How to Pay in China: A Comprehensive Guide
China is one of the world’s most popular tourist and business destinations. “How to pay in China” is one of the most frequently asked questions by foreigners before visiting the country. Unlike many countries that rely on cash or credit cards, China has fully embraced mobile payment. This article will share how to use mobile payments in China. Hopefully, this will be helpful.
Overview of Payment Systems in China
In China, cash is rarely used in most everyday transactions—restaurants, shopping malls, subways, taxis, tourist attractions, and street vendors. Mobile payment via QR code is the mainstream payment method here. The main payment apps used by Chinese people are WeChat Pay and Alipay.
Credit cards are commonly used to pay bills in many countries. However, this is not widespread in China. Only a small number of hotels and restaurants have dedicated card readers. If you want to buy a loaf of bread at a convenience store or a bottle of water at a roadside stall, you will most likely not be able to use your credit card. To have a better experience in China, using WeChat Pay and Alipay is the best option.
What Payment Methods can Foreigners Use in China
Alipay
Alipay is widely considered the most user-friendly and mature payment platform for foreigners. It supports linking various international credit cards and offers an international version or Tour Pass service specifically for foreigners. Its interface has complete English instructions. You can use it for everyday shopping. Public transportation, attraction tickets, taxi fares, and food delivery can all be paid for with it in many cities. Using it for purchases does not require a Chinese bank card.
WeChat Pay
WeChat is China’s most popular social media app and one of the most widely used mobile payment tools. Foreign tourists can currently use WeChat Pay by linking Visa, Mastercard, JCB, and American Express (supported in some regions). After completing real-name authentication, you can directly scan the QR code to pay.
International Credit Cards (Restricted Use)
Visa and Mastercard are not completely unusable in China, but their application is relatively limited. They are usually only accepted in high-end hotels, international chain hotels, large shopping malls, and some airport shops. In most situations, such as at restaurants, on public transportation, and in taxis, credit cards are generally not accepted. Therefore, international credit cards can be used as a supplementary or backup payment method.
Cash
You can exchange some RMB cash. Although mobile payment is quite widespread and mature in China, cash payments still work. You can exchange more one-yuan, five-yuan, and ten-yuan bills. This will better handle situations where you need change or pay small amounts. You can also use it as a supplementary payment method. If you encounter a poor signal or your phone is out of battery, cash payment is the best solution. If you don’t want to carry a wallet, you can simply put a small amount of cash in your phone case.
How to Register Alipay and Use Alipay
Download Alipay
iPhone users search for “Alipay” in the App Store. Android users search for “Alipay” on Google Play. Please choose the official app, developed by Ant Group/Alibaba.
Register an Account
Open the Alipay app after downloading. Register using your mobile phone number. Alipay registration supports both Chinese and international mobile phone numbers. Enter the verification code to complete registration.
Switch Language
You are now on the app’s main interface. At the bottom of the main page, tap “Me.” Then click Settings → General → Language/Region. Select your language. Alipay supports translation into 16 languages, including Chinese, English, French, and German.
Complete Identity Verification
Return to the main interface. Tap “Me” in the bottom right corner → Settings.
Account & Security → Idenity Information. Fill in your real information as required. Select “Passport” as your document type. Enter the information from your passport. After exiting basic information verification, proceed with photo and facial verification.
Link an International Bank Card
Alipay supports foreigners linking international credit cards; a Chinese bank card is not required. Click “Me” → “Bank Cards” → “Add Card” and add your Visa, Mastercard, JCB, or other allowed card. Verify your card through your bank’s authentication process.
Your Alipay account is now verified with your real name and linked to your bank card. You can use it for payments.
How to Pay with Alipay
There are three main ways to pay with Alipay. One is by scanning the merchant’s QR code for receiving payments. Another is for the merchant to scan your payment QR code. The third is if your phone has NFC, you can directly use “Tap to Pay.”
Scanning the Merchant’s QR Code
To scan a merchant’s payment QR code, go to the homepage and tap “Scan” at the top. Point your camera at the merchant’s QR code. After a successful scan, enter the amount you need to pay. Then tap “Pay.” Make sure you understand the amount you need to pay before tapping “Confirm.” Finally, enter your six-digit payment password to complete the payment.
Merchant Scanning Your Payment Code
Open Alipay and go to the homepage, then tap “Pay/Collect.” Your payment QR code will be displayed. The merchant will scan your payment code using a barcode scanner or other scanning device. Once the payment success page appears, the payment is complete.
NFC Payment
If your phone has NFC functionality, you don’t even need to turn it on. If the merchant has an NFC payment device, you can simply tap your phone against their NFC device to complete the payment when they ask for payment.
In China, payment passwords are no longer limited to numbers. You can use your face or palm print to make payments. These are all very convenient payment methods.
Precautions for Using Alipay
Functionality Limitations
You cannot use features such as red envelopes, transfers, and change top-ups.
Transaction Limits
The maximum transaction limit is RMB 5,000 per transaction. The daily fee-free transfer limit is RMB 20,000.
