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Travel2China

Payment

Digital

Alipay (支付宝) and WeChat Pay (微信支付) are the two most popular platforms, used for everything from groceries to rent payments.

Payments are done by scanning QR codes, and there are two situation when you need to pay, I scan you(我扫你, wǒ sǎo nǐ) or you scan me(你扫我, nǐ sǎo wǒ) .

I scan you(我扫你, wǒ sǎo nǐ)

You can ask the merchant in Chinese, or you can recognize by searching for the two QR codes(like this) around the counter, usually they are on the counter or on the wall, a blue one for Alipay and a green for WeChat Pay.

Then you tap the scan button, scan the QR code, input the amount of money, tap the pay button, that’s all.

This situation usually happens in small merchants, street food and farmers’ market.

Notes

  • You may not able to use credit card to pay in this situation, be sure you have a debit card setup or preloaded money in your account.

  • There are also chances the merchant shows you a QR code on their phones, the blue/green theory also works.

  • In most coffee/boba shops, there is a big chance that they have a QR code on the counter, that is used for order not payment, there should always be two codes for payment. But sure, it’s way more easier if you use that code to order and pay on your phone.

you scan me(你扫我, nǐ sǎo wǒ)

If you can’t find a QR code, or you see a box(like this) with a scanning like mechanism on it, it’s time for you to tap the pay button and show the QR code on your phone to the merchant or the scanning box. The amount is set by the merchant and you can see it after the payment success.

This usually happens in the malls, chain restaurants/snacks, convinience stores and supermarkets. These merchants are registered in Alipay or WeChat Pay, it’s safe for them to scan your payment code.

Cards

While cards are still used, their popularity is limited compared to mobile payments.

UnionPay(银联, yín lián) dominates the card payment ecosystem in China. Accepted almost everywhere in major cities.

International Cards (Visa, Mastercard, etc.) can be used at some places in major cities, like malls, large hotels and airports. And you can use Apple Pay as well in these places.

Cash

Cash is barely used even in most rural areas these years, but you should always bring some.

The currency is Chinese Yuan (CNY or RMB, ¥), common denominations are ¥1, ¥5, ¥10, ¥20, ¥50, and ¥100 bills.

Although it’s against the law to refuse cash in business, but in practice, the merchants have no changes because they never receive cash. Just use digital payment, cash is only for emergency.