China Payment Methods: How to Pay Seamlessly in China

If you're travelling to China, let me tell you—cash is almost useless there. China has gone fully cashless, and if you're not prepared, you might struggle to pay for even a bottle of water. But don’t worry! In this guide, I’ll guide you through the best payment methods in China, so you can spend smoothly without stress. By the end of this, you’ll be ready to travel without worrying about how to pay!

Mobile Payment in China: Alipay & WeChat Pay

China’s mobile payment system is one of the most advanced in the world. Almost everyone—from big shopping malls to tiny street vendors—accepts digital payments through QR codes. 

If you don’t have WeChat Pay or Alipay set up, you might struggle with everyday purchases, from street food to train tickets, and without them, you’ll feel like you're stuck in the past. 

How Alipay & WeChat Pay Work?

Alipay (by Alibaba) and WeChat Pay (by Tencent) both use QR codes for transactions. Instead of tapping a card or handing over cash, you either:

• 👉Scan the merchant’s QR code: The store or vendor will have a printed QR code at the cashier. You scan it using the app, enter the amount (if needed), and confirm payment.
• 👉Let the merchant scan your QR code: You open the app, display your personal payment QR code, and they scan it. This is common in supermarkets, transport systems, and larger stores.

Once you confirm the payment, the amount is instantly deducted from your linked card or wallet balance. No PINs, no signatures, no hassle.

Can Singaporeans Use Alipay & WeChat Pay? (Yes! Here’s How)

Both Alipay and WeChat Pay support foreign cards. Alipay and WeChat Pay allow you to directly link a Visa/Mastercard issued in Singapore. I will guide you to set them up later in this guide.

UnionPay & Credit Cards: Are They Enough?

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If you're thinking, "I’ll just use my Visa or Mastercard in China," let me stop you right there. International credit cards don’t work in most places. Unlike Singapore, where you can tap your card almost anywhere, China’s payment system is built around UnionPay, Alipay, and WeChat Pay.

UnionPay vs Visa/Mastercard: Where Are They Accepted?

UnionPay is China’s version of Visa or Mastercard, but it’s not as widely accepted as mobile payments. While it works well in major hotels, department stores, and ATMs, smaller shops and transport services often only take Alipay or WeChat Pay.

If you want to get a UnionPay card in Singapore, some banks like DBS, UOB, and ICBC Singapore offer them. Having one is useful for big purchases but won’t help much for daily transactions. As for international credit cards, they are mostly limited to high-end hotels and luxury malls—so don’t rely on them!

So, should you get a UnionPay card? Yes, if you want a reliable backup payment option. It’s useful for major transactions like hotel stays and big purchases. But if you’re planning to live like a local and pay for daily expenses hassle-free, Alipay and WeChat Pay are still king.

My advice? Bring a UnionPay card for emergencies, but make sure you set up mobile payments before you land in China. That way, you won’t be stuck in an awkward situation where your Visa card gets rejected—even at a simple bubble tea shop. 😉

Cash & Other Payment Methods in China

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Is Cash Still Useful?

If you’re wondering, “Can I still use cash in China?”—the answer is yes, but it’s not ideal. China has gone almost fully cashless, and while some places still accept cash, it’s becoming less and less common.

If you plan to use cash, it’s best to exchange some RMB before your trip or withdraw from ATMs that accept international cards.

💡 Pro tip: If you must carry cash, try to get small denominations like ¥10 and ¥20 notes. Many places won’t have change for big bills like ¥100.

Lesser-Known Payment Methods in China

There are a few other ways to pay in China, though they are less convenient:

1. UnionPay QuickPass: Works like Visa or Mastercard, but uses QR codes. Not as widely accepted as mobile payments.
2. Bank-Specific Apps: Some Chinese banks have their own payment apps (e.g., ICBC Pay, Bank of China App), but these are mainly for locals with Chinese bank accounts.
3. Stored Value Cards: Used for public transport in major cities like Shanghai and Beijing (e.g., Shanghai Public Transport Card).
4. Foreign Exchange Counters: Available at international hotels or tourist areas for exchanging SGD to RMB.

These alternatives are useful in specific situations but, for the most part, Alipay and WeChat Pay will cover nearly all your payment needs in China.

