Payment Methods in China

Mobile Payment:

• Binding overseas bank cards: Mobile payment platforms such as Alipay and WeChat have fully opened the function of binding overseas bank cards. Foreign users can directly register Alipay and WeChat accounts with foreign mobile phone numbers and bank cards, and then make payments by scanning codes. This method is very convenient in small-amount consumption scenarios, such as shopping at convenience stores, buying snacks, and taking public transportation.
• Using domestic e-wallets (in some countries): People from countries and regions such as Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, South Korea, and Mongolia can directly use their own domestic e-wallets for payment in China.

Bank Card Payment:

• POS machine swiping: In some key cities, key areas, large business districts, airports, hotels, and shops in some scenic spots, overseas bank cards can be used for POS machine swiping payment. For example, foreign tourists can use bank cards to pay for purchases in large shopping malls and accommodation expenses in hotels.
• ATM withdrawal: ATMs of key banks such as Bank of China, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, Agricultural Bank of China, China Construction Bank, and Bank of Communications all support overseas bank card withdrawals. You can withdraw cash from an ATM first and then use cash for consumption.

Cash Payment:

• Foreign currency exchange: More than 60,000 bank branches and nearly 2,300 foreign currency exchange facilities across the country support foreign currency exchange. You can exchange the foreign currency you hold into RMB cash at foreign currency exchange points at bank branches, airports, hotels, and other places, and then use cash for consumption. Cash payment may be used when shopping at some small vendors or taking taxis.