News

With its rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, culinary delights, modern attractions, and close proximity to Singapore, China has emerged as a popular destination for Singaporeans, offering all of these unique experiences at relatively affordable prices. Many first-timers to China may feel apprehensive as they would have heard about how difficult it is to make payment and how the Firewall blocks most apps etc. Preparing for a trip to China involves more than just packing your bags; understanding the local payment systems and having the right communication tools is crucial for a smooth journey. Follow our step-by-step guide on how to pay using Alipay, WeChat Pay, Changi Pay or your local bank (DBS PayLah!/OCBC) apps, complemented by valuable tips for travellers heading to China. While many have heard that cash is no longer accepted in China, this is not really true! Most vendors still accept cash, but they might not have change available. In which case, you’ll have to round up the bill or accept change via your Alipay Wallet. The most important setup you’ll need is the Mobile Payment platforms. China operates on different payment networks compared to many other countries. Paying directly with your international credit card is generally only accepted at major hotels or higher-end restaurants. Most places will only be able to accept payments made with international credit cards, the card is linked and payment is made through China Payment Apps like WeChat and Alipay. More importantly, cashless payment has become a way of life for the Chinese (they have a 86% penetration rate for mobile payments). Everyone will ask you to ‘scan for payment’ (扫码) that you’ll feel out of place if you’re unable to do so. There are some cases where Alipay may fail when scanning an code for payment. In such cases, try with Weixin Pay or use Cash instead. There will be a transaction fee charged by both Alipay and WeChat, depending on your transaction amount: Quick Tip: most vendors are happy to split the payments for you (as long as there’s no queue waiting behind you). Alternatively, refer to the section below on ‘ ‘. The exchange rate is provided by the credit card issuing bank. For better foreign currency exchange rates and to avoid the bank’s foreign currency fee (usually around 3.25%), consider using Amaze/Youtrip/Revolut as your linked card. New guidelines announced by the Chinese Government in March 2024 have increased the single transaction limit of mobile payment for foreigners in China. These new limit apply only for Verified Customers, as there is a limit of  (~SGD2,800) for non-verified payment use with both Alipay and Weixin Pay. Foreigners are unable to top up both Weixin Pay Wallets and Alipay Wallets, as these transactions require a China-Issued Bank card. Foreigners are also to accept “Red Packets” via WeChat. However, you can accept transfers into your using the ‘Receive’ QR code for individuals. This can be useful for refunds, such as when paying via cash and the vendor has no change in cash for you. If you would like to avoid the 3% transaction fee for payments above RMB 200 and happen to have a friend in China, you can also ask them to transfer money to your Alipay Balance. This balance can then be used to make payments to vendors (select the “ ” option instead of your linked credit card at the Payment QR Code page). Alternatively, foreigners can top up their Alipay Wallets via . To do so, simply search for “Tour Card” inside the Alipay App and follow the prompts. However, there is a for each top up, so it would make more sense to simply bind your credit card instead. To identify the best Credit Card to use for Mile Chasers, you will need to be mindful of the MCC codes for various transactions. Personally, I used the Amaze + Citi Rewards which award 4mpd. Here are some MCC codes for my recent transactions made via WeChat Pay linked to Amaze + Citi Rewards Mastercard. This list is not exhaustive and the codes might vary, so YMMV!!! Singaporeans who wish to avoid the 3% transaction fee for payments >200 RMB can also consider using the following payment methods – Changi Pay, OCBC Digital App, DBS PayLah App. No additional transaction fees are charged for these payments, but the exchange rates are referenced from Alipay+ / UnionPay rates. Will the rates be competitive? We’re not sure. Let us know in the comments if you’ve tried the different options and how the rates compared to Alipay/Wechat options. For Changi Pay, the exchange rate is referenced from Alipay+ network rate and users will be able to view the exchange rate live upon scanning the QR code of the Alipay+ merchant at the point of making payment for the purchases. The top up limit for Liquid Account are as follows: The cumulative yearly limit is lower for Changi Pay compared to Alipay/WeChat, so big spenders should take note of this limit. You can also make payment with the at merchants that accept Alipay+ QR payments via OCBC’s “Scan and Pay” button. Scan the merchant’s QR code for payment, or generating a QR code via the “Show my QR” button. The minimum payment amount is SGD0.10 (or equivalent) and the daily spend limit is fixed at (or equivalent). Payment will always be charged in SGD based on the exchange rate provided onscreen which is provided by Alipay+. No additional fees will be incurred but OTP/transaction authorisation will be required if the purchase amount exceeds SGD200. users can also scan to pay at UnionPay QR Code-enabled merchants, or generate a PayLah! QR Code for the merchant to scan. There are no additional fees but a currency conversion rate will be applied to the payment amount. Conversions are based on a 2% mark-up above the foreign exchange rate while the foreign exchange rate is determined based on prevailing wholesale interbank rates or the government-mandated rate, as shall be determined by the payment service provider. Here are some apps you should download before stepping on your flight to China: Some additional travel tips: The simplicity of QR code payments in China has fueled widespread adoption of mobile payments, with Super Apps like WeChat and Alipay enhancing their power by offering millions of mini-programs via these apps for user’s daily needs. The latest increase in transaction limits and simplification of ID verification processes aim to address payment challenges faced by international visitors and is a sign that China is looking to open-up even more to foreigners. It is a good time to visit now, while tourist numbers are still low and goods and services affordable. The payment services landscape changes rapidly as improvements are constantly being made to make the country more tourist-friendly. If you notice any changes, or if you have any tips on travelling in China, feel free to share them in the comments below! READ MORE READ MORE Hi I have set up both alipay and WeChat pay but unable to use in our sheng siong supermarket. Hear many differing stories online about not able to use wechat pay once arrive in china. Hence super confused and uptight. Is there any way we can use it here or msia bef going china just for the peace of mind? Hi Tan, I was unable to test in Singapore too, so was quite thankful that both my WeChat and Alipay worked. Would suggest the following: 1) Verify ur identify for both WeChat and Alipay, I think verified accounts would have less problems. 2) Bring cash along to be on the safe side, all shops are supposed to accept cash payments. 3) Have more than 1 in the travelling party with payment apps set up. Don’t depend on just 1 person. 4) I had problems with making payments online via WeChat mini programs, but usually it will work if the vendor is able to scan my QR code. If it really fails, it could be the vendor’s issue, some vendors are just not able to accept overseas payments (via linked credit cards), eg I read that is the case for some buses and vending machines. I usually try with both Alipay and WeChat and one of the apps will be able to work. Enjoy ur trip!