LocalLink never takes payment. You pay the person, in China, after you have met them.
Alipay
Best default. Bind a Visa/Mastercard in the tourist flow, or a friend’s Chinese account if the foreign-card bind fails.
WeChat Pay
Needed for red packets and many drivers. Set it up after Alipay — the ID check is pickier.
Cash
Carry ¥200–400 in villages, raft docks, and tiny Bai snack shops. ATMs in Old Town / Chunxi Road are fine.
Foreign cards
Rarely work at restaurants. Some international hotels take them. Do not plan a trip around Visa tap.
Never pay a full deposit off-platform before meeting.
LocalLink is an information directory, not a tour operator or verification authority. We display submitted documents and never guarantee authenticity or service.