Payment methods when traveling to China

Each payment method has its own pros and cons, but cash is still the easiest way for visitors to China.

Ms. Trinh Hang, a person who has traveled to dozens of places in and outside the country, has just returned from a self-guided tour of China for more than 10 days, sharing her experience on how to use cash in this country.

As in most countries, visitors to China have a variety of payment options when purchasing train or bus tickets, booking tours or shopping.

Payment via mobile app

Payment methods when traveling to China — **All ticket sales points accept payment by app, card or cash.** Photo: Trinh Hang

This method is so popular in China that you can see it everywhere: from airport ticket counters, trains, tourist attractions, to shops, stores, and even roadside fruit and vegetable stalls. QR codes are posted everywhere for payment via apps, the most popular being Alipay and WeChat Pay. Chinese people nowadays rarely use cash, almost everything in their lives can be paid for via apps.

But for foreign tourists, this is a barrier. Alipay allows linking with some foreign banks, but WeChat Pay does not. You need to have an account with a bank in China to use WeChat Pay. Both applications require registering a real phone number, which in theory can be done with a foreign phone number, but in practice, registration is only quick and convenient if you use a Chinese SIM card. Therefore, visitors to this country for a short time will have a hard time registering an account and using Alipay and WeChat Pay. Even if you do register an account, there is still a risk if you cannot access the network, or the application malfunctions, or your phone does not work properly.

Use international payment card

If you buy and sell online, some Chinese websites (airlines, shipping lines, major e-commerce sites) accept international payment cards such as Visa, Master, JCB. But when transacting directly, not many places have card swiping machines, and not all card swiping machines can accept your international payment card. The reason is that the majority of tourist attractions and shopping places prioritize payment via app.

Therefore, if you have an international payment card issued in Vietnam, you should bring it with you in case you need to use it, but this possibility is quite low, especially for small daily transactions of tourists such as eating, buying souvenirs, buying tickets to visit attractions.

Cash payment

This is the most suitable method for foreign tourists when coming to China, because cash is accepted everywhere. The advantage is that you do not have to worry about problems that lead to failure to register or failure to pay via the app; nor do you have to worry that the shopping place does not have a card machine. The disadvantage is that if you want to spend freely, you will have to carry a lot of cash.

In case you plan to travel by public transport, exchange a lot of small change, preferably 1 RMB, 2 RMB, 5 RMB (yuan). The fares for public transport in the city in China are cheap, subway tickets are about 2-5 RMB (6,600-16,500 VND), common bus tickets are from 1 to 4 RMB (3,300-13,200 VND). On buses, there are only drivers, no assistant drivers. Passengers will swipe their phone app on the machine to pay for the ticket. Foreign tourists who do not have the app can pay in cash, but usually the driver does not have small change ready to give. So you should put your small change in the machine and start your trip.

There are ticket vending machines at all subway and train stations, some of which accept cash payments, some of which only accept payments via apps (clearly stated on each machine). If you need to buy a ticket but don't have the app or don't know how to use the machine, ask the station staff for help - there are always staff on duty near the ticket machine to help. They are very friendly and enthusiastic.

At stores, shops, and shopping spots, no matter how much cash you give, the seller is always willing to accept and return the full change. The vast majority of sellers and service providers in China are professional and hospitable, and will assist you as much as possible.

How to reduce dependence on cash, apps or cards

To best prepare for your trip to China and not have to carry too much cash, not have to rely on apps or cards, you should pay in advance for all fixed expenses, such as round-trip airfare from Vietnam to China, train tickets between provinces, hotels or homestays. In most cases, the above expenses already account for most of the trip's cost, the rest you can bring cash in combination with an international payment card.

Booking and paying fixed fees in advance is also a way for you to feel secure and less confused during the trip. If you buy train tickets, find a hotel room and hunt for return plane tickets when you arrive, you may miss your schedule, miss your flight, or even have to spend a lot more money than expected. Be proactive in preparing in advance and remember to carry your passport with you at all times, because many shopping and sightseeing places will require you to show your passport.

According to vnexpress.net

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