As China advances its digital payment systems, foreign visitors are enjoying unparalleled convenience in making cashless transactions across the country. From QR code payments to cross-border digital wallet integration, these innovations are reshaping travel experiences, particularly during major international events like the recently concluded 9th Asian Winter Games in Harbin, Heilongjiang province.
During the games, 37 point-of-sale terminals were installed across event venues, enabling seamless payments via foreign bank cards. This allowed international visitors to experience the ease of China’s digital payment solutions firsthand.
To further enhance the payment experience for foreign travelers, China has introduced two key options: linking foreign bank cards to domestic platforms like Alipay and WeChat Pay, or using their own foreign digital wallets without needing to download additional Chinese apps.
Heilongjiang province reported significant growth in mobile payment usage among foreign visitors. Between January 2024 and January 2025, over 860,000 mobile payment transactions were processed, marking a 4.9-fold increase year-on-year. The total transaction value exceeded 190 million yuan ($26.16 million), up 8.1 times from the previous year, with more than 144,000 foreign users benefiting from these services—a 5.8-fold rise.
“Many foreign visitors are embracing mobile payments, and we are actively guiding them to explore platforms like WeChat Pay and Alipay,” said a representative from Harbin Bank. “Most users appreciate the convenience of shopping, dining, and commuting without needing cash or physical cards.”
Ho Xuan Ni, a Malaysian student at Beijing Foreign Studies University, shared her experience: “Paying for public transport via QR codes is incredibly convenient. It eliminates the need to carry extra cards or worry about account balances.”
A recent study by Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU) highlighted the growing adoption of mobile payments among foreign travelers. Around 90% of millennial and Gen Z visitors used mobile payment methods, reflecting their global popularity. Additionally, 78% of all surveyed visitors reported using mobile payments in China, with 74.36% already aware of these options before their trips.
“The high awareness and adoption rates show that China’s digital payment ecosystem is influencing global payment habits,” said Wu Hao, executive director of the Institute of Silk Road Studies at BFSU. “However, differences in payment customs still pose a gap for some foreign travelers.”
China’s efforts to streamline digital payments are not only enhancing the travel experience but also setting a new standard for cashless transactions worldwide.
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