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China is the most developed country in the world for mobile payments. Over 90% of daily transactions are completed through mobile payments, from high-end five-star hotels to street vendors, you can easily pay by scanning a code. For international travelers, China's payment system in 2025 is fully open. You can easily use various payment methods without a Chinese bank card, enjoying the convenience of a cashless life. This detailed payment guide will help you easily understand China's payment methods, making your luxury travel smooth and worry-free.
1. Mobile Payment: The Cashless Convenience Experience
Mobile payment is the most mainstream payment method in China. Alipay and WeChat Pay, the two major platforms, cover almost all consumption scenarios. Whether it is shopping, dining, transportation, hotels or entertainment, you can easily pay by scanning a code. In 2025, these two platforms fully support international travelers. You can use them easily without a Chinese phone number or bank card.
1.1 Alipay: The Top Choice for International Travelers
Alipay is China's largest mobile payment platform, and also the most friendly platform for international travelers. You can directly download the international version of Alipay, register with your overseas phone number, no need for a Chinese phone number.
• Registration: Download the international version of Alipay App, you can register with your overseas phone number, no need for a Chinese phone number
• Bind Card: Support binding international credit cards such as Visa and Mastercard, automatically exchange currency, no need to exchange money in advance
• Usage Scenarios: Cover all merchants across the country, from high-end malls to street shops, even taking a taxi or buying subway tickets can be used
• Exchange Rate: Alipay's exchange rate is more favorable than the bank, and there is no handling fee, real-time settlement
• Tax Refund: Support Alipay tax refund, the tax refund will go directly to your account, no need to wait in line
• Luxury Services: Support payment for high-end hotels and luxury stores, and you can also enjoy exclusive exchange rate discounts and points
1.2 WeChat Pay: The Integration of Social and Payment
WeChat Pay is China's second largest payment platform, relying on WeChat's social ecosystem, it is also a very convenient payment method. For international travelers, WeChat has launched the Tour Pass mini-program, which is specially designed for overseas tourists.
• Tour Pass: No need for a Chinese bank card, you can recharge in the mini-program, support international credit cards
• Usage Scope: Same as Alipay, it covers all merchants, supports scan payment, official account payment
• Social Payment: You can transfer money to your Chinese friends, you can also send and receive red envelopes, experience China's social culture
• Mini-program: You can use it directly in WeChat, no need to download additional App, very convenient
• Transportation: Support payment for subway, bus, taxi, no need to buy a separate transport card
2. Digital Yuan: A Brand New Payment Experience
Digital Yuan (e-CNY) is the legal digital currency launched by China's central bank, it is the digital form of cash. In 2025, it has been promoted nationwide. For international travelers, this is a brand new, safe payment method.
• Registration: Download the Digital Yuan App, you can register with your phone number, support overseas phone numbers
• Top-up: Support international credit card top-up, no need for a Chinese bank card
• Offline Payment: You can complete payment even without network, very suitable for travel in remote areas
• Privacy Protection: Anonymous payment, protect your privacy, safer than traditional payment methods
• Usage Scenarios: All merchants that support mobile payment can use it, and there is no handling fee
• Luxury Experience: Support high-end customized wallet, providing exclusive payment experience for your luxury travel
3. Cash & Bank Card: The Supplement of Traditional Payment
Although mobile payment is very developed, cash and bank cards are still important supplements. Especially in some remote areas, or some special scenarios, you can still use traditional payment methods.
3.1 Cash Exchange Guide
• Exchange Location: You can exchange RMB at the exchange points of airports, banks, hotels, you can also withdraw cash directly from the ATM
• Exchange Rate: In 2025, the exchange rate is about 1 USD to 7.2 RMB, 1 EUR to 7.8 RMB, it changes in real time
• ATM Withdrawal: Support international bank cards such as Visa and Mastercard, most ATMs support English interface
• Cash Usage: Most merchants accept cash, but small merchants may not have enough change, it is recommended to prepare some change
• Large Consumption: For large consumption, it is recommended to use mobile payment or bank card, it is not safe to carry a lot of cash
3.2 International Bank Card Usage
• UnionPay: China's bank card organization, most merchants support UnionPay cards, you can apply for a UnionPay card overseas
• Visa/Mastercard: They can be used in high-end malls, hotels, restaurants, but small merchants may not support them
• Handling Fee: Some banks will charge cross-border handling fees, it is recommended to consult your bank in advance
• Signature: Most card payments require signature, some support password, consistent with your bank card settings
• Premium Card Benefits: If you have a high-end credit card, you can enjoy exclusive benefits such as airport lounge and hotel upgrade
4. Tax Refund & Tipping: Exclusive Services for International Passengers
When shopping in China, you can enjoy the departure tax refund policy. At the same time, China's tipping culture is different from that in Western countries. Understanding these can make your trip smoother.
• Departure Tax Refund: Shopping in designated merchants, spending more than 500 RMB can enjoy tax refund, the tax refund rate is about 9%
• Refund Method: You can choose Alipay, WeChat, bank card or cash refund, Alipay refund is the fastest, it will arrive in 3 days
• Refund Process: Ask the merchant for a tax refund form when shopping, get the customs stamp at the airport when you leave, then process the refund
• Tipping Culture: China has no mandatory tipping culture, most services do not need to give tips
• Premium Service: If you enjoy high-end services, such as private tour guide, chauffeur service, you can voluntarily give some tips to express your gratitude
• Hotel Service Fee: Most high-end hotels already include 15% service fee, no need to give extra tips
5. Payment Tips for International Passengers
• Download in Advance: It is recommended that you download Alipay and WeChat before departure, register in advance to avoid trouble when you arrive in China
• Exchange Rate Query: You can check the exchange rate in real time in Alipay, know the latest exchange price
• Security Reminder: Do not transfer money to strangers, do not scan unfamiliar QR codes, protect your account security
• Limit: The payment limit for international users is relatively high, enough for your travel, no need to worry
• Customer Service: Alipay and WeChat both have English customer service, you can contact them at any time if you have problems
• Cashless Society: In China, you can almost go without cash, one phone can travel all over the country
China's payment system is the most advanced and convenient payment system in the world. It makes your trip easier and more efficient. Whether you want to buy luxury goods in high-end malls, or taste snacks in street shops, whether you want to take a taxi, or take the subway, you can easily complete the payment, no need to worry about cash. We hope this guide can help you easily understand China's payment methods, start an easy, convenient and luxurious journey to China!