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StepInChina

Digital Payments in China

Cash is rarely used in China. Learn how to set up mobile payments before your trip to avoid being stuck without a way to pay.

Why Cash is Almost Obsolete in China

China has become the world's most advanced cashless society. Almost all daily transactions are completed via mobile payments. From street food vendors to luxury stores, taxis to temples, QR code payments are ubiquitous. Many small vendors don't even carry change anymore, making digital payment not just convenient but essential for travelers.

Nearly 1 billion mobile payment users in China (969 million as of 2024)
Mobile payments accepted at most merchants in cities and tourist areas
Even tips and donations are often digital
Public transportation in major cities fully supports mobile payment

Payment Methods

A
Alipay

China's largest mobile payment platform, now fully accessible to international travelers.

How to Set Up

  1. 1Download Alipay app from App Store or Google Play
  2. 2Register with your phone number (international numbers accepted)
  3. 3Complete identity verification with passport
  4. 4Link your international credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, JCB, Discover supported)
  5. 5Optional: Load Chinese Yuan for better exchange rates

Features

  • Scan to pay at millions of merchants
  • Pay for transportation, food, shopping
  • Book hotels and flights within the app
  • Translation features built-in

Tips

  • Set up before arriving in China
  • Enable international mode in settings
  • Keep some balance loaded for faster payments
  • Amex is supported but has lower merchant acceptance than Visa or Mastercard
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WeChat Pay

Integrated into China's super-app WeChat, essential for daily life and payments.

How to Set Up

  1. 1Download WeChat from App Store or Google Play
  2. 2Create an account with your phone number
  3. 3Navigate to 'Me' > 'Services' > 'Wallet'
  4. 4Add your international credit card (credit cards only — debit cards are not accepted)
  5. 5Complete identity verification with passport

Features

  • Seamless payments within China's most popular app
  • Send and receive money from Chinese contacts
  • Pay for mini-programs and services
  • Split bills with friends

Tips

  • WeChat is also essential for communication in China
  • Many businesses share info via WeChat official accounts
  • QR code scanning is identical to Alipay
  • A 3% fee applies to transactions above 200 CNY (¥200)
International Credit Cards

Visa, Mastercard, and Amex are accepted at international hotels, airports, and large retailers.

Where Accepted

  • International hotel chains
  • Major department stores
  • Airports
  • Some high-end restaurants
  • Tourist attractions

Limitations

  • Not accepted at most local shops and restaurants
  • Street vendors and markets don't accept cards
  • Some machines only accept UnionPay
  • May incur foreign transaction fees

Tips

  • Inform your bank of travel plans to avoid blocks
  • Have a backup payment method ready
  • Chip cards are more widely accepted than magnetic stripe

Chinese Currency

Chinese Yuan Renminbi

Code: CNY | Symbol: ¥

Banknotes

¥100¥50¥20¥10¥5¥1

Coins

1 yuan5 jiao1 jiao

Exchange Tips

  • 99.99% chance you don't need currency
  • Exchange at banks for best rates
  • ATMs at major banks accept international cards
  • Alipay often offers competitive exchange rates

Quick Start: Set Up Before You Go

1

Download Alipay and WeChat before departure

2

Link your international credit card to both apps

3

Complete verification with your passport