How to Pay in China: Quick Guide

How to Pay in China:
Quick Guide

China has become a global leader in mobile payments, leaving cash and traditional cards behind. Understanding how to pay in China is crucial for a smooth travel experience or everyday life. This guide explores the different payment methods in China, focusing on mobile wallets, the most popular payment method throughout China.

How to Pay in China as a Tourist

As a tourist visiting China, here’s what you need to know:

Mobile Wallets: Downloading and setting up Alipay or WeChat Pay is highly recommended. Both offer international versions with English interfaces. You may need a foreign passport and international credit card to verify your identity during registration.

While mobile payments are prevalent in China, it’s advisable to carry a small amount of Yuan (Chinese currency) as a backup. There may be situations where mobile payments aren’t accepted, and having cash on hand can provide a sense of security and preparedness. You can exchange some currency before your trip or at reputable exchange booths upon arrival.

Airport ATMs: Many airports in China have ATMs dispensing foreign currency. However, be aware of potential withdrawal fees from your bank and the ATM operator charges.

Limited International Credit Card Acceptance: While UnionPay cards are widely accepted, foreign-issued credit cards like Visa or Mastercard might not be accepted everywhere, especially in smaller stores or rural areas.

Make Payments in China

Description:

Alipay, created by Alibaba, holds the top spot. Users simply connect their bank accounts and add funds to their virtual wallets. Foreign visitors can set up a “tour pass,” simplifying the integrations needed for payment methods. Payments are made by scanning unique QR codes displayed by stores.

How to Setup

Description:

WeChat Pay is part of the widely used WeChat (similar to Facebook in N. America) messaging app. Accessing your wallet through WeChat is not complicated, with QR code scanning as the primary payment method.

Of the two above, Alipay is more international traveler-friendly. While mobile wallets are supreme, other payment methods have some relevance

How to Setup

Traditional Payment Methods

Cash: Yuan or RMB bills are still in circulation, particularly in smaller towns and rural areas. However, carrying large amounts can be inconvenient and is less secure.

UnionPay: China’s domestic card network accepts UnionPay cards at most ATMs and POS terminals. However, foreign-issued UnionPay cards might not be as widely accepted as domestic ones. For this reason, it is not highly recommended for our families.

Additional Tips:

Exchange and Load Funds in Advance: For apps like Alipay’s Tour Pass, you’ll need to pre-load funds in CNY.

Before you embark on your trip to China, it’s important to inform your bank about your travel plans. This will help avoid any issues with your card being blocked for suspicious activity abroad, ensuring a smooth payment experience during your trip.

Consider a travel card: Prepaid travel cards can be a convenient option for managing your spending in China.

VPN: Consider a VPN to access non-Chinese apps or services during your trip.

Learn basic phrases: Knowing a few basic Mandarin phrases related to money and transactions can be helpful in situations where communication is challenging.

VPN is legally not allowed to use in China. Here is some more information for your reference as following. ATM machine is everywhere in China.

Debit card is more useful because you can find ATM machines easily. You can get Chinese currency in cash with your debit card with your PIN number from ATM machines but please check your bank for each transaction service fee before you use it.

You can also download Alipay in your smart phone and combine with one of your Visa or Master cards. Then you can use it for payment at most places while you travel in China. Many places don’t take cash (either Chinese Yuan or US dollars) but they take Alipay.

I highly recommend using it for traveling in China. Here is the link for Alipay information for your reference https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/FFcpsdWo-LOK7wN0ut-5sA?from=groupmessage&isappinstalled=0&scene=1&clicktime=1705902769&enterid=1705902769 .

For people who travel to Hong Kong, please prepare some Hong Kong dollars in cash before you leave US because you will need it for taxi, meals, etc.

Relax! Have fun and enjoy!!

Here’s a step-by-step guide to setting up Alipay and using the Tour Pass feature:

Step 1: Download the Alipay App

Find the App: Search for Alipay in your app store (Google Play Store or Apple App Store).
Download and Install: Ensure you select the official app by Alipay (developed by Ant Group).

Step 2: Register for an Alipay Account

Open the App: Launch Alipay.
Tap “Sign Up”:
- Use your American phone number (include the country code, e.g., +1 for the U.S.).
Verify Your Number: You’ll receive a verification code via SMS. Enter the code to proceed.
Set Up Your Profile: Enter basic details like your name and email address.

Step 3: Access the Tour Pass Feature

Navigate to Tour Pass:
- Tap “Me” at the bottom right.
- In the search bar at the top, type “Tour Pass” and select it from the results.
Activate Tour Pass:
- Tour Pass is a temporary digital wallet for travelers that lets you pre-load funds in Chinese Yuan (CNY) using an international card.

