If you're traveling to China, you may already know that mobile payments are used almost everywhere.
But here's something many international travelers don't realize:
You may be able to use the e-wallet you already have at home.
Depending on your country or region, some overseas e-wallets can be used directly at participating merchants in China. That means you may not always need to create a new Chinese payment account before your trip. 国务院
Here's what travelers should know.
Which Overseas E-Wallets Can Be Used in China?
China's mobile payment network has become increasingly accessible to international visitors.
According to China's official guidance, supported overseas e-wallets include:
- Touch 'n Go eWallet — Malaysia
- Changi Pay — Singapore
- OCBC — Singapore
- AlipayHK — Hong Kong SAR
- WeChat Pay HK — Hong Kong SAR
- MPay — Macao SAR
- GCash — Philippines
- Kakao Pay — South Korea
- Naver Pay — South Korea
- Toss Pay — South Korea
- TrueMoney — Thailand
- HiPay — Mongolia
- Kaspi — Kazakhstan
- NayaPay — Pakistan
Availability depends on the wallet and payment network being used. 国务院
This is particularly useful for travelers from Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Macao and several other Asian markets.
How Does It Work?
The experience can be surprisingly simple.
At participating merchants, you may be able to open your usual e-wallet and either:
Scan the merchant's QR code
or
Show your payment QR code to the merchant.
The payment is processed through a compatible cross-border payment network such as Alipay+ or UnionPay.
You continue using your familiar wallet instead of setting up an entirely new payment method. 广州开发区
Can I Use Touch 'n Go eWallet in China?
Yes.
For Malaysian travelers, Touch 'n Go eWallet is one of the supported overseas wallets that can be used at participating merchants in the Chinese mainland. 国务院
This can make traveling in China much easier if you already use Touch 'n Go regularly in Malaysia.
However, acceptance may depend on the merchant and QR-code network, so we still recommend having another payment method available.
Can Singapore Travelers Use Their Existing Apps?
Some can.
Official guidance currently lists Changi Pay and OCBC among supported overseas payment services for QR-code payments in China. 国务院
If you're traveling from Singapore, check your wallet's latest overseas payment features before departure.
What About Travelers from Hong Kong?
Travelers from Hong Kong have several convenient options.
Both AlipayHK and WeChat Pay HK are included among overseas wallets that can be used for QR-code payments in the Chinese mainland. 国务院
This means many Hong Kong travelers may be able to continue using an app they already know.
Will My E-Wallet Work Everywhere in China?
Not necessarily.
Even if your wallet supports payments in China, individual merchants may use different QR-code systems.
Large shopping malls, restaurants, convenience stores and major tourist areas are generally easier environments for digital payments.
At smaller businesses, markets or rural destinations, your preferred overseas wallet may not always be the most convenient option.
For this reason, we recommend having more than one way to pay.
Should I Still Set Up Alipay or WeChat Pay?
For most international travelers, it's a good idea.
Even if your home e-wallet works in China, having Alipay or Weixin Pay (WeChat Pay) as a backup can make your trip smoother.
International visitors can register for these services and link eligible overseas bank cards. 上海市政府英语网站
This is especially useful if you're traveling beyond major cities or staying in China for a longer trip.
Should I Carry Cash?
Yes — a small amount.
China is highly mobile-payment oriented, but cash remains an available payment method for overseas visitors. 国务院
Keeping some RMB is useful as a backup in case your phone has no internet connection, your bank blocks a transaction, or your preferred e-wallet isn't accepted.
Best Payment Setup Before Traveling to China
For a smoother trip, we recommend preparing at least two payment methods before departure.
For example:
Primary: Alipay or WeChat Pay linked to your international bank card
Backup: Your supported home e-wallet
Emergency backup: International bank card + a small amount of RMB cash
That way, one payment problem won't interrupt your trip.
FAQ
Can tourists use foreign e-wallets in China?
Yes. Several overseas e-wallets can make QR-code payments at participating merchants in China, including Touch 'n Go eWallet, AlipayHK, Changi Pay, GCash and others. 国务院
Can Malaysians use Touch 'n Go in China?
Yes. Touch 'n Go eWallet is included among the overseas wallets supported for QR-code payments in the Chinese mainland. 湖南省政府英文门户网站
Do I need Alipay if my e-wallet works in China?
Not necessarily, but setting up Alipay or WeChat Pay as an additional payment option can be useful.
Should I set up payments before arriving in China?
Yes. Whenever possible, set up and test your payment apps before departure. This gives you time to resolve card verification or bank authorization problems.
SCT Travel Tip
Don't rely on just one payment method when traveling in China.
Set up your mobile payments before departure, keep a backup card, and carry a small amount of RMB. Once everything is ready, paying for food, transport, shopping and everyday expenses in China is usually very convenient.