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GO EAST FIELD NOTES

Paying in China: Cards, Mobile Payments & Cash

Set up a practical mix of mobile payments, eligible bank cards and backup cash before travelling from Australia.

Go East local team

Mobile payments are common across China, but travellers should prepare more than one way to pay. A mobile wallet, an eligible bank card and a modest amount of RMB cash provide useful redundancy.

Prepare before departure

Check whether your Australian bank card supports overseas transactions and review fees. If you plan to use Alipay or WeChat Pay, complete account and card setup before travel and keep your Australian mobile number available for verification.

Keep a backup

Acceptance can vary by merchant, card network and location. Carry some RMB cash for small purchases or service interruptions, and keep a second card separate from your main wallet.

Payment safety

Never send full card numbers, passwords or verification codes through WhatsApp, email or a general enquiry form. When Go East introduces Stripe checkout, use only the secure payment page linked from your confirmed booking.