Welcome to China! With the world’s largest population, biggest e-commerce market, and fastest-growing economy, China is a global leader in mobile payment adoption. When traveling in China, you have various payment options, including smartphones, bank cards, and cash. In this article, we will introduce you to all the available payment methods.

Mobile Payment

Mobile payment is popular in China. Having your phone with you at all times is incredibly convenient and allows for almost every payment to be made. The two major payment services used in China are Alipay and Weixin Pay.

Alipay (English Service Hotline +86 571 2688 6000)

1. Download “Alipay”

2. Open the app and register your phone number.

3. Add the bank card details. (Visa, Mastercard, JCB, DinersClub, and Discover cards can be added to Alipay.) Tap “Add Now ” and complete the rest of the process it request.

4. You can pay by scanning the QR code or be scanned by a merchant.

Weixin Pay (English Service Hotline +86 95017)

1. Download “WeChat”

2. Open the app and register your phone number.

3. Open the “Services” and add the bank card details. (Visa, Mastercard, American, JCB, DinersClub, and Discover cards can be added to Weixin Pay.)

4. You can pay by scanning the QR code or be scanned by a merchant.

Below are the e-wallets that are accepted to pay in China.

Hong Kong SAR / Macao SAR

Souheast Asia

Japan / South Korea / Mongolia

Bank Card

If you prefer not to download an app, using a bank card is the most common and easy way to make payments. In China, we accept UnionPay, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, JCB, Diners Club International and Discover. It is worth noting that UnionPay is the world’s largest card network with over 7 billion cards issued. UnionPay is accepted by all merchant POS terminals in China, making it a popular choice for Chinese shoppers both domestically and internationally.

Cash

Chinese Yuan, also known as “Renminbi” (RMB), has denominations of 100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1. Cash withdrawals can be made at ATMs with logos of the corresponding bank card organizations. Another option is to exchange currency at a bank, qualified financial institution, or self-service kiosk.

Bank Account

You can open a bank account with your passport or other valid ID at any of the following banks: Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), Agricultural Bank of China (ABC), Bank of China (BOC), China Construction Bank (CCB), and Bank of Communications (BOCOM). The account provides access to a range of financial services, including deposit and withdrawal of both RMB and foreign currencies, foreign currency exchange, domestic transfer and cross-border remittance, and making payments.

If you have any further questions about your train journey in China, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are always available to assist you. Discover China in your own way with My China Holidays team!