Payments in China for Indians

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Travelers from India visiting China often wonder about the payment methods available, as China has a predominantly digital payment system. While cash is still accepted in many places, mobile payment platforms dominate in urban areas, restaurants, shops, and public transport.

Here’s a detailed breakdown for Indian travelers:

Cash (Renminbi/Yuan): You can exchange Indian Rupees for Chinese Yuan at banks, airports, or currency exchange centers. While cash is widely accepted, relying solely on it may be inconvenient, especially in smaller shops or modern establishments that prefer digital payments.
Credit/Debit Cards: International cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) are accepted in many hotels, larger restaurants, and tourist attractions. However, some shops, taxis, and local markets may not accept cards, so it’s good to carry some cash as backup.
UnionPay Cards: Chinese banks issue UnionPay cards, and many Indian banks now provide UnionPay-compatible cards. These are widely accepted across China.
Mobile Payment Apps: Alipay and WeChat Pay are the most popular. For Indian visitors, you can now link foreign cards to Alipay in some cases, or set up a visitor account, but it may require a smartphone, local phone number, and verification process. QR code payments are extremely common in shops, restaurants, and taxis.
ATMs: Major Chinese cities have ATMs that accept foreign cards for cash withdrawals in local currency. Expect to pay a small withdrawal fee.

Tips for Indian travelers:

Keep a mix of cash and cards; don’t rely solely on digital payments unless you have set up Alipay/WeChat Pay for foreign users.
Check with your bank about transaction fees and inform them of travel to avoid card blocks.
Use official currency exchange centers or banks instead of street exchangers to avoid counterfeit notes.
For remote areas or rural visits, cash is essential, as digital payments may not be widely available.

In summary, Indian visitors to China can use a combination of cash, credit/debit cards, and mobile payments. Setting up Alipay or WeChat Pay visitor accounts can make payments easier in urban areas, but always carry some cash for flexibility, especially in smaller towns or markets.

Payments in China for Indians

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