Currency in China: Tourists payment options in China

Currency in China: A Simple Guide for Tourists

If you're planning a trip to China, understanding the currency system is essential. It ensures a smooth travel experience. The official currency in China is the Renminbi (RMB), commonly known as the yuan. Currency in China used everywhere from street markets to luxury malls.

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Here only Chinese yuan is used for all transactions. Whether you're exchanging cash. Using digital payment apps. Swiping a card. It's important to know what works and what doesn’t. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know. From where to exchange money, how to use Alipay and WeChat Pay as a tourist, to tipping culture and smart money tips for safe travel.

1 yuan = 10 jiao = 100 fen
Notes: ¥1, ¥5, ¥10, ¥20, ¥50, and ¥100
Coins: ¥1, ¥0.5, and ¥0.1

Currency Exchange in China

You can exchange money at banks, airports, or large hotels. Banks usually give better and safer exchange rates than airports. To exchange money at a Chinese bank, you must carry your passport. Most banks are open from 9 AM to 5 PM on weekdays. Street money changers are illegal and should be avoided completely.

Where to exchange safely:

Bank of China (recommended)
ICBC, Agricultural Bank of China, China Construction Bank
Major airport counters (but with higher fees)

Avoid: street money changers or unauthorized shops

Highlights:

Always carry your passport for currency exchange.
Keep receipts if you want to re-exchange before leaving.
Exchange hours in banks: 9 AM to 5 PM (Mon–Fri).

Digital Payment Options in China

China is a cashless society in many ways. QR payments are used even at small food stalls. Apps like WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely used. Tourists can now access them. You can link international Visa or Mastercard to these apps. You’ll need to scan QR codes to pay, which is fast and easy.

For foreign tourists:

You can link international cards to WeChat Pay or Alipay.
Download the app, verify your passport, add a card, and start using.

Highlights:

QR code payment is standard even in small towns.
Carry some cash for emergencies in rural areas.
You can now top-up via Visa or Mastercard in the app.

Credit Card and Debit Card Payments

Cards are accepted in cities but may not work in small shops. High-end hotels and restaurants take Visa and Mastercard. Some ATMs in China also support international cards, though fees may apply. UnionPay cards are more commonly accepted than foreign ones, so always ask before using.

Accepted cards:

Visa, Mastercard, UnionPay, and sometimes Amex
Hotels, malls, and upscale restaurants accept them

Highlights:

Always ask before swiping a card.
ATMs in big cities accept international cards.
Withdrawals may charge extra fees (check with your bank).

Tipping Culture in China

Tipping is not a part of Chinese culture and is not expected in most places. Locals do not usually tip at restaurants or taxis. However, small tips may be appreciated in high-end hotels or by private guides. You can give a tip as a kind gesture, but it’s totally optional.

When to tip:

Upscale restaurants or hotels (optional)
Private guides or drivers (if they go the extra mile)

Highlights:

Locals don’t expect tips.
You can tip in cash, but it’s not mandatory.
For luxury services, a small tip is appreciated.

Useful Tips for Tourists

Keep small bills handy for local transport and snacks.
Avoid counterfeit notes, always check the watermark and texture.
Use currency apps like XE or Google for live rates.
Save emergency cash in a hotel safe.
Notify your bank if you plan to use your card in China.

FAQs About Currency in China

1.Where is Google Pay available?
Google Pay works in the US, UK, India, and more. It’s not supported in China.

2. What are the payment options in China?
China widely uses Alipay, WeChat Pay, UnionPay cards, and cash (yuan). Most places prefer digital QR payments.

3. What payment system does China use?
China uses mobile-based systems like Alipay and WeChat Pay. These dominate both online and in-person transactions.

4. What is the best payment options in China?
WeChat Pay or Alipay are best due to wide acceptance. Both now support foreign bank cards.

5. How do foreigners pay in China?
Tourists can use cash or link international cards to WeChat Pay and Alipay. Some hotels also accept Visa/Mastercard.

6. What are the payment terms in China?
Retail payments are instant via QR or cash. Business transactions may follow terms like advance, open account, or credit.

7. Is PayPal available in China?
PayPal exists in China but isn’t widely used for local transactions. It’s mostly limited to international e-commerce.

8. Is Google Pay allowed in China?
No, Google Pay is not supported in China. Chinese apps dominate the digital payment market.

9. What is the best payment app in China?
Alipay and WeChat Pay are the top apps. Both support local and international users now.

10. Is UPI used in China?
No, UPI is not accepted in China. It is India-specific and doesn’t integrate with Chinese systems.

11. What wallet does China use?
China mainly uses Alipay and WeChat Pay. These wallets support everything from transport to shopping.

12. What is the safest way to pay in China?
Digital apps like WeChat Pay and Alipay are safe and encrypted. Cash can be a backup for remote areas.

13. What is the most popular payment method?
Mobile QR payments using WeChat Pay or Alipay are most popular. Even small stalls prefer QR scans over cash.

14. What is Uber in China?
Uber exited China in 2016. Didi Chuxing replaced it and is now the main ride-hailing service.

15. Is 25,000 yuan a good salary in China?
Yes, it’s considered above average, especially outside big cities. It offers a comfortable urban lifestyle.

16. Can I use WhatsApp in China?
WhatsApp is blocked in China. You’ll need a VPN to access it.

17. Can a foreigner use WeChat Pay?
Yes, foreigners can now link international cards to use WeChat Pay. Passport verification is required.

18. What is the new payment technology in China?
China is testing the Digital Yuan (e-CNY), a government-issued currency. It works via a special mobile app.

19. How many types of payment terms are there?
Retail uses instant payments. Business deals follow terms like advance, partial, or letter of credit.

20. What payment apps work in China?
Alipay, WeChat Pay, and UnionPay apps work best. Visa and Mastercard work only in select places.

21. Is PayPal available in Nepal?
PayPal is not fully supported in Nepal. You can send money but can’t receive it directly.

22. How to receive money from someone in China?
Use services like Wise, Western Union, or bank transfers. Alipay also supports some international remittances.

23. Does China allow Apple Pay?
Yes, Apple Pay works at some terminals. But it's less common than Alipay or WeChat Pay.

24. Does Gpay work in Nepal?
Google Pay doesn’t fully work in Nepal. You can’t receive money or use all features.

25. Which is the No 1 payment app in the world?
Globally, PayPal is widely used. In China, WeChat Pay and Alipay lead.

26. Which app do Chinese use most?
WeChat is the most used app. It combines messaging, payments, and daily services.

27. Can foreigners use Alipay?
Yes, Alipay now accepts foreign cards. Tourists can sign up using their passport.

28. What app can I use to send money to China?
Wise, Remitly, or Western Union are safe options. Some banks also allow international transfers.

29. What is WeChat Pay Wallet?
It’s a digital wallet inside WeChat used for shopping, bills, and transfers. You pay by scanning QR codes.

30. Which online payment app is used in China?
Alipay and WeChat Pay are the leading apps. Both are used daily by locals.

31. Is Visa payment available in China?
Visa is accepted at malls, hotels, and airports. It’s not common in small shops.

32. What digital wallet is used in China?
Alipay and WeChat Pay are the most used wallets. Both work for almost everything.

33. Which app works in China?
Apps like Alipay, WeChat, Didi, and Meituan work well. Many international apps are restricted.

34. How can I receive payments from China?
You can use international wire transfer, Western Union, or Wise. Alipay also supports inbound remittance.

35. What is China's alternative payment system?
China uses CIPS for international payments. Locally, QR-based mobile wallets dominate.