Step 4: Load Funds into the Tour Pass

Choose an Amount:
- The minimum load is usually 100 CNY, and the maximum may vary by region.
Link Your Card:
- Add an international credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard, or other supported cards).
- Enter your card details and complete the verification process.
Confirm and Pay:
- Funds will be deducted from your card and added to your Tour Pass wallet.
- The Tour Pass balance is valid for a specific period (typically 90 days).

Step 5: Use Alipay for Payments

Pay at Merchants:
1. Tap “Pay” on the home screen to show your QR code.
2. Merchants will scan your code to complete the transaction.
Scan to Pay:
1. Use the “Scan” feature to scan a merchant’s QR code.
2. Enter the amount and confirm payment.

Step 6: Monitor and Reload Funds

Go to Tour Pass under the “Me” section to check your balance.
Reload funds as needed, following the same process.

Tips for Using Tour Pass

Internet Access: Keep your phone connected to the internet to process payments.
Expiration: Unused funds in the Tour Pass will be refunded to your card after the validity period ends.
Backup Plan: Keep a small amount of cash for places that don’t accept mobile payments.
Language Settings: If the app defaults to Chinese, switch to English in Settings.

Common Issues and Solutions

Card Not Supported: Try another international card (Visa or Mastercard typically works best).
Payment Declined: Double-check that your card allows international transactions.

Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Download the WeChat App

Go to your app store (Google Play Store or Apple App Store).
Search for WeChat and download the app.

Step 2: Sign Up for a WeChat Account

Open the app and select Sign Up.
Enter your phone number:
- Use your American phone number (include the country code, e.g., +1 for the U.S.).
Verify your phone number:
- WeChat will send a verification code via SMS. Enter the code in the app.
Create a username and password.

Step 3: Verify Your Account

Follow any additional prompts for verification (e.g., CAPTCHA or friend verification).
If prompted, ask a friend who uses WeChat to help verify your account by scanning your QR code.

Step 4: Enable WeChat Pay

Navigate to “Me”: Open WeChat and tap on the Me tab at the bottom right.
Access WeChat Pay:
- Tap Services or Wallet (the label may vary depending on the version).
- You’ll see options like “Add Card” or “Set Up Payment.”
Link a Payment Method:
- If you have a Chinese bank account, link your Chinese debit or credit card.
- For Foreign Cards:
  - Some international cards (Visa, Mastercard, etc.) are now supported, but availability varies.
  - Follow the on-screen instructions to add your card.
- Alternatively, use a friend’s help to transfer funds to your WeChat Wallet. They can send money to your account, which you can use for payments.

Step 5: Test the Payment

Try making a small purchase or sending a small amount of money to a friend to confirm that WeChat Pay is working.

If You Encounter Issues

Friend Verification: You may need a friend with an active WeChat account to verify your setup.
Local Bank Support: If international cards aren’t working, consider setting up an Alipay Tour Pass for temporary funds in China.

Making Payments with WeChat Pay

WeChat Pay supports a variety of payment methods that are convenient for in-person and online purchases.

1. Scan a Merchant’s QR Code

This is the most common way to pay in China.

Open WeChat and tap on the “+” icon in the top-right corner.
Select “Scan”.
Point your phone’s camera at the merchant’s QR code.
Enter the payment amount (if not automatically populated) and confirm the transaction.

2. Show Your Payment QR Code

Some merchants will scan your personal QR code.

Go to Me > Services (or Wallet) > Money.
Your personal payment QR code will appear.
Let the merchant scan the code to deduct the amount directly.

3. Pay Online

You can also use WeChat Pay to make online purchases, such as tickets, food delivery, or shopping.

On the checkout page of the online platform, select WeChat Pay.
Confirm the payment in the WeChat app when prompted.

Tips for Smooth Use

Keep a Backup: Have some cash or another payment method if WeChat Pay doesn’t work.
Verify QR Codes: Always confirm the merchant’s QR code before paying to avoid scams.
Stay Connected: WeChat Pay requires an internet connection. If you’re offline, payments may not be processed.
Watch for Payment Notifications: After each transaction, you’ll receive a confirmation in your WeChat app.

Common Issues and Solutions

Payment Declined: Ensure your wallet has sufficient funds or your linked card supports the transaction.
App Language: If the app defaults to Chinese, you can change the language in settings (Me > Settings > General > Language).
No Compatible Card: Use Alipay’s Tour Pass as a fallback option to fund your WeChat wallet.

How to Pay in China: Quick Guide