支付指南

Payments in China

China is nearly cashless. Here's how to pay for everything.

WeChat Pay (微信支付)

• The most widely used payment method in China
• Available to foreigners: link your international bank card
• Used for: shops, restaurants, metro, bills, everything

**Setup Steps:** 1. Download WeChat from your app store 2. Go to Me → Pay → Wallet 3. Add your international card (Visa/Mastercard supported) 4. Verify your identity with passport

Alipay (支付宝)

• Second largest payment platform
• Often has better English support than WeChat Pay
• **Tour Pass:** Special feature for short-term visitors — preload with your international card

**Setup Steps:** 1. Download Alipay (international version available) 2. Sign up with your phone number 3. Add your card in the "Tour Pass" or "International" section 4. Verify identity

Cash

• Still accepted everywhere, but many small vendors won't have change
• ATMs widely available — use Bank of China or ICBC for best international card compatibility
• **Tip:** Always carry some cash as backup (~¥500)

International Credit Cards

• Accepted at hotels, large restaurants, and shopping malls
• **NOT** accepted at small shops, street vendors, or most wholesale markets
• Visa and Mastercard more widely accepted than Amex

Currency Exchange

• Best rates at Bank of China branches
• Avoid exchanging at airports or hotels (bad rates)
• **Current rate:** Check our [Currency Converter](/tools)