This guide is designed to introduce you to these payment services, how to access them, and how to use them.
- 1. Bank Cards
Card Payments
Bank cards issued in your home country or region can be accepted if the logos of payment organizations such as UnionPay, Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Diners Club, and Discover are displayed at the checkout counter.
Tips: If you do not see your card's logo, please ask the cashier if your card is accepted.
UnionPay: If you hold a UnionPay card, it can be accepted by all merchant POS terminals within mainland China.
- 2. Mobile Payment
You can enjoy convenient payment services with just a mobile phone using apps like Alipay, Weixin Pay (WeChat Pay), and UnionPay.
How to set up:
Download the App: Search for Alipay, WeChat, or UnionPay in your app store and download it.
Register: Open the app and register with your phone number (overseas numbers are supported).
Add a Card: Bind your international bank card (Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Diners Club, Discover, etc.) to the app.
Alipay:
- Tap "Add Now" and follow the prompts.
WeChat Pay: Go to Me > Services > Wallet > Add a Card, and follow the prompts.
*UnionPay:
- Tap "Add Card" and follow the prompts.
How to Pay (Scanning QR Codes):
Mehod 1 (You scan the merchant): Tap the "Scan" button in the app and scan the merchant's QR code.
Method 2 (Merchant scans you): Tap "Pay/Receive" (or "Money") to display your QR code to the merchant.
Limits:
Transaction Limit: Single transaction limit for overseas users is $5,000 USD.
Annual Limit: Cumulative annual limit is $50,000 USD.
Note: No ID information is required for small transactions to improve convenience.
- 3. Cash
If you prefer cash, you have several ways to obtain RMB:
ATMs: You can withdraw RMB cash from ATMs that display the logos of your international bank card organizations (Visa, Mastercard, etc.).
Currency Exchange: You can exchange currencies at:
Bank outlets with "Currency Exchange" signs.
Qualified financial institutions and exchange counters (often found at airports/hotels).
Self-service exchange machines.
Note: Please consult staff regarding available currencies.
- 4. Bank Accounts
You can open a bank account in China at bank outlets such as ICBC, Agricultural Bank of China, Bank of China, China Construction Bank, Bank of Communications, etc.
Documents Required: Passport or other valid identification documents.
Services: With a bank account, you can access deposit/withdrawal services, foreign currency exchange, domestic transfers, and cross-border remittances.
- 5. E-CNY (Digital Yuan)
If you are interested in using the Digital Yuan:
Download: Download the "e-CNY" app from the app store.
Register: Sign up and open a wallet (can be registered with overseas mobile numbers).
Top-up & Pay: Top up using Visa/Mastercard and follow the in-app instructions to pay.
Alipay payment steps (with pictures)：
WeChat Pay Steps (with pictures)：
