A Practical Payment Guide for International Visitors to Shenzhen

Have you ever worried about how to make payments during your trip to China?

Don't panic! Shenzhen has already established a "Comprehensive Payment Demonstration Zone" just for international visitors.

Keep this step-by-step guide handy to ensure seamless transactions and an enjoyable stay in Shenzhen!

Link Your Mobile Payment Apps

This is currently the most popular payment method among international visitors, covering the vast majority of scenarios including dining, transportation, and retail.

WeChat Pay: Download the app and register using your overseas mobile number. Navigate to "Me > Services > Wallet > Bank Cards" to add your card. International cards such as Visa and Mastercard are supported. No lengthy identity verification is required; simply link your card and start scanning to pay.

Alipay: Also supports registration with overseas mobile numbers. Basic transactions require no lengthy identity verification; simply tap "Link Bank Card" on the homepage. Alipay also supports cross-border wallet integration, allowing you to scan and pay directly using international e-wallets like South Korea's Kakao Pay or Europe's PayPal.

Use Your Foreign Bank Card Directly for Payments or Cash Withdrawals

POS Terminals: As long as the merchant displays Visa, Mastercard, or UnionPay logos, you can directly use your foreign credit or debit card to pay.

ATM Cash Withdrawals: When you need cash, simply look for ATMs displaying the corresponding card network logos to withdraw RMB directly. Over 4,000 ATMs in Shenzhen support foreign card withdrawals.

Digital RMB (e-CNY) "Hard Wallet"

Don't have a local phone number or prefer not to link a bank card? Try the e-CNY Hard Wallet!

Locate the "e-CNY Hard Wallet Self-Service Kiosk" at airports, ports of entry, and other key locations.

Using a valid ID such as your passport, you can apply for a physical card in under 3 minutes.

After topping up, no smartphone or internet connection is needed. Just tap the card on the merchant's terminal to pay—super convenient!

Currency Exchange & Cash Payments

Currency Exchange: Foreign currency exchange counters and self-service machines are available at Shenzhen International Airport, major ports of entry, high-speed railway stations, and bank branches, supporting the exchange of various major currencies into RMB.

Cash Payments: Cash remains legal tender! To facilitate making change, taxis, convenience stores, and other businesses in Shenzhen offer "change pouch" services to ensure cash transactions are always smooth and hassle-free.

What to Do If You Encounter Payment Issues?

Shenzhen has set up "One-Stop Comprehensive Service Centers for Foreign Nationals" at airports, ports of entry, high-speed railway stations, and other locations, providing 24/7 (or according to operating hours at ports of entry) consultation on payments, tourism, and telecommunications.There is also an "emergency safety net" mechanism in place to help you resolve any payment issues at any time.

From Your First Stop to the Last Mile

Shenzhen's payment environment has been comprehensively upgraded.

Grab this guide, and head to Shenzhen for a spontaneous and stylish city adventure!

Source: Intl Services Longhua