Paying in China

In China, most retailers do not accept international credit or debit cards. By far the most common way for locals to pay is using either Alipay or WeChat – payment apps that are downloaded to your phone.

Downloading and setting these apps up is quick and easy, and can be done before you leave on your trip. Or if you prefer, cash is also universally accepted. This guide outlines the currency used in China, how to download and use the payment apps, alternative payment methods and how much you can expect to spend on a Wendy Wu tour in China.

Currency in China

In China, the local currency is known as the Renminbi (RMB), which is commonly referred to as yuan, and it is divided into smaller units called jiao and fen. The term "yuan" is commonly used when referring to the currency, whereas the terms "Renminbi" and "RMB" are more formal and encompass the entire currency system in China. The basic unit of currency is the yuan (¥), and it is equivalent to 10 jiao. Each jiao is further divided into 10 fen. Therefore, the hierarchy of the currency is as follows: 1 yuan = 10 jiao = 100 fen.

When representing amounts in currency, it is common to use the symbol ¥ before the numerical value. For example, ¥100 represents one hundred yuan. Additionally, the abbreviation RMB (standing for Renminbi) is often used alongside the numerical value, so you might see prices displayed as 100RMB. Here is a reference table of approximate exchange rates (for up-to-date exchange rates, please check xe.com before you travel):

1 unit of currency	Yuan
GBP £1	¥9.22
EUR €1	¥7.81
USD$1	¥7.27

Payment Methods in China

We recommend that you have access to more than one source of money – having access to a combination of payment methods will give the most security and flexibility while travelling.

Mobile Payment Apps - WeChat & Alipay

Every store in China, from supermarkets and convenience stores to market stalls, accepts WeChat and Alipay as a method of payment. While cash and card payments are still accepted in major shopping centres, they are becoming less common, even in remote areas where most vendors now prefer WeChat and Alipay. WeChat and Alipay are safe and secure mobile payment apps that allow you to link your bank accounts or debit/credit cards to pay for items using a QR code on your phone.

This contactless method of payment eliminates the need to withdraw or exchange cash.

Both WeChat and Alipay apps provide the same payment service, so you do not need both - it makes little difference which one you choose as both are widely used. WeChat is also a messaging system usable both in and out of China, connecting users who also have the app.

How to download and use WeChat and Alipay:

• Open your smartphone’s app store (App Store for iOS, Google Play for Android).
• Search for "WeChat" or "Alipay."
• Download and install 

WeChat

Setting up WeChat:

• Open WeChat and sign up with your phone number.
• Follow the prompts to verify your phone number.
• Complete your profile with your name and profile picture.

Steps to link your card:

1. Open 'Me', go to 'Services', 'Wallet', and select 'Cards'.
2. Click '+' at the bottom of the page to add your card.
3. Enter your WeChat payment password to verify your identity.
4. Enter your debit card and the mobile phone number that we have on file.
5. Read 'Service Agreement' and click 'agree and link'.
6. Enter the verification code to link your card

Paying with WeChat:

• At the store, open WeChat and tap 'WeChat Pay'.
• Scan the store’s QR code (green in colour) or show your QR code for the cashier to scan.
• Enter the amount (if needed) and confirm the payment with your passcode.

Alipay

Setting up Alipay:

• Open Alipay and sign up with your phone number.
• Follow the prompts to verify your phone number.
• Complete your profile with your name and basic information.

Steps to link your card:

1. Open Alipay, go to 'Account' and select 'bank cards'.
2. Click '+' at the bottom of the page to add your card.
3. Enter your debit card number.
4. Read 'Service Agreement' and select 'Agree to Terms and Add'.
5. Enter the verification code to verify your phone number. And your card is ready to go.

Watch this useful guide for additional help with setting up your AliPay.

Paying with AliPay:

• At the store, open Alipay and tap 'Pay'.
• Scan the store’s QR code (blue in colour) or show your QR code for the cashier to scan.
• Enter the amount (if needed) and confirm the payment with your passcode.

Tips for paying in China with WeChat or Alipay

• Set up the apps and link your cards before travelling to China to avoid any app store restrictions.
• Your guide will be happy to show you how to use the apps in China.
• You will need an internet connection when in China to use the apps. We recommend checking with your phone provider for international data plans or purchase an E-Sim with providers such as Airalo or Holafly.
• Check with your bank for any international transaction fees.
• Both apps also support a ride-hailing service called Didi, similar to Uber, allowing you to order a car pickup through the app and get dropped off at your designated spot. Unlike a taxi, you don't need cash to pay, and the driver already knows your destination.

