How to Minimise Card Fees When Travelling In China (2025 Guide)
Who may charge you a fee: 💱
Your card provider
Alipay/WeChat Pay
Merchants who accept international credit cards (mostly hotels and international retailers)
My Recommended Solution: 💳
The best way to minimise fees and get the best exchange rates is to get a credit card with a zero foreign transaction fee. In my experience, a Mastercard credit card offered the best exchange rate. Bind it to Alipay/WeChat Pay - virtually all shops accept Alipay or WeChat Pay without charging you any fees. If you can’t find a suitable 0% credit card, consider applying for the Wise virtual debit card, if you’re from an eligible country.
When Paying In China: 💴
For transactions under 200rmb, Alipay/WeChat Pay do not charge you a transaction fee (as of Aug 2025)
For transactions over 200rmb, the transaction fee is usually an extra 3.5% of the total.
But you can easily split the transaction up if you are placing the order and paying through an app. In other places, you can ask staff to split the transaction into smaller 200rmb amounts. However, I suggest you be reasonable about it and don’t go overboard. Some shops may be not be willing to, especially if you are asking for a 2000rmb transaction to be split into 10 smaller ones. In this case, I suggest you either take the hit on the transaction fee or prepare some cash in advance.
When Withdrawing Cash In China: 🏧
If you find yourself needing to withdraw cash, go to a major bank such as Bank of China or ICBC, or if you can find one - a major bank belonging to your own country. Use a mapping app to help you find one.
Be aware that both the ATM and your own bank may charge multiple fees e.g. withdrawal and foreign transaction fees. Seek advice from your bank if you are worried about what fees you will be charged and how you should proceed. If the ATM does not provide instructions in English and you do not understand it without 100% certainty, it’s best not to use it.
Note: This article is not financial advice and the facts may change over time as payment systems are updated.
