Prepare more than one way to pay.
Check your chosen app before departure, and keep a backup option.
Compare your options
| Option | What to check |
|---|---|
| ◫ Mobile wallet | Supported cards and verification. |
| ▱ Bank card | Merchant acceptance and bank settings. |
| ◎ Cash | Where to obtain it and carry change. |
Before you leave
- Choose your payment app
- Check identity and card requirements
- Prepare a backup
At the counter
Illustrative scenes. The method and interface depend on the app and merchant.
Set up before departure
Supported overseas cards can be linked in common mobile payment apps, subject to the product, verification and merchant. Check that your phone can receive verification messages, use a card in your own name and keep the app and card issuer’s support details.
Two common ways to pay
You may scan a merchant’s code and check the amount, or show your payment code for the merchant to scan. If payment fails, read the error, ask whether the method is supported and use a backup rather than repeatedly retrying without understanding why.
Check the cost before confirming
Review the RMB amount, app fee and any issuer conversion cost. Published Weixin international-card rules currently state no international-card fee at RMB 200 or below and 3% above RMB 200; current waivers and the checkout display still need checking.
Keep a backup
Carry some RMB cash and another usable card. Being able to pay a merchant does not imply the same access to personal transfers, balance top-ups or red packets. For a travel booking, follow the confirmed payment instructions and keep the receipt.