China is highly digital: QR payments (Alipay, WeChat Pay) dominate daily life in cities. But many international visitors find the first week awkward unless they plan ahead. This guide tells you exactly what to do from arrival to daily spending, whether you're a tourist, student, or new resident.
Why This Matters
China's payment landscape is unique compared to most countries. While cash and international cards work in some places, QR code payments through Alipay and WeChat Pay are the standard for daily transactions. Understanding these systems before you arrive will save you time, money, and frustration.
For international students planning to study in China, having the right payment setup is crucial for everything from paying tuition fees to buying groceries. This guide covers all the essential payment methods and how to set them up properly.
Basic Payment Options — What You'll Actually Use
💵 Cash (CNY)
Still useful in small towns, night markets, and some taxis. Exchange at banks/airport counters or withdraw from ATMs with a passport; fees and rates vary so compare options.
- Best for: Small vendors, rural areas, emergency situations
- Where to get: Banks, airport counters, ATMs
- Tip: Always carry some cash as backup
💳 International Cards & ATMs
Major Chinese bank ATMs (Bank of China, ICBC, CCB) accept Visa/MasterCard and UnionPay; expect ATM withdrawal fees from your bank and sometimes local ATM fees.
- Best for: ATM withdrawals, some hotels and restaurants
- Limitations: Not accepted everywhere, especially small vendors
- Tip: Notify your bank before traveling to avoid blocks
📱 Alipay & WeChat Pay (QR Wallets)
Accepted virtually everywhere in urban China — stores, food stalls, taxis, DiDi, bike shares, public transit in many cities.
- Best for: Daily transactions, online shopping, transportation
- Coverage: 99% of urban merchants
- Tip: Essential for modern life in China
Set Up Alipay / WeChat Pay as a Foreigner — Step-by-Step
Step 1: Before Arrival
Download both apps (Alipay and WeChat) and register with your phone number. English interfaces are available.
- Download from official app stores only
- Use your international phone number initially
- Enable English language settings
Step 2: Real-Name Verification
In-app you'll be asked for passport details for identity verification. This unlocks basic payment features.
- Have your passport ready
- Take clear photos of passport pages
- Verification usually takes 1-3 business days
Step 3: Link an International Card
You can link Visa or Mastercard; that usually enables card payments and online purchases. Important limits: many foreign cards can be used for direct payments but cannot top up a local wallet balance or transfer to Chinese bank accounts unless you link a Chinese bank card.
- Supports most major international cards
- Enables merchant payments
- Limitations on wallet top-ups and transfers
Step 4: For Full Functionality
For full functionality (wallet top-up, person-to-person transfers, some services) you need a Chinese bank account and a UnionPay debit card; universities and employers can help you open one after arrival.
- Required for: Wallet top-ups, P2P transfers, some services
- Universities often help students open accounts
- Brings full payment ecosystem access
Practical Arrival Workflow (First 48–72 Hours)
Hour 1-2: Immediate Needs
Bring some cash (CNY 300–800) for immediate small purchases. Exchange at airport or major bank branch with your passport.
Hour 3-6: Get Connected
Buy a local SIM and register it (many payment verification steps use SMS).
Day 1: Set Up Digital Payments
Set up WeChat and Alipay, complete passport verification, and attempt to link your international card. Test a small payment at a café.
Week 1: Open Bank Account
If you plan to study or live in China long-term, open a Chinese bank account within the first week (you'll need passport, visa and often campus or address proof). A local account removes most limits.
Common Limits, Fees and Workarounds
Top-up & Transfers
With only an international card, you can generally pay merchants but cannot top up or transfer freely. Solution: open a local bank account or ask a friend/colleague to transfer and then reimburse.
Merchant Card Acceptance
Some small vendors accept only QR payments (no card terminals). Have cash or QR ready.
Dynamic Currency Conversion
Using a foreign card with POS may offer DCC (charge in your home currency) which often has worse rates. Choose to pay in RMB and check your bank's foreign transaction fees.
Rural & Small Towns
Expect cash or WeChat/Alipay QR only — fewer card terminals.
Paying Government, School, Visa and Big Bills
🏫 Universities
Most accept bank transfer (domestic account), Alipay/WeChat and sometimes international transfer; follow your university's exact instructions. If they request domestic payment, use a Chinese bank transfer (open an account or ask the international office for alternatives).
For more information on university applications and requirements, check our Application Tips section.
🛂 Visa/Embassy Fees
Payment methods for visa applications vary by embassy/consulate — check your local mission. For in-China visa renewals or residence permits, banks and payment centers accept domestic transfer and QR methods; keep receipts.
Learn more about student visa requirements and application procedures.
Safety Tips & Troubleshooting
🔒 Security Best Practices
- Link only official apps from app stores
- Enable app lock and a payment PIN
- Keep screenshots of transaction confirmations when paying large sums
🚨 Fraud Prevention
- If a QR code looks tampered with (sticker over another QR), refuse and pay with an alternative method
- Scammers sometimes swap QR codes to divert funds
- Always verify the merchant's QR code before scanning
💳 Card Management
- Notify your home bank before travel to avoid card blocks
- Check ATM limits and fees
- Keep emergency contact numbers for your bank
Quick Checklist
Short FAQ
Q: Can I use Apple Pay/Google Pay?
A: Some international contactless methods work in larger merchants, but QR wallets and UnionPay/Chinese apps are far more universal.
Q: Is it easy to open a bank account?
A: Yes — bring passport, visa and an address (campus letter or landlord) and go to a major bank branch; university international offices often help students.
Q: What if my international card doesn't work?
A: Try different ATMs, check with your bank, and always have cash as backup. Consider opening a local account for long-term stays.
Final Note
For short trips, rely on a combination of a small cash stash, an international card and pre-set Alipay/WeChat for card payments. For study or work, open a Chinese bank account as soon as possible — that removes most friction and unlocks full wallet features.
If you're still choosing a university or city and want to filter for programs that make life easy for internationals (scholarship-friendly, English instruction, or cities with better payment infrastructure), try our university selector to shortlist targets before you arrive.