Payment Guide
Complete guide for payments in China
Stages 2 & 10: Payment Systems & Shopping
Set up payment methods and learn shopping tips in China
Alipay
China's dominant mobile payment platform, accepted everywhere.
⚙️How to Set Up
- 1.Download Alipay app
- 2.Register with foreign phone number
- 3.Verify identity with passport
- 4.Link international credit/debit card
- 5.Set payment password
- 6.Verify with 3D Secure if required
💰How to Use
- ✓Scan merchant QR code to pay
- ✓Show personal QR code for merchant to scan
- ✓Enter amount and confirm
- ✓Use Face++ for large transactions
- ✓Set as default in Apple/Google Pay
✅ Pros
- +Widely accepted (98%+ merchants)
- +English interface available
- +Instant currency conversion
- +In-app translation features
⚠️ Cons
- -May require Chinese bank account for full features
- -Foreign cards not accepted everywhere
- -Setup process can be complex
💡 Pro Tips
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WeChat Pay
Integrated with messaging app, second most popular payment.
⚙️How to Set Up
- 1.Download WeChat app
- 2.Register with foreign phone number
- 3.Complete WeChat Pay verification
- 4.Link Visa/Mastercard
- 5.Add travel card for easier setup
- 6.Set payment password
💰How to Use
- ✓Scan QR code via WeChat
- ✓Use "Pay" function from chat
- ✓Show payment code at checkout
- ✓Haggle through WeChat (some vendors)
- ✓Send red envelopes to friends
✅ Pros
- +Built into WeChat messaging
- +Better customer support for foreigners
- +Peer-to-peer payments easy
- +Integrated with many apps
⚠️ Cons
- -Slightly less acceptance than Alipay
- -May have lower transaction limits
- -Verification takes longer
💡 Pro Tips
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Tourist Card (TourCard/Wise)
Prepaid card designed for tourists, easy setup without bank account.
⚙️How to Set Up
- 1.Order online before travel
- 2.Receive card by mail or at airport
- 3.Activate through app
- 4.Load money in local currency
- 5.Verify identity if required
- 6.Set PIN for ATM withdrawals
💰How to Use
- ✓Use as regular credit card
- ✓Tap for NFC payments
- ✓Add to Apple/Google Pay
- ✓Withdraw cash at ATMs
- ✓Pay online with card details
✅ Pros
- +No Chinese bank account needed
- +Easy online management
- +Transparent fees
- +Works globally
⚠️ Cons
- -ATM withdrawal fees
- -May not work at some small vendors
- -Limited refund options
💡 Pro Tips
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Cash
Still useful for small vendors, markets, and emergencies.
⚙️How to Set Up
- 1.Withdraw from ATM on arrival
- 2.Exchange currency at bank or airport
- 3.Keep small bills for small purchases
- 4.Use reputable exchange services
- 5.Check exchange rates before exchanging
💰How to Use
- ✓Count bills before handing over
- ✓Check for counterfeit notes
- ✓Keep spare change for buses/markets
- ✓Negotiate prices in cash (markets)
- ✓Have backup cash in hotel safe
✅ Pros
- +Universal acceptance
- +No technology required
- +Best for bargaining
- +Essential backup
⚠️ Cons
- -Risk of theft/loss
- -Counterfeit risk
- -No record of transactions
💡 Pro Tips
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Security Warning
Never share your payment passwords, verification codes, or personal information with strangers. Bank staff and merchants will never ask for your passwords. Report suspicious activity immediately.
📱Payment Apps You Need
Download and set up these apps before arriving in China
Essential messaging, payments, mini-programs, and social platform for daily life in China. Supports English interface.
China's dominant payment app. Pay anywhere, transfer money, access government services. Full English support available.
Link your foreign card to WeChat Pay for QR code payments at stores and restaurants throughout China.
Best rates for currency exchange. Get a Wise card for travel with real exchange rates and low fees in China.
💡Download before arriving—app stores may be restricted.