A guide to paying in the Chinese Mainland

These days, it’s impossible to ignore QR codes in the Chinese Mainland. In this virtually cashless society, your phone is your wallet. Locals pay for almost everything – from hotel bookings to coffee – via QR code, which can be overwhelming for foreigners at first. 

Travel to the Chinese Mainland has also become easier for international visitors in recent years, particularly since the introduction of visa-free transit for up to 10 days for eligible travellers from more than 50 countries. And once on the ground, major mobile payment platforms offer convenient ways to pay, allowing many travellers to get around and make purchases with ease. 

Here’s everything you need to know about digital payments in the Chinese Mainland, so you can prepare ahead and make the most of your trip.  

How to make digital payments  

Scan-to-pay is easier than it seems. Most merchants have QR codes displayed, and all you need to do is open your payment app, scan it, then enter the amount and select your credit card to complete the transaction.  

When it comes to payment platforms, Alipay and WeChat Pay dominate. Almost all merchants accept them, and together they account for a large share of daily transactions. With these two apps, you can pay for most everyday items – from meals to taxis to small gifts.  

Alipay or WeChat?  

While both apps have similar features, they focus on different aspects. Alipay is designed primarily for payments, with an intuitive interface that’s easy to navigate, especially for first-time users. Meanwhile, WeChat combines messaging, social media and payments into one platform. Think WhatsApp or Instagram with payment functions. It’s essentially the go-to app to contact local hotels, tour guides and even friends. 

Put simply, Alipay is ideal for day-to-day payments. But if you need to communicate and process information frequently during your trip, WeChat is your best bet.  

Setting up your account 

Both apps are free to download with multi-language interfaces for overseas visitors. To register, verify your identity using an international mobile number (make sure it can receive text messages), upload an image of your passport and other personal particulars as required, then link the account to an international bank card such as Visa, Mastercard, Diners Club or Discover. Once completed, your account is ready to use. Note that in most cases, Alipay allows users to set up an account without submitting full identity verification documents, provided that the annual spending amount does not exceed RMB15,000. 

For more detailed instructions, refer to the step-by-step account setup guides for Alipay and WeChat . 

Useful tips 

Be well-prepared by downloading both Alipay and WeChat and finishing the registration procedures before departure. You should also make sure that your credit card is enabled for overseas spending and online transactions, in case your payments are declined for security reasons. As both payment methods require an internet connection, it’s recommended that you purchase a Chinese SIM card or a pocket Wi-Fi device in advance. 

Turn off any VPN on your device when making a payment to make sure that the transaction goes through. Ensure your phone is sufficiently charged so you can make purchases throughout the day.  

If you pay with an international bank card, a three per cent foreign transaction fee may apply to purchases over RMB200. Exchange rates vary by card network, such as Visa and Mastercard, so check the rate beforehand. When it comes to payment limits, WeChat Pay and Alipay have different standards: the former may allow a single transaction of up to RMB6,000, while the latter may have a lower cap of RMB3,000 depending on account status and verification level. You can refer to the official websites of WeChat Pay and Alipay for more details. 

Cash and physical credit cards 

While cash is still legal tender in the Chinese Mainland (with merchants generally expected not to refuse it under current regulations), be aware that smaller merchants may not have sufficient change for larger bills. Cash may be a more reliable option in remote areas where internet access is unstable – so consider carrying RMB500 to 1,000 with you. Physical credit cards are generally accepted at international hotels and airports in major cities such as Shanghai and Beijing, but most local merchants rely heavily on mobile payments. Consider a mix of cash, mobile payment and credit card for greater flexibility.