Preparations Before Traveling to Beijing

Payment Guide for foreigners coming to China from People's Bank of China:

http://dalian.pbc.gov.cn/dalian/123806/5276989/index.html

1. Bank cards: Foreigners holding cards with UnionPay, Visa, Mastercard, etc., can use them for payment at merchants displaying the respective acceptance logos. If the merchant does not display the logo, you can ask the cashier if your card can be used. UnionPay cards can be used at any merchant in China equipped with card payment terminals.

2. Mobile Payments: With just a smartphone, foreigners can use convenient payment services like Alipay, WeChat Pay, and UnionPay. According to the People’s Bank of China’s payment guidelines, transactions below a certain amount do not require identity verification. The typical process for using mobile payments involves: downloading the app, registering or logging in with your phone number, linking your bank card in the app, and making payments via QR code scan.

3. Some foreign e-wallets: Certain foreign e-wallets are accepted for payments in China. Users of these e-wallets can pay directly with their existing wallets without needing to download additional apps.

4. Cash: If foreign visitors need RMB cash, they can withdraw it from ATMs with corresponding clearing organization logos using their bank cards. Alternatively, foreign currency can be exchanged for RMB at banks, foreign exchange agencies, or self-service currency exchange machines marked with currency exchange signs.

5. Bank accounts: Foreigners can open a foreign currency bank account at a nearby bank branch with valid identification documents such as a passport. Major banks like Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, Agricultural Bank of China, Bank of China, China Construction Bank, and Bank of Communications offer account opening services. After opening a bank account, you can enjoy services such as RMB and foreign currency deposits and withdrawals, foreign exchange services, domestic transfers, and cross-border remittances.

Multilingual Payment Guide:

English:

https://english.beijing.gov.cn/travellinginbeijing/payment/202006/t20200628_1933525.html

French:

https://french.beijing.gov.cn/travellinginbeijing/payment/202403/t20240327_3602937.html

Spanish:

https://spanish.beijing.gov.cn/travellinginbeijing/payment/202403/t20240327_3602698.html

Russian:

https://russian.beijing.gov.cn/travellinginbeijing/payment/202403/t20240327_3602255.html

Japanese:

https://japanese.beijing.gov.cn/travellinginbeijing/payment/202403/t20240329_3604617.html

Korean: