Complete Guide to Payment Methods in China
✨ Comparison of Common Payment Methods
uPayment Method & Key Features & Typical Use Cases
1. Alipay
A widely used mobile payment tool supporting the linking of international credit cards (e.g., Visa, Mastercard, AmEx). Covers QR code payments, ride-hailing, ticket booking, etc.
2. WeChat Pay
Payment functionality integrated into the WeChat app, also supports linking international cards, with prevalence similar to Alipay. Suitable for the vast majority of daily consumption scenarios.
3. Credit Cards
International credit cards (e.g., Visa, Mastercard) are accepted at large hotels, shopping malls, and upscale restaurants, but might not be usable at small vendors and street stalls.
4. Cash
Renminbi (CNY) is the legal tender. While mobile payment penetration is high in major cities, cash remains essential in remote areas, traditional markets, or with small street vendors.
uDetailed Introduction to Payment Methods
1. Mobile Payments (Alipay & WeChat Pay)
For short-term visitors to China, using Alipay and WeChat Pay linked to overseas bank cards is currently the most convenient mobile payment solution.
Supported Card Types: Both major platforms support linking mainstream international bank cards, including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, JCB, Discover/Diners Club, and overseas-issued UnionPay cards. This basically covers the world's major bank card brands.
Usage Scenarios: After linking your card, you can make payments at tens of millions of merchants in China, covering almost all tourist consumption scenarios like dining, shopping, transportation (buses/subways in some cities), attraction tickets, hotel bookings. You can pay by scanning the merchant's QR code, or by having the merchant scan your payment code.
Fees & Limits: During the promotional period, using these linked international cards for consumption within China is typically fee-free. However, for security reasons, the payment platforms may set single transaction and monthly cumulative transaction limits. Please refer to the official announcements from the payment platforms for specific limits.
How to Link:
A. Ensure you have the latest version of the Alipay or WeChat app installed.
B. In Alipay, find the "Bank Cards" option in the "Me" section. In WeChat, go to "Me" -> "Services" (or "Wallet") -> "Bank Cards".
C. Follow the prompts to enter your card number, expiry date, and CVV, and complete verification through your card issuer.
2. Credit Cards
Acceptance: International credit cards can be used at large chain hotels, high-end department stores, international brand stores, and some restaurants with foreign currency POS machines.
Things to Note: Due to habit or transaction fee reasons, local Chinese residents and small merchants widely use Alipay/WeChat Pay or UnionPay cards. Therefore, do not assume that all places accept international credit cards. Before spending, it's best to look for Visa/Mastercard logos or ask proactively.
3. Cash
Why You Still Need It: Despite the high penetration of mobile payments, carrying a small amount of Chinese Yuan (Renminbi) cash is still a wise backup plan. This is particularly useful in rural areas, at street stalls, wet markets, or if you encounter network issues preventing mobile payment.
Recommendation: There's no need to carry large amounts of cash, but have some small bills and coins on hand for taxis, buying snacks, or as an emergency fund.
Payment Tips for Tourists
Prioritize Linking International Cards: The most recommended payment method for tourists is to link their overseas credit/debit cards to Alipay or WeChat Pay. This allows you to enjoy the convenience of "traveling around China with just a phone" like locals do.
Use a Combined Payment Strategy: It is advisable to primarily use mobile payments with linked international cards, supplemented by credit cards, while also having a small amount of cash as backup. This "triple insurance" strategy can handle the vast majority of payment scenarios you'll encounter in China.
Link and Test in Advance: Complete the card linking process before departure or when you have a good internet connection upon arrival. Try making a small test payment (e.g., buying water at a convenience store) to ensure everything works smoothly.
Stay Polite and Patient: Occasionally, you might encounter minor issues due to differences in payment habits. Stay patient, try other backup payment methods, or seek help from people nearby.