Step-by-Step Guide: Setting Up Alipay & WeChat Pay

Setting up Alipay and WeChat Pay before you travel to China is a game changer. It saves you time and makes your life so much easier. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get both apps set up, so you’re ready to go once you land in China.

Downloading the Apps

First things first, you need to download the apps onto your phone. 

For Alipay:

1. Go to the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play (Android) and search for Alipay.
2. Download the app (it’s free, so no worries about extra costs).
   

For WeChat Pay:

1. Download WeChat first if you haven’t already (WeChat Pay is embedded inside WeChat).
2. Search for WeChat on the App Store or Google Play, and install the app.

Verifying Your Identity

Now that you have both apps, it’s time to verify your identity. Verification is important because it links your payment methods to your account, ensuring your money is safe and that you can top up your balance.

For Alipay:

1. Open the Alipay app and sign up with your Singapore phone number.
2. The app will ask for a passport number for identity verification. This is a standard security measure to make sure you’re you.
3. Take a photo of your passport and follow the prompts. The verification process should take a few minutes.
4. Wait for confirmation—once it’s approved, you’ll be good to go!
   

For WeChat Pay:

1. Open the WeChat app and sign up with your phone number.
2. Go to the “Me” tab at the bottom right of the screen, then tap on “Wallet”.
3. You may need a friend in China to help you activate WeChat Pay if you can’t get it going on your own. If this is the case, ask a friend to send you some funds via WeChat to help get the wallet activated.
4. You’ll be asked to verify your identity as well, using your passport number. Follow the steps to complete it.

Linking a Card or Topping Up

Once your identity is verified, it’s time to link a payment method. Here’s how you can do it for each app:

For Alipay:

1. Open Alipay and go to the “Me” tab (it’s the icon at the bottom right of your screen).
2. Tap on “Balance”, then click “Add a Bank Card”.
3. Enter your card details: Alipay accepts Visa/Mastercard issued in Singapore, so you can link your regular credit or debit card here.
4. Once linked, you can either choose to top up your balance or simply pay directly from your card.

For WeChat Pay:

1. Go to “Me” > “Wallet” > “Cards”.
2. Tap on “Add a Card” and enter your Singapore-issued Visa/Mastercard details.
3. Once linked, you can use WeChat Pay just like Alipay for QR code payments.

Between Alipay and WeChat Pay, Alipay is the easier option for Singaporeans. My advice? Set up both before you go! That way, you’re prepared for anything—whether it’s paying for bubble tea, booking train tickets, or even buying stuff on Taobao. Once you’ve got them set up, spending in China becomes effortless. 😊 Besides, there are many other Apps for China travel for you to explore!

Common Payment Scenarios in China & Tips

In China, payments are quick and seamless. Here’s what to expect in different scenarios:

Paying at Restaurants, Cafés & Shopping

• ❓How it works: Most restaurants and cafés will have a QR code on the table or at the cashier. You simply scan the QR code to pay via Alipay or WeChat Pay. Some places even allow you to order and pay directly through the app.
• ✅Tip: If you’re not sure how to pay, don’t hesitate to ask the waiter for help. They’ll guide you through.

Paying for Transport

• ❓How it works: For metro rides, buses, and even taxis in major cities, you can pay via QR code (using Alipay or WeChat Pay). In some cities, you’ll also find transport cards for easy access to public transport.
• ✅Tip: Always have mobile data or Wi-Fi on hand to scan QR codes for payments. Most taxis and ride-hailing services like Didi only accept digital payments—cash isn’t an option!

Online Shopping

• ❓How it works: Platforms like Taobao, JD, and Pinduoduo use Alipay to process payments. Once you’ve linked your card or top-up balance, simply tap to pay for your online purchases.
• ✅Tip: Be mindful of shipping times, especially if you’re ordering something online during a busy period (like festivals). Always check the seller's feedback and reviews before purchasing.

What to Do if a Payment Fails?

❌Transaction failed? ✔️Try switching payment methods.

❌QR code not scanning? ✔️Check your internet connection or restart the app.

❌Insufficient balance? ✔️Top up via your linked card or Tour Pass.

Travel to China Confidently Now!

Source: Freepik

If you're heading to China, setting up Alipay or WeChat Pay before you go will save you a lot of hassle. UnionPay is a good backup, but it’s not enough for daily expenses. Get your mobile payment apps ready, link a card, and you’ll be able to pay like a local in no time. Safe travels! 😊