Transaction Fees
Transactions under RMB 200 are free of charge. For transactions exceeding RMB 200, a 3% fee will be charged (refunded proportionally upon refund).
Exchange Rate Calculation
Settlement uses the real-time exchange rate of international card organizations or issuing banks.
How to Download and Use WeChat Pay
Download WeChat
iPhone users search for “WeChat” in the App Store. Android users search for “WeChat” on Google Play. The official app developer is Tencent; please do not download third-party versions.
Register a WeChat Account
Open WeChat after downloading. Select “Sign Up.” Register using your mobile phone number. WeChat supports registration with non-Chinese mobile phone numbers. Receive and enter the SMS verification code. After that, enter your nickname (not your real name). Select your country or region. Then set your password.
Security Verification
Find an existing WeChat user to help you verify. This user must meet the following conditions.
Another security verification method is to use your payment card. They will charge you one dollar upfront. This will be refunded after successful verification. After successful verification, your account will be successfully registered.
Activate WeChat Pay
Search for “WeChat Pay” in the search bar at the top of the WeChat homepage. Click on the result. Then click “Enable.” WeChat Pay is now successfully activated.
Real-Name Authentication
Real-name authentication is required to use WeChat’s payment function. After entering the main page, click “Me” in the bottom right corner. Click “Payments & Services.” Click “Wallet.”
On this page, click “ID Info” in the bottom left corner to complete real-name authentication. Fill in your personal information according to the given requirements. Select “Passport” as the document type. Enter your passport number. For face verification, you need to shake your head or blink as prompted.
Linking International Bank Cards
WeChat Pay supports foreigners linking various international credit cards. Common supported card types include Visa, Mastercard, JCB, American Express (in some regions), etc. Go to the homepage and click “Me” in the bottom right corner. Click “Payments & Services.” Click “Bank Cards.”
Click “Add a new bank card.” Enter your card number and related information. Then set your six-digit payment password. It is not recommended to use consecutive or repeated numbers in the password, as this reduces security. After setting the password, a message will appear indicating successful card linking.
Once you’ve completed the steps above, you can start using WeChat to pay your bills.
How to Pay with WeChat
There are two main ways to pay with WeChat.
Scanning a Merchant’s QR Code
Open WeChat. Tap the plus sign (circled) in the upper right corner of the main screen. It looks like a Phillips head screw. Tap “Scan.” Scan the merchant’s QR code. After a successful scan, a page will appear for entering the amount. Enter the amount you need to pay and tap “Pay” in the lower right corner. Skip to the next page and tap the “Pay.” Then enter your six-digit password to complete the payment.
Merchant Scanning Your Payment Code
Open WeChat. Tap the plus sign (circled) in the upper right corner of the main screen. Tap “Money.” Your payment code will appear. The merchant will scan your payment code. Once the page displays “Payment Successful,” the payment is complete.
The other way is to tap “Me.” Then tap the “Payment and Service.” Then tap “Money.” Your payment code will appear.
Precautions for Using Wechat Pay
Functionality Limitations
You cannot use features such as red envelopes, transfers, and change top-ups.
Transaction Limits
The maximum transaction limit is RMB 5,000 per transaction. The daily fee-free transfer limit is RMB 20,000.
Transaction Fees
Transactions under RMB 200 are free of charge. For transactions exceeding RMB 200, a 3% fee will be charged (refunded proportionally upon refund).
Exchange Rate Calculation
Settlement uses the real-time exchange rate of international card organizations or issuing banks.
How to Pay with Cash
Although electronic payments are very common in China, cash is still accepted. However, many merchants are now accustomed to electronic payments and don’t keep much cash on hand. Therefore, sometimes they may not be able to give change. If you want to pay with cash, prepare some small change. The denominations of RMB are 1 mao, 5 mao, 1 yuan, 5 yuan, 10 yuan, 20 yuan, 50 yuan, and 100 yuan. Ten 1 mao equals 1 yuan, and two 5 mao also equal 1 yuan. In most cases, merchants will not refuse cash payments. Just say, “I want to pay in cash.”
Conclusion
In summary, the formula for successful payments in China is: an Alipay or WeChat account linked to an international credit card + a sufficient amount of RMB cash = seamless payment. Preparing in advance will greatly reduce your payment anxiety. Seamless payment will allow you to fully enjoy your wonderful trip to China. Have a pleasant experience in China!
We hope this comprehensive payment guide will be a key to unlocking the door to a carefree trip in China. When payment is no longer an obstacle, you can focus more on experiencing the grandeur of the Great Wall, savoring the spiciness of Sichuan hotpot, or strolling through the tranquil water towns of Jiangnan. However, understanding payment methods is only one step in the perfect journey. Traveling in China, you may also need to choose hotels, book tickets, and more.
These seemingly trivial but crucial details are precisely why we exist. As a travel platform focused on serving international travelers, we provide comprehensive and practical information, from pre-trip payment setup and transportation guides to in-depth local experiences. Helping you travel smoothly in China. Click here to visit us and start your worry-free journey!
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