Welcome to Shenzhen! 

In order to improve the payment experiences of those working, traveling, and living in Shenzhen, as well as create a more convenient and satisfactory payment service environment, we have compiled service instructions for overseas bank card payments, RMB cash payments, mobile payments, e-CNY payments, and domestic bank card processing and usage. We wish you a pleasant journey in Shenzhen!

Overseas bank card payment

Overseas bank cards refer to credit and debit cards from major international card networks, issued outside the Chinese mainland. When you consume at airports, hotels, department stores, restaurants, entertainment, or other places with your UnionPay, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, JCB, Diners Club, or Discover cards, you can swipe the card directly at POS terminals. If there is no logo, you can ask the cashier if it can be used.

If you have a UnionPay card, you can use the card at any merchant equipped with a POS terminal on the Chinese mainland. While using bank cards issued outside the Chinese mainland, the following points should be noted:

--Please confirm that your card can be used on the Chinese mainland. You may need to notify your bank that you plan to make transactions overseas.

--Please confirm that your card has a sufficient balance or credit limit. If your balance is inadequate, you may not be able to complete the payment.

RMB cash payment

RMB, also called the yuan, is the legal currency of China. You can obtain RMB cash through the following ways:

Bank branch: You can exchange foreign currency, change large RMB denominations to smaller ones, inquiry about exchange rates, and conduct other businesses. Please consult the staff on site for acceptable currencies.

ATM: You can withdraw RMB cash by inserting your bank card in an ATM with the logo of your card. RMB cash withdrawal using a UnionPay card is supported by all ATMs on the Chinese mainland.

Foreign currency exchange points: Foreign currency cash can be exchanged directly for RMB cash at foreign currency exchange points marked with currency exchange signs. They are usually located within airports, ports, and other densely populated places.

Mobile payment

UnionPay-powered wallet

If you are a local UnionPay-powered wallet user, you can directly use your local wallet at any merchant that accepts UnionPay. There is no need to download other apps. At present, 85 wallet apps in 17 Asian countries and regions support UnionPay payments. 

Start payment in three steps:

1. Download the UnionPay app or other UnionPay-powered wallet apps and register.

2. Link a UnionPay card issued outside the Chinese mainland or activate a UnionPay virtual card within the wallet app.

3. Click “Scan to Pay” to scan the merchant’s UnionPay QR code and complete payment; or click “QR Code” to generate and present your QR code to the merchant; Merchants will scan the QR code and complete the payment.

UnionPay Tour Card

--Registration: Download the UnionPay App in your app store and click “Sign Up” to register. If you have already arrived in China, please ensure that your mobile phone is enabled for international roaming and can accept SMS messages for the registration process. Alternatively, you can complete registration before entering the country.

--Apply for a Tour Card and enjoy exclusive offers from UnionPay and banks: Search “Tour Card,” prepare your passport/travel pass, and follow the instructions on the page to enter your card application information. Afterwards, you will be prompted to enter an SMS verification code. You can claim the discounts once the application has been successfully completed.

--Top up the Tour Card with your bank card: Have your bank cards ready. Click “Top-up” on the details page of the Tour Card and follow the instructions on the page to top up. For the safety of your funds, your identity will be verified through SMS by the issuer of your bank card. Please ensure that you can receive text messages through the mobile phone number associated with the card.

--Payment: For merchants displaying UnionPay, Weixin Pay, or Alipay QR codes: click “Scan” and then scan the merchant’s QR code with your phone camera. For merchants with a QR code reader: click “Pay/Collect” and then show the merchant your QR code. For consumer apps: select the UnionPay App in the payment method list during checkout.

Weixin Pay & WeChat Pay HK

If you have an overseas bank card and want to use Weixin Pay for mobile payments, simply download the Weixin/WeChat App and register for an account. If you are from Hong Kong SAR, you can use WeChat Pay HK to pay at any merchant that accepts Weixin Pay.

WeChat quick setup:

1. Download or update your WeChat app

On your mobile phone, download WeChat app. If you already have the app, ensure that it is updated to the latest version. Register with your phone number or sign in. Use an overseas or China mainland phone number to register for and view the CNY wallet homepage. Use a Hong Kong SAR phone number to register for and view the HKD wallet homepage.

2. Where to find Weixin Pay or WeChat Pay HK

If you cannot find the options above, you can activate Weixin Pay or WeChat Pay HK in this way: At the bottom of the screen, tap “Me,” “Settings,” “General-Tools,” “Weixin Pay,” and finally “Enable.”

3. Fill in your identity information and add a card

Weixin Pay

Open the Weixin Pay app. Tap “Me” at the bottom of the screen and then “Services.” Tap on “Wallet,” then tap “Add a Card.” Read the Weixin Pay User Service Agreement and Privacy Policy, then tap “Agree.” Follow the steps on the screen and fill in your identity information. Tap “Next” to add your card. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the process.

If you use your passport to verify your identity, you will be prompted to upload a picture of your passport.

To experience a more convenient and simple card binding process, you can provide only international card information and use Weixin Pay for transactions under a certain amount. Once the limit is exceeded, you can verify your identity to enjoy a higher spending amount.

