Complete Financial Blueprint
Pay in China: Complete Foreign Card & Cashless Guide
A practical setup for foreign cards, QR payments, a cash backup, and what to do when a payment does not go through.
1. Alipay with Foreign Card (Primary Recommended)
- Download international Alipay app from Apple App Store or Google Play.
- Check the app's current list of eligible foreign cards before you travel.
- Review the fee disclosure in the app before each payment. Platform and card-issuer charges can change.
- Ask your home card issuer about foreign transaction and cash-withdrawal charges.
- Use a backup method if a merchant or transport service does not accept your linked card.
2. WeChat Pay (Secondary Backup)
- Register WeChat using your international mobile phone number.
- Follow the current Wallet and Cards flow shown in your installed version of the app.
- Confirm card eligibility and fees in the app before you rely on it at the counter.
- Keep it as a useful backup for merchant QR payment flows.
3. Physical Cash Backup (¥200 - ¥500)
- RMB cash is legal tender. Keep a small emergency buffer rather than relying on one payment method.
- ATM availability, card acceptance, exchange rates, and withdrawal charges vary by bank and location.
- Carry small denominations (¥10, ¥20, ¥50) as an emergency backup for arrival terminals.
4. If a Payment Declines at Counter
- Switch from "Scan" to "Pay Code": Ask the cashier to scan your static barcode rather than scanning their small merchant stand.
- Check if your overseas bank flagged the transaction or sent a 3D-Secure approval SMS.
- Switch to WeChat Pay or hand over physical RMB cash note.
- Show our bilingual "Payment Card Issue" travel card.
Official Policy & Verification Sources
Bilingual Cards for Payment & Invoices
Show these cards if a payment stalls or if you need an official tax invoice (Fapiao).
Food & Dining
Severe Peanut Allergy
Show to restaurant waiter or chef before ordering
I have a severe peanut allergy. Please ensure no peanuts or peanut oil are used.
我对花生严重过敏！请确保菜品中不含花生或花生油。谢谢！
Critical card: Chinese cuisine often uses peanut oil or crushed peanuts.
Practical bilingual wording
Food & Dining
No Spicy Food
When ordering food in restaurants
Please make my food completely non-spicy. I cannot eat chili.
请做完全不辣的，一点辣都不能吃，谢谢！
Emphasize "完全不辣" so kitchen does not add mild chili oil.
Practical bilingual wording
Food & Dining
Vegetarian / No Meat
Show when ordering vegetarian dishes
I am vegetarian. I do not eat any meat, seafood, lard, or meat broth.
我吃素。不吃任何肉类、海鲜、猪油或肉汤，谢谢！
Specifies no lard or meat broth, common in Chinese cooking.
Practical bilingual wording
Food & Dining
No Pork / Halal Request
Show to staff when avoiding pork products
I do not eat pork or lard. Does this dish contain any pork?
我不吃猪肉和猪油。请问这道菜含猪肉或猪油吗？
Helps avoid hidden pork fat or broth.
Practical bilingual wording