ByChow.
Independent China travel checklist · Item 2/6

Payments

In China, almost everywhere takes payment by QR code, from roadside stalls to sightseeing tickets. Have at least two ways to pay in case one fails.

ChowWritten by Chow · Updated [month/year] · [… min read]
Option 1

Alipay linked to an international card

Most common
  1. 1Download Alipay and sign up with a Vietnamese phone number.
  2. 2Go to the bank cards section and add a Visa or Mastercard.
  3. 3Verify your identity with a passport photo, following the steps in the app.
  4. 4To pay: open your payment code for the seller to scan, or tap Scan to scan the shop's code.
Option 2

WeChat Pay

Backup
  1. 1In WeChat, go to Me → Services → Wallet.
  2. 2Add a Visa or Mastercard and verify with your passport.
  3. 3Use it when a shop only takes WeChat Pay or when Alipay shows an error.
Option 3

Cash

In case you lose signal
  1. 1Exchange yuan in Vietnam or withdraw at an airport ATM.
  2. 2Bring plenty of small notes, because some places don't have change.
  3. 3How much is enough: [amount you brought].
Notes
  • Tell your bank beforehand so your card isn't locked for overseas transactions.
  • Large payments may carry a fee, so check the fee in the app before paying.
  • Try a small payment as soon as you arrive to make sure your card works.

Chow's note: [your payment experience]

ByChow.
Checklist · Item 2/6

Payments

In China, almost everywhere takes payment by QR code, from roadside stalls to sightseeing tickets. Have at least two ways to pay in case one fails.

ChowWritten by Chow · [… min read]
Option 1Most common

Alipay linked to an international card

  1. 1Download Alipay and sign up with a Vietnamese phone number.
  2. 2Go to the bank cards section and add a Visa or Mastercard.
  3. 3Verify your identity with a passport photo, following the steps in the app.
  4. 4To pay: open your payment code for the seller to scan, or tap Scan to scan the shop's code.
Option 2Backup

WeChat Pay

  1. 1In WeChat, go to Me → Services → Wallet.
  2. 2Add a Visa or Mastercard and verify with your passport.
  3. 3Use it when a shop only takes WeChat Pay or when Alipay shows an error.
Option 3In case you lose signal

Cash

  1. 1Exchange yuan in Vietnam or withdraw at an airport ATM.
  2. 2Bring plenty of small notes, because some places don't have change.
  3. 3How much is enough: [amount you brought].
Notes
  • Tell your bank beforehand so your card isn't locked for overseas transactions.
  • Large payments may carry a fee, so check the fee in the app before paying.
  • Try a small payment as soon as you arrive to make sure your card works.

Chow's note: [your payment experience]