Making payments in China

The Chinese Mainland is predominantly cashless. You’ll need to download one or two payment and communication apps to get around.

WeChat

Since WhatsApp is restricted in the Chinese Mainland, it’s best to download WeChat (Weixin) for easy communication during your travels. The app is available on both the iOS and Android app stores. Once you’ve downloaded it, you’ll need to register your passport, a phone number that can receive a SMS verification (international numbers are accepted), and either a Chinese bank account registered under your Chinese phone number or a foreign credit card number.

WeChat is a one-stop platform for making payments, booking transportation, and performing just about every other daily task.

The app’s e-wallet function is particularly useful in predominantly cashless China. You can use it to make payments everywhere from restaurants and hotels to supermarkets and buses. Here’s a step-by-step guide to setting up your WeChat e-wallet: major international credit cards are supported and spending limits apply.

When making a payment at a checkout counter, you'll typically be presented with a QR code to scan. You can also create your own QR code with a pre-loaded amount of money.

Alipay

Another useful payment app is Alipay – not to be confused with AlipayHK – also available on both the iOS and Android app stores. This app can be used for payments to any merchant that displays an Alipay logo at their cashier. To set up your account, simply register with a phone number that can receive SMS, complete ID verification with your passport, then link your Chinese or foreign debit or credit card – Visa, MasterCard and JCB are all accepted. You can find detailed steps for Alipay registration here.

To make a payment at an Alipay merchant, simply scan their QR code using the app or have the cashier scan your own personal QR code.

Beyond Alipay merchants, the app’s TourCard function allows you to make payments at more than 30 million UnionPay merchants across the Chinese Mainland, topped up from stored funds transferred from your credit card.

Translating and speaking

Remember: Google Translate won’t work in the Chinese Mainland. Baidu Translate is a great option for speed and accuracy when you’re on the move. And of course, understanding some basic phrases in Putonghua will go a long way.