Payments & Mobile Apps

Choose a main method and an independent backup

Official visitor guidance describes mobile payments, bank cards and cash as available options. The practical choice still depends on the merchant and your own account or card. Before ordering or making a purchase, check which method the business accepts.

Choose the method you expect to use most often, then prepare a backup that does not depend on the same phone or account. For example, a working mobile wallet and a separately stored physical card give you different ways to respond to a problem.

Set up your payment app before departure

Alipay, WeChat and UnionPay provide registration and card-linking instructions in their apps. Follow the prompts for your own account and card rather than assuming another traveller’s setup will work for you.

Download the genuine app from its official store listing.
Check that your registered number can receive verification messages during the trip.
Complete any checks requested by the provider.
Find the payment screen, transaction history and support section before you need them.

Understand the two QR-code payment steps

A merchant may ask you to scan its collection code, or ask to scan the payment code displayed by your app. Follow the method shown at the checkout and confirm the recipient and amount before authorising anything.

After paying, check the transaction status in your own app. If it appears to be pending, establish whether the first payment went through before trying again. Keep the receipt or transaction reference when a purchase needs follow-up.

Check your card and cash options

Ask your card issuer whether overseas use is enabled, how to approve a security check while away and how to contact it if a payment is declined. Keep the issuer’s contact details separately from the card.

Official guidance identifies currency-exchange outlets and compatible ATMs as ways to obtain renminbi cash. Look for the relevant card-network markings and read the displayed terms before proceeding. You do not need to carry the whole trip’s spending in one place.

Separate included services from personal spending

Read your proposal by category: accommodation, intercity transport, local transfers, guiding, admissions and meals. Mark each as included, excluded or needing clarification. Keep optional activities and purchases on a separate list so that a suggestion during the trip does not become an assumed inclusion.

Payments for your travel booking follow the instructions in the confirmed booking documents. Do not treat a mobile-payment code supplied during an unrelated conversation as an automatic replacement for those instructions.

Have a short plan for a failed payment

Check whether the transaction is completed, pending or declined.
Confirm the merchant accepts the method you selected.
Use your prepared alternative if the issue cannot be resolved promptly.
Contact the bank or payment provider through its official app or support channel when account help is needed.

Keep your phone charged, protect your device unlock code and never share verification codes. A useful backup is one you already know how to use.