Quick Answer
There are two different QR payment flows in China.
You must use the correct one for the counter, or the payment will fail.
Most problems happen because travelers use the wrong flow—not because their card or wallet is broken.
The Core Reality (Most Important Concept)
In China, QR payments work in two opposite directions:
- You scan the merchant’s QR
- The merchant scans your QR
These are not interchangeable.
Using the wrong one causes:
- Failed payments
- Awkward delays
- Double charges
- Confused cashiers
The Two QR Payment Flows (Understand This Once)
Flow A: You Scan the Merchant QR
- You open Scan
- You scan a printed QR at the counter
- You confirm amount and pay
Common in:
- Small shops
- Street food
- Cafes
- Informal counters
Flow B: Merchant Scans Your QR
- You open Pay
- A moving QR appears on your phone
- Cashier scans your screen
Common in:
- Supermarkets
- Convenience stores
- Metro gates
- Chain restaurants
Why Using the Wrong Flow Fails
If you:
- Try to scan when the cashier expects your code
- Show your code when the system expects you to scan
The terminal simply does nothing.
This looks like a technical failure—but it is not.
Exact Actions: How to Choose the Right Flow Instantly
Rule 1: Look at the counter, not the app
- Printed QR on counter? → You scan.
- Scanner gun or glass window? → They scan you.
Ignore what you prefer to do.
Rule 2: Watch the cashier’s body language
- Cashier holds a scanner → show your Pay code
- Cashier points at a QR → open Scan
They will not explain verbally.
Rule 3: If nothing happens in 3 seconds, stop
- Cancel the action
- Switch to the other flow
- Do not keep retrying
Retrying causes duplicates.
Common QR Payment Mistakes
- Opening the wrong screen
- Scanning personal (non-merchant) QR codes
- Retrying while payment is “processing”
- Letting screen brightness stay low
- Blocking the QR with notifications
Most failures are operator errors, not system errors.
Failure Scenarios & Fixes
- Cashier waits and nothing happens: you chose the wrong flow—switch.
- Scan opens a transfer page: wrong QR—cancel immediately.
- Payment shows processing: stop and check bills before retrying.
- Scanner cannot read your screen: increase brightness and hold steady.
- Crowd pressure builds: step aside and reset calmly.
Speed comes from correctness, not urgency.
Reality Check
- Locals switch flows instantly.
- No one explains the difference in line.
- Using the wrong flow is normal for newcomers.
- Correcting quickly is what matters.
This is a skill, not knowledge.
What Locals Do Instead
- They read the counter setup first.
- They cancel immediately if nothing happens.
- They never retry blindly.
- They switch wallets or methods without drama.
Copy this behavior.
Checklist
- Identify who scans whom.
- Open Scan or Pay accordingly.
- Screen brightness high.
- Cancel immediately if stalled.
- Check bills before retrying.