Short answer: Partly. Revolut is unreliable on Chinese networks: its website is intermittently disrupted, and the company does not offer accounts or cards to people living in mainland China. Verified 30 October 2026.
| On Chinese networks (local SIM, hotel Wi-Fi) | Patchy |
|---|---|
| On a travel eSIM or roaming | Not tested yet |
| Local alternative | Alipay, WeChat |
GreatFire records revolut.com as "Mixed", with intermittent disruption (1 of 2 conclusive tests failed in the last 90 days) and interference logged since January 2023. Visitors with a Revolut card from home can use it for spending and ATM withdrawals, with variable fees, but many Chinese merchants do not take foreign Visa or Mastercard. Revolut does not serve China residents, so the card may stop working after a move. Set up the card, any Alipay or WeChat Pay linking and any top-ups before you fly, and carry a backup card.
What this means for your trip
Is Revolut blocked in China?
Partly. Revolut is unreliable on Chinese networks: its website is intermittently disrupted, and the company does not offer accounts or cards to people living in mainland China. What you can do depends on the feature and the network you are on, so test it before you rely on it.
Does Revolut work with an eSIM or roaming?
We have not yet tested Revolut on a travel eSIM or roaming.
The simplest fix for visitors is a travel eSIM set up before you fly: see the best eSIM for China, or go straight to Airalo's China plans (affiliate link). Hotel and café Wi-Fi use Chinese networks, so switch Wi-Fi off when you need Revolut.
What can you use instead of Revolut in China?
Plan a backup in case Revolut will not load. Locals use Alipay, WeChat.
How do I get Revolut before I fly?
Install Revolut and sign in before you fly, and set up your travel eSIM at the same time. Google Play does not work on Chinese networks, so do not leave downloads for when you land. Get it from the official site, revolut.com, or your phone's app store. Then open the app once at home to check it runs. Our list of apps to install before you fly shows the order to do it in.
Blocked status follows Freedom House's Freedom on the Net 2025; you can test any site yourself on GreatFire.org, which checks access from inside China every day. Full picture: Internet in China and the apps to install before you fly.
FAQ
Is Revolut blocked in China?
Partly. Revolut is unreliable on Chinese networks: its website is intermittently disrupted, and the company does not offer accounts or cards to people living in mainland China.
Does Revolut work with an eSIM or roaming in China?
We have not yet tested Revolut on a travel eSIM or roaming.
How do I use Revolut in China?
We have not yet tested Revolut on a travel eSIM or roaming.
What do people in China use instead of Revolut?
Alipay, WeChat.
How do I get Revolut before I fly to China?
Install Revolut and sign in before you fly, and set up your travel eSIM at the same time. Google Play does not work on Chinese networks, so do not leave downloads for when you land.
Can I use my Revolut card in China?
Yes, as a visitor. It works at ATMs and at merchants that accept foreign cards, but many places only take Alipay or WeChat Pay. Fees vary, so carry a backup card.
Can I send money to China from Revolut?
Revolut partnered with Ant International in November 2025 so customers can send yuan to a recipient's Alipay ID. Check that the option appears in your app and region.
Can I open a Revolut account while living in China?
No. Revolut does not offer accounts or cards to residents of mainland China.
Does it work in China? More apps
- Does Alipay work in China? Works on Chinese networks
- Does Apple Pay work in China? Patchy on Chinese networks
- Does Google Pay work in China? Patchy on Chinese networks
- Does PayPal work in China? Patchy on Chinese networks
- Does Wise work in China? Patchy on Chinese networks
- Does LinkedIn work in China? Patchy on Chinese networks
Next steps for your trip
Last verified 30 October 2026. Official site: https://www.revolut.com. Sources: [1] [2] [3] [4] . Access can change without notice; tell us if you see something different.
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