China has moved almost entirely to QR-code payments, yet foreigners still need cash, an ATM card and a properly set-up wallet. Here is how to exchange currency in Hainan, link a foreign bank card to WeChat Pay and Alipay, and which payment method works best in each situation.
Cash: where to exchange
Rubles, dollars and euros can be exchanged at Bank of China branches and other major banks, at exchange counters in Haikou and Sanya airports, and at some hotels — though hotel rates are usually worse. Banks require a passport and sometimes a return ticket; the process takes 10–20 minutes, and branches may close for lunch.
Tips: exchange according to your actual spending rather than a large lump sum, and keep receipts, which make it easier to convert any leftover currency back. Branches outside tourist districts often offer better rates but rarely speak English, so have a translation app ready.
ATMs
ATMs of Bank of China, ICBC and China Construction Bank accept Visa and Mastercard. Fees depend on your issuing bank and the machine, and the per-withdrawal limit is usually 2,000–5,000 CNY. Use machines inside branches and malls rather than dark corners, and keep the receipt if something goes wrong.
Cards and QR codes
Large hotels, airports and international brands accept Visa and Mastercard directly, but most cafes, markets, taxis and small shops take only QR payments or cash. Your main tool should therefore be Alipay or WeChat Pay linked to a foreign card.
Alipay for foreigners
1. Install Alipay from the official app store.
2. Register with a phone number (a Russian number works, but a local SIM is more convenient).
3. Add your Visa or Mastercard in the bank card section and confirm by SMS from your bank.
4. Complete identity verification: passport, photo, and sometimes a selfie.
5. Test the payment in a small shop to confirm the card works.
Note: paying with a foreign card may incur a fee (typically around 3% for transactions above 200 CNY), limits are set by your issuing bank, and the exchange rate is handled by the payment network.
WeChat Pay
The process is similar: install WeChat, create an account, open the payments section, link a card and verify your identity with a passport. WeChat Pay is convenient in small shops and for transfers to friends, though the English interface is simplified in places.
What to choose
• Supermarkets, hotels, airports: Visa card or Alipay.
• Markets, taxis, street food: Alipay or WeChat, sometimes cash only.
• Renting a home and large amounts: bank transfer or cash per contract, agreed in advance.
• Remote areas: keep 300–500 CNY in cash.
Small but important details
Carry small denominations: breaking a 100 CNY note in a village shop is difficult. Check that the merchant enters the amount before you confirm. Never scan QR codes from random advertisements — only those at the counter or shown by the seller. Keep receipts for large purchases; they matter for returns and at departure.
If a card will not link, the usual causes are: the bank blocks overseas transactions, online payments are disabled, the cardholder name does not match, or verification failed. Contact your bank before the trip and enable overseas payments.
If you need help with renting a home, renting a car, arrival assistance, or property in Malaysia, feel free to contact us and we can help you arrange payments with fewer fees.