How to pay in China as a foreigner
Most shops and restaurants in Guangzhou expect you to pay with your phone. Set this up before you land and you will rarely have a problem.
The short version
- Install Alipay, WeChat, or both, before you travel. Both let you link a Visa or Mastercard issued outside China and pay like a local.
- Verify your identity in the app if asked. This usually means uploading your passport, and it can take a little time, so do it at home.
- Carry some cash in renminbi as a backup. Cash is legal tender and must be accepted, but small shops may not have change for large notes.
- Use your international card at hotels and larger restaurants. Most international hotels and many upmarket restaurants accept Visa and Mastercard. Smaller places often do not.
How a mobile payment works
There are two ways. Either you scan the shop’s QR code and type in the amount, or you open the payment code in your app and the cashier scans it. In restaurants you often scan a QR code on the table to see the menu, order and pay in one go.
If your card is foreign, a small service fee may apply on larger payments. The app shows any fee before you confirm.
Useful phrases
| Say or show | Chinese | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Can I pay by card? | 可以刷卡吗？ | Asks whether they take bank cards |
| Alipay | 支付宝 | Zhīfùbǎo |
| WeChat Pay | 微信支付 | Wēixìn zhīfù |
| The bill, please | 买单 | Mái dān |
| Receipt / invoice | 发票 | Ask for this if you need one for expenses |
Tipping
Tipping is not expected in mainland China. Some restaurants add a tea charge per person or a service charge, which appears on the bill.