If you are leaving for China soon and have no idea how to manage your funds while in the country, then do not worry; we are here to assist you! You don’t have to be paranoid about your money when you are in Chinese restaurants, stores and markets as there are ways to pay safely. In this article, we will explain all the ways you can pay — from cash to apps, digital wallets, debit and credit cards, and more. Keep reading if you want to discover everything there is to know about spending money in the Middle Kingdom!
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WeChat Pay
For foreigners in China, using WeChat Pay is quite secure. Currently, many merchants have introduced the digital payment facilities such as WeChat Pay, which allows you to make safe payments through bar codes or fingerprint. Thanks to the strong encryption, WeChat Pay does not expose your personal data and thus you can enjoy your visit to China without worrying about having cash on you! Also, you do not need a Chinese bank account or a credit card to make the payments. That means you can be confident that whether you are walking around Beijing or shopping in Shanghai, you won’t be worrying about how to pay – WeChat Pay is for you!
Alipay
If you are a foreigner or an expat in China, Alipay will make your visit easier. You can therefore enjoy your trip with the think of your financial details are well protected with Alipay payment option. It is pretty much straightforward to find Alipay in China, which means that you will not have to worry about the exchange of currencies or a credit card payment system. It’s like having a personal protector for one of the biggest concerns of foreigners and expats in the country – now you can really enjoy your time in the country without any worries!
UnionPay
As a tourist in China, you must know the right way to pay for your purchases to avoid being scammed. This is where UnionPay comes in; it is the biggest card issuer in China having more than 6 billion cards in circulation globally. UnionPay is accepted by all major banks, supermarkets, restaurants and airports in China – that’s why you always have a connection to your funds wherever you are. With features like cash advance and points redemption, as well as currency conversion from all over the world, UnionPay is the most comfortable way to travel through China.
Apple Pay
If you are a foreigner or an expat in China, Apple Pay is a secure and fast way to make payments. It is safe to use and has a high level of encryption, thus suitable for your needs when traveling abroad. Apple Pay is easy to use and secure and does not involve cases of fraud or data breach that are associated with transferring funds to unknown destinations – and it is accepted in most outlets in China, making the process smooth. For a holiday or living in China, you do not have to bother with cash – simply use Apple Pay and be secure!
Payment Kiosks/ATMs
Payment kiosks or ATMs are also a convenient way to pay while in China for the foreigner or expat. For instance, the T-Union network which is available all over China provides payment facilities through the ATM on the premises and merchants who accept payment through the scan of a barcode from a mobile phone. Other networks like Zhongguancun Bank Network and ATM5 are similar but use debit/credit cards as means of payment. Foreigners and expats no longer have to worry about carrying a lot of cash or using unfamiliar forms of payment – payment kiosks or ATMs are easily accessible, easy and secure for many people in China today.
Some Things To Remember
You may be feeling a bit nervous about the trip you are about to take to China. There are many uncertainties that come with visiting a country like China for instance, the language barrier, culture shock, and of course the currency issue. But there is no need to worry; with these great tips and tricks for traveling in China, you’ll have a stress free visit!
Do Not Use ATMs In The Streets; Use ATMs Located In Banks
For you to pay safely in China, it is recommended that you get your cash from an ATM located in a bank or any other reputable institution. Stay away from the ATMs located on the streets – while they may be convenient, using them comes with a lot of risks and you could be exposing yourself to identity and financial fraud. This is because when you stick to the classic approach of getting money from a bank, you can avoid the common frauds which include fake ATMs, skimmers and other form of fraud that is associated with using machines that are not regulated by banks.
Don't Carry Around Too Much Cash
When you are in China, you must be very careful with your money. Even though cash is still widely used in China, it is not advisable to carry a lot of it with you at any given time. There are other forms of payment that are more secure and convenient than carrying a lot of cash, including mobile and online payments through UnionPay apps. Also, credit cards can also be used but some shops may charge additional fees to use them. With all these options available, there is no need to put yourself at risk by carrying a lot of cash. You should also be concerned with your financial safety when planning your China tour.
Always Keep An Eye On Your Credit Card, And Don't Let It Out Of Your Sight
In the modern world, it is crucial to take personal safety into consideration. When visiting China (or any other country), you should take some extra measures concerning your credit card. It is also advisable not to let it out of your sight, particularly when making payments in shops or restaurants, even small ones. Attaching a card reader can also provide you with some comfort by letting you see the amount you are expected to pay for the goods or services you are purchasing. With proper control, you can enjoy the benefits of credit cards without putting yourself in danger!
Beware Of Counterfeit Money
While in China, you should be aware of the fact that there is fake money in circulation. Counterfeiting is an actual threat and it is wise to be cautious about it. What if you receive counterfeited money instead of real Chinese money, it will cost you thousands of dollars! To prevent this from happening, take some time to check the authenticity of the cash by looking at the color, touch and other details of the notes or bills. Before accepting cash payments, it is recommended to check whether everything is okay with the money. Using these precautions can help you avoid problems when dealing with money in China.
Make Sure Your Credit Card Will Work In China
For a perfect financial plan to ensure that your stay in China goes smoothly whether you are on a vacation or on a long business trip. Before leaving for China, it is important to understand how to pay safely and responsibly when using a credit card. Check with your credit card company to make sure your card can be used in merchants’ stores and ATMs in China. It is also beneficial to know any international purchase charges that may be incurred and to bring enough cash on you for any small purchases you might need. That way you can be sure that when you do decide to visit China, you will be able to deal with all your transactions with ease and without a care in the world.
Never Let Anyone Scan Your QR Code
Cyber threats rise each day and by allowing someone unknown to access your personal information by simply scanning your code, you are putting yourself and your finances at risk for fraud and scams. To stay safe, only ever use secure digital payment methods alongside two-factor authentication and additional security layers that protect you from any unwanted data leaks. By taking these precautions, you’ll be able to enjoy the convenience of digital payments without having to worry about anything else!
Now you know how to pay safely in China without getting ripped off. Whether you're paying by card, cash, or mobile payment, as long as you follow the tips above, you'll be able to transact without any problems. So go out and enjoy your travels in China worry-free! We hope you found this helpful. Do you have any other questions about the payment system in China? Let us know in the comments below!