The Complete Guide to China Travel Payments 2025

💳2025 Traveling in China: How to Pay?

Go Cashless with Alipay and WeChat Pay!

Concerned about paying for your trip to China?

These days, electronic payments (mobile payments) are the norm in China, surpassing cash.

Most stores, restaurants, and even transportation accept QR code payments.

Just prepare the two apps, Alipay (支付宝) and WeChat Pay (微信支付), before your trip, and you can conveniently make payments in China like a local!

📱 Installing Alipay and WeChat Pay is a Must!

Be sure to install Alipay and WeChat from the App Store or Google Play before your trip.

Note: Both apps require real-name verification and card registration.

- Alipay: Relatively simple authentication.
- WeChat Pay: The authentication process is a bit tricky, so you may need to try multiple times.

As long as you have a phone number that can receive authentication codes, you can register an international card (Visa, Mastercard, UnionPay, etc.) and use it right away.

💳 There are two payment methods.

QR code payment is mostly used in China.

1️⃣ Scan payment (扫码支付)
Scan the QR code displayed in the store → Enter the amount → Complete payment.

2️⃣ Present QR code payment (出示二维码)
Scan your QR code and show it to the cashier.

Tip: There's a 3% fee for payments over 200 yuan with an international card, but there's no fee for UnionPay (China UnionPay).

💰 Only bring enough cash!

Of course, you can use cash (RMB), but in urban areas, most places only accept electronic payments.

Therefore, it's useful to carry some small amounts of cash.
Cash may be especially needed in the following places: 👇

- Traditional markets or street vendors
- Rural areas
- Places with weak internet signals

You can withdraw cash with an international card at an ATM, but make sure the machine has your card company's logo and check the limit and fees in advance.

🌐Can I use my international card?

While international cards are accepted at hotels, airports, and large shopping malls, they're rarely accepted at regular stores or restaurants.

Therefore, setting up Alipay or WeChat Pay in advance is much more convenient.

Recently, cities like Beijing and Shanghai have begun supporting international card touch payments on the subway.🚇

✈️ Pre-Travel Checklist

☑️ Install Alipay or WeChat
☑️ Complete real-name verification
☑️ Register your international card
☑️ Prepare small amounts of cash
☑️ Check fees

In summary:

Mobile payments are a must when traveling in China!

Enjoy smart transactions with Alipay and WeChat Pay, faster than cash and more convenient than credit cards! 🙌

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