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Digital payment apps such as Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely used in China for everyday needs, from dining and shopping to transportation. For Indonesian travelers, understanding how payments work in China can make transactions during a holiday smoother. In addition to digital payments, certain Visa or Mastercard cards and RMB cash can also be used. Preparing several payment methods before departure can help you handle potential issues during your trip.
China has an extensive digital payment ecosystem, with Alipay and WeChat Pay among the apps commonly used for everyday transactions. The Chinese government also provides foreign visitors with several payment options, including mobile payment apps, international bank cards, and RMB cash.
Indonesian travelers do not need a Chinese bank account to use certain digital payment services. Eligible international cards can be linked to Alipay or WeChat Pay, allowing payments to be made using a smartphone.
However, not every merchant accepts the same payment methods. Travelers should therefore prepare a combination of digital payments, international cards, and cash as a backup.
Here are several payment methods Indonesian travelers can use in China, along with their advantages and important considerations.
Alipay is one of the payment apps foreign travelers can use for various needs, including shopping, dining, purchasing tickets, and accessing certain transportation services. Indonesian travelers can register with an international phone number and link a Visa, Mastercard, or another card supported by the service.
Alipay payments are generally made by scanning a merchant’s QR code or showing a payment code for the cashier to scan. Before leaving Indonesia, it is advisable to register, complete any required account verification, and link your card. This can help reduce payment difficulties after arriving in China.
WeChat Pay, also known as Weixin Pay, is a payment service integrated into the WeChat app. Beyond messaging, WeChat offers a range of digital services that can help travelers during their stay in China. Foreign visitors can register using an international phone number and link an eligible payment card.
As with Alipay, transactions can be completed using QR codes. Having WeChat Pay as an alternative also provides flexibility if your primary payment method encounters problems.
Visa and Mastercard debit or credit cards can be used in China at merchants that accept those payment networks. However, acceptance of physical cards is not universal, particularly at small shops and local businesses.
International cards are best prepared as one payment option rather than your only option. Before departure, make sure international transactions are enabled, your card limit is sufficient, and the phone number registered with your bank can still receive transaction verification messages.
Although digital payments are widely used in China, Renminbi (RMB) cash remains legal tender and can be used for various transactions. The Chinese government also encourages cash acceptance in commerce and public services, including transportation, restaurants, and shopping centers.
Indonesian travelers are still advised to carry some RMB as a backup payment method. Cash can be useful when internet connectivity is disrupted, payment apps malfunction, a smartphone battery runs out, or an international card cannot be used.
Travelers can exchange some rupiah for RMB before departure or use currency exchange services available in China. There is no need to carry your entire travel budget in cash, but it is wise to have some RMB for initial expenses and emergencies.
In addition to bringing RMB from Indonesia, travelers can withdraw cash from ATMs in China that support international card networks. Make sure your debit card allows overseas cash withdrawals, and check administrative fees, exchange rates, and withdrawal limits. ATM availability and supported card networks may vary by location and bank.
International cards linked to digital payment apps may be subject to service fees and transaction limits. According to official Shanghai government guidance updated in September 2026, general terms for overseas cards linked to Alipay or Weixin Pay include:
Transactions of RMB 200 or less are generally exempt from platform service fees.
Transactions above RMB 200 may incur a platform service fee of 3% of the transaction amount.
The payment limit may be as high as US$5,000 per transaction.
The annual cumulative limit may be as high as US$50,000.
For example, a transaction worth RMB 300 may incur a platform service fee of RMB 9 if the 3% rate applies. However, actual fees and transaction limits may vary depending on account status, card type, promotions, and service provider terms. Card-issuing banks may also charge currency conversion or international transaction fees.
Always check the applicable fees and transaction limits shown in the app before confirming a payment, especially for high-value transactions. Service terms and promotions may change over time.
Payment methods in China can vary by venue and service. The following guide covers common travel expenses, from restaurants and shopping to transportation, hotels, and attractions.
Alipay and WeChat Pay can be used for many everyday transactions, including buying food, shopping at supermarkets, and paying in stores. At merchants that provide QR codes, travelers can scan the code using a payment app or show their payment code to the cashier.
Some merchants also accept international cards and RMB cash. Check the available payment methods before making a purchase.
Transportation payment methods in China vary by city and operator. In some cities, metro or bus tickets can be purchased using payment apps, transport cards, or cash. Transportation features within Alipay and WeChat may also help travelers access certain services. For ride-hailing services such as DiDi, travelers can use supported payment methods through the app or integrated services.
It is advisable to set up transportation accounts and payment methods before arriving in China, especially if you plan to travel from the airport.
Hotels in China may accept Alipay, WeChat Pay, bank cards, or RMB cash. However, acceptance of international cards depends on each hotel’s policies. Before booking, confirm the accepted payment methods and check whether a deposit is required at check-in. For bookings made through online platforms, available payment methods may also vary by provider.
Flight, train, and attraction tickets can be purchased through various booking platforms, each with different payment options. Some services support Alipay, WeChat Pay, UnionPay, or certain international cards.
To avoid difficulties, use official platforms or trusted providers and confirm that your preferred payment method is available before completing a booking.
Some digital payment apps from outside China can be used at certain merchants through cross-border payment services such as Alipay+ or payment networks that partner with UnionPay.
However, not all Indonesian e-wallets can be used directly in China. Availability depends on the app, agreements between payment providers, and merchant support at the destination.
Before departure, Indonesian travelers should check their e-wallet provider’s official information on international transaction availability, currency conversion fees, and participating merchants. To account for service limitations, Alipay or WeChat Pay linked to an international card can be prepared as an alternative, alongside a physical card and some RMB cash.
Each payment method has advantages and limitations. The following comparison can help Indonesian travelers choose suitable options.
Payment Method | Advantages | Things to Consider |
|---|---|---|
Alipay | Convenient for QR payments and travel services | Requires registration and a supported card |
WeChat Pay | Integrated with WeChat and various digital services | Requires account setup and verification |
Visa/Mastercard | Can be used directly at certain merchants | Not all merchants accept international cards |
RMB cash | Does not require a smartphone or internet | Cash must be prepared and kept secure |
ATM | Allows RMB withdrawals when needed | Depends on card network, fees, and withdrawal limits |
For everyday travel expenses, a combination of Alipay or WeChat Pay, an international card, and some RMB cash can be a practical choice.
Disclaimer: Payment acceptance, transaction fees, and usage limits may vary by merchant, bank, location, and service provider policies. Check the latest terms before traveling.
To make payments during your trip smoother, prepare the following before departure:
Install Alipay and WeChat. Make sure the apps are up to date and your accounts are accessible.
Link an international card. Add an eligible card and complete verification if required.
Enable international transactions. Check your debit or credit card settings with the issuing bank.
Check transaction limits and fees. Make sure your payment limits cover your travel needs.
Prepare a backup payment card. If possible, bring a different card and keep it separately.
Carry some RMB cash. Prepare cash for initial expenses or emergencies.
Keep your Indonesian phone number active. You may need it to receive OTPs or bank verification messages.
Save bank contact details offline. Record customer service numbers and card-blocking procedures.
Enable payment notifications. Review transactions to help identify unfamiliar activity.
Prepare internet access and a power bank. Both help you maintain access to payment apps during your trip.
Payment problems can occur even when your apps and cards have been prepared before departure. If a Visa or Mastercard payment is declined, check whether the merchant accepts that card network, international transactions are enabled, and your balance and card limit are sufficient.
If Alipay or WeChat Pay fails, check your internet connection, linked card status, and notifications from your bank or app. Contact the service provider if the issue continues. To reduce disruption, do not rely on just one payment method. A backup card and RMB cash can help when technical issues arise.
Digital payments are an important part of everyday life in China. For Indonesian travelers, understanding how to use Alipay, WeChat Pay, international cards, and RMB cash can make transactions during the trip easier.
In addition to preparing payment methods, transaction security also deserves attention. Use a PIN, password, or biometric authentication to protect payment apps. When paying by QR code, make sure the code belongs to the correct merchant, check the recipient’s name and payment amount, and never share OTP codes with anyone.
Before departure, make sure your payment apps are active, your cards support international transactions, and you have backup payment options. Enable transaction notifications so you can monitor payments through your apps or mobile banking.
With the right preparation, travelers can reduce payment difficulties when shopping, dining, using transportation, or paying for accommodation. Also consider suitable travel protection to help manage unexpected risks during your trip to China.
Good payment preparation helps travelers manage expenses while in China. However, unexpected travel risks beyond everyday transactions are also worth considering. Flight delays, baggage problems, and emergency medical needs can disrupt travel plans and lead to additional costs even when payment arrangements have been fully prepared.
To help reduce the financial impact of certain risks, Oona Travel Insurance for China may be an option, subject to the policy benefits, coverage limits, terms, and conditions.
Before purchasing travel insurance, review the geographical coverage, insurance period, medical benefits, travel disruption and baggage coverage, and assistance and claims procedures. Keep your policy documents, emergency assistance numbers, and other important information available offline for easy access when needed.
