in mainland China. Bring cash or a Visa/Mastercard backup for broad coverage.

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Can I use Maestro in China in 2026?

Maestro is accepted at most hotels, large restaurants, and chain retailers in mainland China. Bring cash or a Visa/Mastercard backup for broad coverage.

Source: Alipay, 2026

Maestro acceptance in mainland China

Maestro was Mastercard's international debit brand and was retired for new issuance in 2023, with most cards reissued as Mastercard Debit by 2024. If you still hold a Maestro card, treat it as cash-machine-only in mainland China: ATM withdrawals at Bank of China and ICBC usually work, but POS terminals and Alipay/WeChat Pay linking generally reject it. Ask your bank for the Mastercard Debit replacement before you travel.

Status in 2026: Mostly retired — most cards reissued as Mastercard Debit by 2024

Acceptance ranking (as of June 2026):

  • Widely accepted: Visa, Mastercard, UnionPay
  • Limited (link to Alipay to extend): American Express, Discover, JCB, Diners Club
  • Bring cash or a backup card: any non-listed card brand

Frequently asked questions

Can I link my Maestro card to Alipay?
No — Alipay does not accept Maestro cards for linking (mostly retired — most cards reissued as mastercard debit by 2024). Link a Visa or Mastercard instead, or top up the Alipay Tour Card. See our full <a href="/alipay-for-foreigners">Alipay for foreigners</a> walkthrough.
Will my Maestro card work at small shops in China?
Some — but most small shops only accept cash, Alipay, or WeChat Pay. For Maestro, linking to Alipay is the most reliable workaround and works at almost any QR-code-accepting merchant.
Are there foreign transaction fees on my Maestro card in China?
Most foreign-issued Maestro cards charge a 1–3% foreign transaction fee on purchases in mainland China. Check your cardholder agreement — some travel-rewards cards waive this fee on certain categories.
Can I get cash in China with my Maestro?
Yes. ATMs at major banks (Bank of China, ICBC, China Construction Bank) accept international Maestro cards in tier-1 cities. Daily withdrawal limits are typically RMB 2,500–10,000 per transaction.
Should I bring cash as a backup if I have a Maestro card?
Yes — always carry RMB 500–1,000 in cash for taxi drivers, rural vendors, and small shops that do not accept mobile payments. Exchange at the airport or any major bank branch.

Source: Alipay, NihaoVisit Alipay guide. Last updated 2026-06-10.