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Payments in China for Indians

The Indian Govt does not allow chinese apps, so Alipay and Wechat are not available for download on the play store. Visa cards are also not accepted in most places, while cash is probably reluctantly accepted. Any work arounds for Indian nationals visiting China?

Sorry if this is a double post.

For Indian nationals visiting China, making payments can be challenging due to the restrictions on downloading Chinese apps like Alipay and WeChat Pay, and the limited acceptance of international credit cards such as Visa or Mastercard. Cash remains widely accepted, but in many urban areas and for transport or small purchases, mobile payments dominate.

Here are some workarounds and practical options for Indian travelers:

  • Carry Sufficient Cash: Bring enough Chinese yuan (CNY) to cover daily expenses, transportation, meals, and entrance fees for tourist attractions. ATMs are widely available, but check if your Indian debit card works internationally and notify your bank before travel.
  • Use UnionPay Cards: UnionPay is a Chinese card network accepted in most stores, restaurants, and hotels. Some Indian banks issue UnionPay-enabled cards or co-branded debit cards.
  • Prepaid Travel Cards: Consider international prepaid travel cards that can be loaded with CNY before departure. These cards can be used like debit cards and may work in shops or ATMs.
  • Bank Transfers / International Remittance Services: For larger payments (e.g., hotel bookings), pay in advance through your bank or via international remittance services accepted by Chinese providers.

Additional tips:

  • Have small denominations of cash handy, as many taxis, local markets, and street vendors do not accept cards.
  • Check whether hotels and major shopping malls accept international cards before assuming cashless payment is possible.
  • If visiting cities like Shanghai or Beijing, plan ahead for mobile payments, and ask your hotel or travel agent if they can help facilitate Alipay/WeChat payments through their services.

In summary, Indian visitors should rely primarily on cash, supplement with UnionPay or prepaid cards where possible, and plan ahead for larger payments to ensure a smooth experience in China.

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