Approaches to pay in China:
Bank Card
Mobile Payment
Cash
Bank Account
1.Bank cards
Bank cards from your home country may be usable during transactions if the payment terminal displays matching network symbols like UnionPay, Visa, or Mastercard (as illustrated). When these symbols aren’t visible, consider confirming acceptance with store staff beforehand. Notably, UnionPay cards enjoy full compatibility with every point-of-sale system throughout mainland China, ensuring seamless transactions nationwide.
2.Mobile Payment
Your smartphone unlocks convenient payment services through popular digital wallets like Alipay, WeChat Pay, or UnionPay’s mobile solutions. To streamline your checkout process, low-value purchases often don’t require identity verification—simply scan and pay. Experience the speed and simplicity of cashless payments during your daily errands. Why not try it out next time you shop?
A. Alipay
a) Download the Alipay app in the app store or from its official website.
b) Open the app, and register with your phone number or just sign in if you have already registered.
c) Add your bank cards as shown below.
Tip: Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Diners Club, and Discover cards can all be added to Alipay, all you need to do is just tap “Add Now” and follow on-screen instructions to complete the process.
d) Pay by scanning QR code.
Method 1: Tap “Scan”, and scan the merchant’s QR code.
Method 2: Tap “Pay/Receive”, and present your QR code to the merchant.
Service Hotline of Alipay: +86-571 2688 6000 Please dial 0571 2688 6000 when using a Chinese number.
B. Wechat Pay
a) Download the Wechat app in the app store.
b) Open the Wechat app and sign up with your phone number or just log in if you have already registered.
c) Add your bank cards shown as below.
Method 1:
Method 2:
d) Pay by scanning QR code.
Method 1:Tap the "+" sign at the upper right corner and then the "Scan" icon, and scan the merchant's QR code.
Method 2: Tap the "+" sign at the upper right corner and then the "Money" icon, and present your QR code to the merchant.
Service Hotline of Wechat Pay: +86-571-95017 Please dial 95017 when using a Chinese number.
Tip: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, JCB, Diners Club, and Discover cards can all be added to Alipay, all you need to do is just follow on-screen instructions to complete the process.
C. UnionPay
a) Download the UnionPay app in the app store or from its official website.
b) Register with your phone number and sign in.
c) Add your bank cards as shown below.
d) Pay by scanning QR code.
Method 1: Tap "Scan", and scan the merchant's QR code.
Method 2: Tap "Pay/Collect", and present your QR code to the merchant.
Service Hotline of UnionPay: 95516 for users with Chinese-mainland mobile phone numbers
+86-21-95516/+86-21-20556900 for users with non-Chinese mainland mobile phone numbers
e) Pay with a Tour Card: Tour Card is a prepaid card which you can apply for and top up in the UnionPay app to make everyday purchases, online or offline.
Tips for Mobile Payment: Please scan the QR code that carries the logo of the payment service provider of your choice when making payment. For example, use the Alipay app to scan the QR code with the Alipay logo.
3. Cash
Upon arrival, you can access Chinese currency (RMB) by using international card-friendly ATMs at airports or border checkpoints. Additionally, foreign cash can be converted via licensed currency vendors or automated currency kiosks in these locations. Licensed exchange offices, select hotels, banking institutions, and designated booths also offer reliable conversion services, typically marked with prominent “Currency Exchange” signage for visibility. Before departure, remember that leftover RMB can be reconverted to foreign currencies at urban exchange centers or exit-point facilities, ensuring flexibility in managing your funds.
4. Bank Account
To establish a banking account in China, visit nearby branches of major institutions like ICBC, ABC, BOC, CCB, or BOCOM with a valid passport or government-issued ID. After setting up the account, you’ll gain access to services such as handling deposits/withdrawals in local or foreign currencies, executing currency trades, facilitating domestic or international transfers, and processing payments. Many branches also assist with currency exchange. For detailed guidance, check with branch representatives or explore their official websites to fully explore these options. Note that account holders can manage both everyday transactions and cross-border financial activities seamlessly.
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