China’s highly convenient payment system is everywhere—from street vendors to malls, public transport to hotels. For first-time international visitors and travelers from Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan, understanding local payment methods can make your trip smoother. This guide covers essential tips on using mobile payments, withdrawing cash with foreign bank cards, and paying for transportation, helping you navigate China with ease.
Core Payment Methods: Mobile Payment Leads the Trend of Convenience
Currently in China, mobile payment represented by WeChat Pay and Alipay dominates the market, covering more than 99% of key merchants across the country. Whether you are buying scenic spot tickets, tasting local delicacies, or purchasing souvenirs, you can complete the payment with just a mobile phone, which greatly simplifies the transaction process. For overseas tourists and compatriots from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, there is no need to worry about payment barriers, as two convenient modes have been widely popularized.
The first is the “overseas card binding” mode. You only need to download the WeChat or Alipay APP on your mobile phone, complete the registration with a foreign or domestic mobile phone number, and then bind an international bank card with logos such as Mastercard, Visa, JCB, or a UnionPay card issued overseas. It is worth noting that UnionPay cards issued overseas fully support binding to these two major payment platforms. During the promotion period, there is no handling fee for the entire payment process, and it covers all scenarios such as “catering, accommodation, transportation, travel, shopping, entertainment, medical care and education”. The binding process is very simple: enter the bank card information such as card number and validity period, and complete the binding after verification by the issuing bank. However, it should be noted that when using an international bank card to bind WeChat or Alipay for QR code payment, no additional handling fee is required for a single transaction of less than 200 RMB; if the single transaction amount exceeds 200 RMB, a service fee of 3% of the transaction amount will be charged. The annual consumption limit is 50,000 US dollars, and the single transaction limit is 5,000 US dollars.
WeChat Pay
The second is the “overseas wallet domestic use” mode, which allows you to complete payments directly with commonly used overseas electronic wallets without downloading WeChat or Alipay. At present, WeChat Pay supports multiple overseas institutional wallets, and Alipay also supports 13 overseas wallets for QR code payment in China through its Alipay+ cross-border digital payment and marketing solution. For example, AlipayHK and WeChat Pay HK for Hong Kong compatriots, mPay for Macao compatriots, as well as Kakao Pay from South Korea and TrueMoney from Thailand, can all directly scan the payment QR codes of domestic merchants to complete transactions. The local currency will be automatically converted into RMB during payment. This mode perfectly adapts to the usage habits of compatriots from Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan and overseas tourists, realizing the convenience of “traveling in China with a local wallet”.
Alipay
Overseas Bank Card Withdrawal: A Secure Guarantee for Cash Reserves
Although mobile payment is extremely convenient, cash is still needed in some scenarios. The cash withdrawal service of overseas bank cards in China provides a reliable guarantee for tourists. ATMs with the “UnionPay” logo in China all support overseas bank card cash withdrawal. Some ATMs also support international card organization logos such as Visa and MasterCard, which are densely distributed in areas such as airports, business districts and bank branches, making them easy to find.
The withdrawal process is basically the same as that overseas: insert the bank card, select the operation language (mainstream ATMs support English), enter the password, select the “withdrawal” function, confirm the withdrawal amount to get RMB cash, and finally don’t forget to take back the bank card and receipt. It should be noted that in addition to ATM withdrawal after entry, you can also exchange currencies at commercial bank branches, foreign exchange institutions or self-service exchange machines at ports such as international airports and seaports. You can also exchange RMB in advance in your home country or region before entry, with a limit of 20,000 RMB per person per entry and exit.
The handling fee for withdrawal is divided into two parts: one is the cross-border withdrawal fee charged by the issuing bank, and the other is the service fee that may be charged by the bank to which the ATM belongs. The specific standards vary by bank, so it is recommended to confirm with the issuing bank’s customer service in advance. In addition, overseas bank card withdrawals usually have a daily limit, which is generally consistent with the cross-border transaction limit set by the issuing bank. You can consult in advance before large-amount withdrawals to avoid affecting use due to limit issues.
Transportation Payment: Tips for Smooth Bus and Subway Rides
When traveling in China, buses and subways are the main choices for urban tours, and their payment methods have been deeply integrated with China’s payment methods, providing tourists with diversified options. At present, 55 cities with subways in the country, as well as the bus systems of most cities, have realized full coverage of mobile payment.
When using mobile payment to take buses or subways, you only need to search for the “ride code” mini-program of the corresponding city in WeChat or Alipay, and generate an exclusive ride code after completing the authorization according to the guidelines. When taking a bus, you can complete the payment by aligning the ride code with the on-board QR code scanning device after getting on the bus; when taking the subway, you can scan the code at the entry and exit gates, without buying tickets in advance, which is efficient and convenient. For tourists who are used to physical cards, they can bring their passports to the local bus company business outlets or subway station service centers to apply for a transportation card. The card purchase fee can be paid by cash, WeChat, Alipay and other methods. Some cities also launch short-term commemorative cards suitable for tourists.
It should be particularly noted that the buses in some cities still implement unattended ticket sales and do not provide change. If you pay in cash, you need to prepare the corresponding denomination of RMB in advance. In popular tourist cities such as Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou, in addition to conventional payment methods, UnionPay flash payment is also supported. You can complete the payment by attaching the mobile phone or physical card bound with the UnionPay card to the gate sensor area. In addition, when taking trains or online car-hailing, you can also directly complete the payment through platforms such as the 12306 APP and Didi Chuxing APP using WeChat, Alipay or UnionPay cards, realizing a “one-stop” travel experience.
Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan Regions: Differentiated Payment Adaptation Solutions
Compared with overseas tourists, compatriots from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan have more suitable payment solutions that fit their own habits when using China’s payment methods due to regional and cultural connections, and the overall process is more convenient. Residents of Hong Kong and Macao can directly use locally commonly used electronic wallets such as AlipayHK, WeChat Pay HK or mPay. They do not need to bind additional bank cards when in the Chinese mainland, and can directly scan QR codes for payment, which is basically the same as the usage experience in Hong Kong and Macao.
Compatriots from Taiwan have multiple choices: they can either bind UnionPay cards issued in Taiwan to WeChat or Alipay to enjoy the same payment services as mainland users, or apply for mainland bank cards at bank branches with the “Taiwan Compatriot Permit” to further expand payment scenarios. In addition, when taking public transportation and checking in at hotels, compatriots from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan can use valid documents such as Taiwan Compatriot Permits and Mainland Travel Permits for Hong Kong and Macao Residents to enjoy the same payment convenience as mainland residents. Some hotels have also specially launched traditional Chinese payment interfaces to eliminate language barriers.
- If you want to save time and effort, it’s often more cost – effective and reliable to let a reputable travel agency make arrangements for you than to handle everything on your own.
- If you’re planning to visit China in 2026, please keep the following three points in mind: plan ahead, be clear about your comfort requirements, and choose an experienced travel agency to handle all the things.
If you’d like us to provide you with a free quote assessment, or compare which combination of flights and trains is the most cost – effective, you’re welcome to contact China Dragon Travel. We offer a variety of group – joining and private – customized packages, from small groups of 2 – 12 people to exclusive chartered vehicle services. We’ll also assist you in traveling, allowing you to set off with peace of mind.
