Payment methods for foreigners

Whether you come to Shanghai for travel, study, work, or business, you will have access to a variety of convenient payment services during your stay in the city.

How to seamlessly pay like a local in China

Here are some valuable tips for expats on how to set up WeChat Pay or Alipay accounts using their overseas credit cards.

Metro stations now accept foreign bank cards

From April 15, POS machines have been added in all the service centers of Shanghai's metro stations to facilitate the use of foreign bank cards for purchasing metro tickets.

How to use Alipay

Living in or visiting China, you’ll find that Alipay is an essential app, as it is a popular method for paying for things. Here is a guide on how to pay with Alipay and some of its other handy features.

How to use Weixin Pay

WeChat Pay, a widely used payment method in China, offers a seamless and convenient way to conduct transactions. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to utilize WeChat Pay.

How to convert foreign currencies into RMB

Both banks and international airports have exchange service counters. In China, ATMs are everywhere except for some remote towns and villages.

How to open the UnionPay online payment services

UnionPay cardholders can enjoy safe and convenient mobile payment services, including QR code-based payments and contactless payments (refers to UnionPay Mobile QuickPass service).

Guide to opening a bank account

Whether you are doing business in China or planning to reside here, opening a bank account offers numerous advantages.

Video series: How to Pay in Shanghai

From mobile payments and cash transactions to currency exchanges and bank card payments, we provide detailed instructions and share practical tips to ensure a seamless and hassle-free payment experience for expats and international travelers in Shanghai.

Guide to payment services in China

How to purchase a metro ticket with foreign bank cards

Shanghai Metro has recently added seven customer service centers at the Hongqiao and Pudong international airports that allow the use of foreign bank cards to purchase tickets for the city's metro and Maglev lines.

Mobile pay limits raised for visitors

China will quintuple the transaction limit for foreigners' mobile payments as the country enhances efforts to address payment challenges faced by international visitors.

Foreign exchange services at Bank of China

You can convert foreign currencies into renminbi at the Bank of China's real-time exchange rates within the specified currency range.