When traveling to Shanghai, one of the most important aspects to consider is how to pay for things in Shanghai. In this blog post, we will discuss the various payment methods in china, including Alipay, WeChat, cash, and ATMs, to help you make informed decisions during your stay.
How to Pay for Things in Shanghai by Alipay
Alipay, a popular mobile payment app in China, initially only accepted Chinese bank debit/credit cards without a Chinese ID. However, recent updates have allowed foreigners to connect their foreign Visa credit cards to Alipay by providing additional verification steps.
These steps may include submitting a credit card statement with your name and matching your ID photo with the app.
Because Alipay supports binding foreign bank card to make payments, Alipay Tourcard becomes useless for the most of the times.
Check here for Alipay setup details.
How to Pay for Things in Shanghai by WeChat
Similar to Alipay, WeChat Pay for foreigners also requires passport verification for foreigners to use their payment services. By uploading passport details, you can get your WeChat Pay account approved and authorized.
However, signing up WeChat and binding international cards may still be a challenge, since it requires someone with verified WeChat help you scan the QR code to create account.
Nevertheless, once your WeChat Pay account is set up, you can use it to make payments and even send/receive red pockets (but only limited to local bank card transfer).
Check here for Wechat setup details.
How to Pay for Things in Shanghai by Cash
While electronic payment methods dominate in Shanghai, cash is still accepted in certain situations. Taxis and some restaurants may accept cash payments, but local people mainly take taxi using DiDi .
However, it is worth mentioning that smaller establishments may not accept cash, so it is not recommended to pay by cash and it is advisable to have alternative payment options available.
It is convenient to exchange some cash at Shanghai Pudong International Airport after landing.
How to Withdraw Cash in Shanghai: ATMs
To ensure you have access to cash during your stay in Shanghai, ATMs are a reliable option. Most major ATMs, such as ICBC, CBC, and BOC, accept foreign bank cards.
While there may be occasional instances where a particular ATM does not work, trying one of the major banks should provide a successful cash withdrawal experience.
How to Pay for Things in Shanghai: International Credit Card
When it comes to payment card acceptance, it is important to note that international credit cards, such as Visa, Mastercard, and Amex, may not be widely accepted in Shanghai.
While some good hotels and upscale restaurants may accept these cards, it is best to plan for the possibility that your cards may not work in most places (mainly these small merchants). Discover, surprisingly, has been reported to work in some establishments, although it is not as commonly accepted as Visa, Mastercard, or Amex.
Bottom Line
- While Alipay and WeChat Pay offer convenient electronic payment methods, it is essential to complete the necessary verification steps for foreigners.
- Cash remains a viable option for certain transactions, and ATMs provide reliable access to cash.
- It is important to be prepared for the limited acceptance of international credit cards.
By understanding these payment options, you can ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience during your time in Shanghai.