Credit/debit card

We recommend taking a debit and/or credit card - these are still accepted at major shopping malls and some hotels and ATMs. The most widely accepted credit cards include Visa or MasterCard. However, please do not rely on a credit/debit card as your only source of spending money and keep a photocopy of your card(s). 
 
Please do ensure that you notify your bank that you will be travelling abroad. Whether you use your card directly for purchases, or you link it to your WeChat/Alipay to make purchases, transactions may be blocked if your bank account is unaware you’re travelling.

Cash

In major cities like Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai, you'll find that cash is accepted, and most hotels, restaurants, and the shopping places/factories included in your travel itinerary also accept cash. However in some supermarkets and most local market stalls, cash may not be accepted and payment via Alipay or WeChat may be preferred.
 
We recommend carrying enough cash to cover your tipping kitty and for smaller purchases such as drinks, shopping, optional excursions which may be offered throughout your tour, and porterage if required.

Exchanging money

We recommend exchanging money prior to departure at banks, money exchanges, or at international airports in the UK and Ireland. It is possible to exchange money at your arrival airport and some banks in China and it's a good idea to have a small amount for when you arrive. Your National Escort or Local Guide will also be able to assist with exchanging money at reputable sites while on tour.

Counterfeit cash

This is a problem in China so shop owners and clerks at banks or exchange desks are very cautious and can refuse to accept notes in bad condition. When purchasing cash before you depart from home, or when exchanging cash during your holiday, it is a good idea to stand at the desk to count and check the condition of each note. Do not accept any notes which are torn, very faded, a different shade, have ink stamps or any writing on them. If you accept the notes and sign the exchange receipt, then later notice a problem, you will not be able to exchange them back.

ATMs

Unless you are in a major city, many ATMs only work with the Chinese Banking system. ATMs can be a good source of travel money, especially in major cities, but we strongly recommend that you do not rely on this method – although there appear to be many ATMs available in China, they often run out of cash, have different minimum withdrawal amounts, may not be in English and reject foreign cards. If you do need to use an ATM, we recommend you use the Bank of China machines as they are found in every major city. It is recommended that you visit the ATMs during the open hours of the associated Bank of China branch so that you can go to their staff if anything goes wrong. Try to withdraw as few times as possible because overseas withdrawal fees can be very high.
 
We strongly suggest you alert your bank of your travel plans and check any potential foreign transaction fees or ATM withdrawal limits imposed by your bank.

Spending money

On a two-week Classic Tour, we would recommend approximately GBP350.00/EUR400 per person spending money, although this depends greatly on your individual needs and shopping preferences. For Go Beyond tours, Short Stay/Extensions and your own independent arrangements before or after your tour, you will need to budget for additional meals, drinks, transportation, optional excursions, extra tipping, and anything not included in your tour price.

The price of a meal or drink will vary from city to city, and depending on where you choose to eat, with the cost of meals and drinks in major cities generally more expensive than rural areas.

As a guide on price, you can expect to pay:

Common snacks:

• Street food snacks (such as dumplings or baozi): ¥10-¥20 (approx. £1.08-£2.17 / €1.28-€2.56)
• Skewers (such as lamb skewers or grilled vegetables): ¥5-¥10 per skewer (approx. £0.54-£1.08 / €0.64-€1.28)

Drinks:

• Bottle of water (500ml): ¥12-¥15 (approx. £1.30-£1.63 / €1.54-€1.92
• Soft drink or soda (can or bottle): ¥12-¥15 (approx. £1.30-£1.63 / €1.54-€1.92)

Meals:

• Noodle or rice dishes (such as fried noodles or steamed rice with meat/vegetables): ¥20-¥40 (approx. £2.17-£4.33 / €2.56-€5.12)
• Fast food meal (at popular chains like McDonald's or KFC): ¥20-¥40 (approx. £2.17-£4.33 / €2.56-€5.12)
• Mid-range local restaurant: ¥80-¥150 per person (approx. £8.67-£16.26 / €10.25-€19.21
• Fine dining or upscale restaurant: ¥200-¥500+ per person (approx. £21.69-£54.23+ / €25.60-€64.25+)

Plan ahead

Once you have started your tour, you will quickly get a sense of how often or how much you need to exchange money. Try not to leave this to the last minute: exchange desks can close, ATMs can run out of cash and your group could be scheduled to leave your hotel at 7am tomorrow morning!

Paying in China - in conclusion

Paying in China can be simple and convenient when you’re prepared. By understanding the local currency and utilising mobile payment apps like WeChat and Alipay, you’ll find that most transactions are seamless. Always have a backup plan with cash and international credit or debit cards for added security. With these tips, you can focus on enjoying your travel experience without worrying about financial transactions. Safe travels and enjoy the wonders that China has to offer!