Quick Answer
A plain-English guide to paying by QR in China: two payment methods, what merchants expect, and how tourists can pay smoothly at stalls, taxis, and shops.
Why it matters
There are two common QR workflows: you scan the merchant’s code or the merchant scans your code . If you can do either confidently, payments in China feel effortless.
Quick Answer
There are two common QR workflows: you scan the merchant’s code or the merchant scans your code. If you can do either confidently, payments in China feel effortless.
Method 1: Scan the Merchant’s QR
- Open app → tap scan → scan code → enter amount → confirm
- Common for small stalls and simple transactions
Method 2: Show Your Code
- Open app → tap pay → show your QR to the cashier
- Common in larger stores
Etiquette That Prevents Confusion
- Confirm the amount before tapping pay.
- Show the success screen if the merchant asks.
- Keep your phone charged (a dead phone is a payment failure).
Read: WeChat Pay & Alipay guide.
FAQ
What if the merchant only accepts one app?
That happens. Having both WeChat Pay and Alipay installed reduces friction.
Do I need cash for small stalls?
Often no—many stalls prefer QR. But a small cash backup is still useful.
Bottom Line
Learn scan + show-code once, and you can pay almost anywhere in China like a local.
