Payment guides
Mobile wallets, cards, cash, and QR payments that actually work.
16 guides available
Featured payment guides
A complete, reality-based guide to payments in China, covering mobile wallets, QR codes, transport, cash, common failures, and what actually works.
QR Code Payment Basics in ChinaHow QR code payments actually work in China, the two different flows, and how to avoid the most common mistakes at checkout.
Alipay for ForeignersHow foreigners can reliably use Alipay in China, what actually works, common failure points, and how to test before relying on it.
WeChat Pay for ForeignersHow foreigners can use WeChat Pay in China, where it works best, common activation traps, and how to test before relying on it.
Linking a Foreign Card: What Works and What FailsHow to link foreign cards to Chinese wallets, which cards succeed most often, and how to fix failures without wasting time at the counter.
Cash in China: How Much You Really Need (Very Little)Why China is effectively cashless, where cash is still useful, and how much foreigners should realistically carry without anxiety.
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- Alipay for Foreigners
How foreigners can reliably use Alipay in China, what actually works, common failure points, and how to test before relying on it.
- Alipay vs WeChat Pay: Which One to Use and When
A practical decision guide for choosing Alipay or WeChat Pay at the counter, with clear rules for switching when payments fail.
- How Much Money to Bring to China (Less Than You Think)
A practical budgeting guide for China that focuses on payment readiness instead of carrying large amounts of cash.
- Cash in China: How Much You Really Need (Very Little)
Why China is effectively cashless, where cash is still useful, and how much foreigners should realistically carry without anxiety.
- Common Payment Scams in China (What to Watch, What to Ignore)
Realistic payment-related risks foreigners may encounter in China, how to recognize them quickly, and how to avoid overreacting.
- Do I Need a Chinese Bank Account?
A decision flow for when a local account is required and when it is not.
- How to Pay in China: The Complete Payment Guide for Foreigners
A complete, reality-based guide to payments in China, covering mobile wallets, QR codes, transport, cash, common failures, and what actually works.
- Linking a Foreign Card: What Works and What Fails
How to link foreign cards to Chinese wallets, which cards succeed most often, and how to fix failures without wasting time at the counter.
- Paying for Metro and Bus in China
How metro and bus payments actually work in China, why mobile QR codes are the default, and how foreigners should pay without buying transport cards.
- Paying for Taxi and Didi in China
Why ride-hailing apps are essential in China, how to pay for Didi and street taxis, and how to avoid being stranded during peak hours.
- Payment Failed: What to Do (Step-by-Step)
A real-time decision tree for failed payments in China to avoid double charges, delays, and on-the-spot confusion.
- Splitting Bills in China (AA Without Awkwardness)
How bill splitting actually works in China, when people split, when they don’t, and the simplest ways for foreigners to handle it politely.
- QR Code Payment Basics in China
How QR code payments actually work in China, the two different flows, and how to avoid the most common mistakes at checkout.
- Tipping in China: Do Not Tip
Why tipping is not part of Chinese culture, why you should not tip even in high-end restaurants, and what to do instead.
- WeChat Pay for Foreigners
How foreigners can use WeChat Pay in China, where it works best, common activation traps, and how to test before relying on it.
- Withdrawing Cash at ATMs in China
When you actually need cash in China, which ATMs work best for foreign cards, what to expect on-screen, and how to avoid failed withdrawals.