Understanding Digital Payments in China

One thing that's helpful to know in advance: China operates primarily on digital payment systems. This isn't a barrier—it's actually quite convenient once you're set up. Payments for everything from street food to department store shopping, subway rides to taxi fares are typically completed with a simple scan of a QR code. Understanding this landscape before you arrive will enhance your travel experience and give you the same payment convenience that locals enjoy.

A popular way to pay is through WeChat, a multi-functional social communication app that includes Weixin Pay, a payment service accepted by tens of millions of merchants nationwide.

How to Get Started with Weixin Pay

Setting up digital payments for your China trip is straightforward:

• Download WeChat using your international phone number
• Link your international credit or debit card issued by Visa, Mastercard, JCB, American Express, Discover Global Network (including Diners Club) and UnionPay to Weixin Pay within the app
• When it comes time to pay, simply scan the QR codes at virtually any location

Once set up, you can make payments at boutiques, mom and pop shops, Michelin-starred restaurants, street vendors, for taxis and trains, and more—all through your smartphone.

Additionally, first-time Weixin Pay users who link an international card will also have the usual three percent service fee waived for 60 days for daily spending below RMB1,000. After this period, transactions under RMB200 remain fee-free.

“Weixin Pay has been a game changer for me,” says Kieran Donovan, a frequent business traveler. “It lets me order taxis, pay for food, socialize, and reduces barriers to doing things in China.” 

Alternative Payment Options

Even without downloading WeChat, you can use one of the 14 overseas e-wallet apps to scan and pay with Weixin Pay QR codes across the Chinese Mainland. This includes popular wallets like NAVER Pay, PayMe by HSBC, Tap&Go and others.

It’s a significant step forward in improving cross-border payments, with more innovations on the way to improve user experience and enhance connection between different payment systems.

E-wallets that support Weixin Pay.

Lauren Chung, who has been travelling to China over the past twenty years for leisure or business, recently set up WeChat Pay HK, a Hong Kong dollar e-wallet for Hong Kong users. Now residing in Hong Kong, she can pay everything from taxi to coffee with ease and comfort during her visits to the Mainland.

Visiting is Easier than Ever

Beyond the convenience of digital payments, recent changes have made visiting China so much easier.  Now, passport holders from over 40 countries—including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Malaysia, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand—can enter China for up to 30 days without a visa. A separate transit program allows visa-free stays of up to 10 days for travelers from 54 countries.

These policy changes have already shown results, with international arrivals increasing by 33 percent in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the previous year.

Enhanced Tax-Free Shopping

For travelers who enjoy shopping, China's tax-free system has been upgraded with convenience in mind. Recent improvements include lower minimum spend thresholds, higher refund limits, and expanded product categories. The biggest game-changer? Instant refunds at the point of sale—no more waiting until you reach the airport.

With streamlined policies and convenient digital payment solutions, visitors can focus on enjoying and getting the most out of their time in China. Whether you're savoring incredible cuisine, shopping for unique finds, conducting business, reuniting with loved ones, or exploring the many incredible World Heritage sites and cultural treasures this vast and dynamic country offers—the practical barriers have been removed.

Ready to start planning your journey? The Middle Kingdom is waiting to welcome you.