WeChat Pay HK

WeChat Pay HK supports the binding of credit cards and bank accounts issued in Hong Kong SAR. To pay with the wallet balance, you need to complete identity verification.

Pay with your home e-wallet

When shopping at merchants on the Chinese mainland (except for special occasions), you can use AlipayHK, Kakao Pay, Touch’n Go eWallet, OCBC, TrueMoney, MPay, Changi Pay, NAVER Pay, Toss Pay, Hipay, and other Alipay+ partner e-wallets. Simply open the wallet and use Alipay+ at any merchant that accepts Alipay.

Convenient digital payments: Enjoy a hassle-free payment experience with familiar e-wallets. There are no extra set-up steps to enable cross-border payments, so you can pay as easy as at home. E-wallets may ask for identity authentication, set payment limits, or constrain payment channels. You should contact your e-wallet Customer Service Center for specific details.

Wide merchant coverage: Tens of millions of merchants across the Chinese mainland accept Alipay+.

Transparent exchange rates: Payments are settled using Alipay+ foreign exchange rates, which are updated every business day. No additional fees are collected when using Alipay+.

Link overseas bank cards with Alipay

After downloading the Alipay app, signing up, and linking an overseas bank card from a major card network, you can start your mobile payment journey in China and pay like a local.

Get started in 2 steps:

1. Download Alipay App, enter your mobile phone number, and tap “Next”to register.

2. Tap “Add Now” and follow the on-screen prompts to add a bank card.

FAQ:

Q: Where can I pay with overseas bank cards using Alipay?

A: Consumers can add overseas bank cards to their Alipay accounts and pay for daily purchases anywhere on the Chinese mainland. Overseas bank cards do not support person-to-person transfers, sending or receiving red packets, wealth management services, insurance services, or other financial services.

Q: How do I know the exchange rate of the transactions made with overseas bank cards on Alipay?

A: The exchange rate for overseas bank cards is provided by the issuing bank to which your card belongs. Please refer to the billing statement from your bank.

Mobile payment tips

In order to facilitate easier use of mobile payment products in China, Shenzhen is piloting a program that will grant users access to products within a certain cumulative payment amount without being required to input identity information. Relevant information can be obtained from the handling agency.

If you encounter any payment problems, contact customer service:

China UnionPay: +86-95516

Weixin Pay: +86-57195017

WeChat Pay HK: +85239291666

Alipay: +86-057126886000

Using e-CNY as a payment method

e-CNY, the digital form of CNY, is a legal currency issued by the People’s Bank of China. It can be used for transportation, retail, shopping, dining, and cultural tourism.

How to use the e-CNY app:

1. Download the e-CNY app: Search for the keyword “e-CNY” in your app store to download and install the “e-CNY” app.

2. Open an e-CNY wallet: Open the e-CNY app and tap “Sign up” to register. Tap “Open/Add e-CNY Wallets” and choose your preferred bank to open your e-CNY wallet.

“Top Up As You Pay” Function:

1. Use features like “Scan” or “Payment QR Code” to pay merchants and follow the on-page prompts to link an overseas bank card.

2. By linking your wallet to your overseas bank card, you can pay directly from your wallet without topping up in advance.

3. Enter your wallet payment PIN and complete the payment.

Traveler Wallet:

1. Open a wallet in the e-CNY app.

2. Tap the “Top-up” button, use an overseas bank card to top up the Wallet and pay with ease.

3. Flip to the back side of the wallet and tap the “Deposit” button to deposit any unused funds back to your bank account.

Hardware Wallets:

1. Apply for a card hardware wallet at an authorized operator’s branch or via self-service terminals.

2. Card hardware wallets can also be linked to the e-CNY app for easier top-up and management.

e-CNY payments:

1. Scan to pay

Tap “Scan” to scan a merchant’s QR code 

Enter payment amount and choose a wallet 

Enter your PIN and complete the payment

2. Payment QR code:

Tap the “Pay” button or swipe up on the wallet page to activate “Payment QR code.”

Display the “Payment QR code” generated on your phone screen. The merchant will then scan your code using a QR code scanner.

3. e-CNY app to pay for online purchases:

When using online platforms such as DiDi, Meituan, Ctrip, and Qunar, you can choose to pay with e-CNY.

The online checkout counter will call your e-CNY app, and you can follow the on-page prompts to complete the payment.

4. Touch the POS terminal with your card hardware wallet directly to pay.

24-hour national unified customer service hotline:+86-10-956196

Domestic bank card processing & usage

If necessary, you can also apply for domestic bank cards and pay like a local.

1. How do I apply for domestic bank cards?

Choose a domestic bank and convenient location. Go there to apply for a bank card. Usually, you need to bring valid identity documents such as a valid passport or foreigner permanent residence ID card. You can consult with the bank or the bank’s customer service hotline to find out which documents are required.

2. How do I use domestic bank cards to make payments?

You can make payments at all merchants equipped with a POS terminal in China.

You can add your domestic bank card to UnionPay, Weixin Pay, Alipay, and other apps to enjoy convenient mobile payments.

You can also use the domestic bank card to withdraw RMB cash from an ATM and pay with cash.