Revolut and Wise in China

Visiting Chongqing (重庆) with a Revolut or Wise account is easier than ever. You can avoid bad exchange rates, skip high ATM markups, and pay smoothly at noodle stalls and hotels alike. Eligible Wise accounts can scan Chinese Alipay (支付宝; Zhifubao) codes directly from the Wise app. You can also link your physical or digital Revolut and Wise cards to Alipay or WeChat Pay (微信支付) for everyday spending across the city.

TenPayGo is Tencent’s standalone payment app for visitors to China. Register with your email, then link an overseas Visa, Mastercard or JCB card, Apple Pay, or a partner wallet. At mainland Chinese shops that accept WeChat Pay, scan the merchant’s code or show your payment code. You can get started without a Chinese phone number, WeChat account or Chinese bank card. Download it from App Store or Google Play.

Pick your payment route

A travel card and a mobile wallet are two parts of the same purchase. Your Revolut or Wise account holds your money, while local QR codes and card terminals decide how you pay. Most small shops and food stalls in Chongqing only take mobile payments, while larger hotels and metro ticket desks accept physical cards.

Can Revolut be used in China?

Revolut works across mainland China wherever Visa or Mastercard is accepted. Mainland China is not on Revolut's restricted list, and Chinese Yuan (CNY) is one of Revolut's supported spending currencies.

You can use your physical Revolut card at major international hotels and large department stores. However, most small tea shops, street stalls, and taxi drivers in Chongqing do not have card terminals. For everyday spending, add your supported Revolut card to Alipay (支付宝; Zhifubao) or WeChat Pay (微信支付). Once verified, you can scan QR codes smoothly from your phone.

If you need paper cash, use your physical card at major bank cash machines (ATMs). Keep in mind that Revolut virtual and disposable cards cannot make cash withdrawals at ATM terminals.

Wise has a direct Alipay QR option

Wise offers a direct Alipay QR payment feature for travelers in China. The feature is available in these eligible account regions:

• UK
• Europe
• Australia
• New Zealand
• Singapore
• Malaysia
• Brazil

Eligibility depends on your account's registered address, not your passport nationality.

Using the direct QR feature is straightforward:

1. Open the Wise app and tap Scan.
2. Point your phone camera at the merchant's Alipay QR code.
3. Type the amount in Chinese Yuan (CNY) if prompted.
4. Review the conversion and confirm the payment.

You can also show your personal Wise payment code for a supported merchant scanner to read.

This direct feature does not require the standalone Alipay app or a physical card. If your Wise account is registered in the US or Canada, direct Alipay scanning is not available yet. However, you can still link your physical or digital Wise card directly to the Alipay or WeChat Pay apps.

Link a card for Chinese wallet payments

Linking your travel card to local apps gives you complete payment freedom across Chongqing. Add your Wise or Revolut card through the international bank-card section of Alipay or WeChat Pay. If you prefer contactless payments, check our Apple Pay and Google Pay guide.

Follow these four steps to link your card:

1. Download the apps before you fly. Install Alipay and WeChat from your phone's app store while still at home.
2. Add your card details. Go to the bank cards section in the wallet app, add your Revolut or Wise card, and enter your passport details for identity verification.
3. Approve the security prompt. Keep your Revolut or Wise app open to approve the instant verification request or SMS code from your bank.
4. Select your card at checkout. When you scan a merchant QR code, make sure your overseas travel card is selected as the payment source.

Paying merchants with a linked card is quick and hassle-free. For a step-by-step walkthrough on scanning merchant codes versus showing your payment code, read our practical payment guide.

Understand exchange costs and avoid hidden markups

If your account supports a CNY balance and the payment uses enough of that balance, no conversion is needed. Money taken from another currency balance is converted when you pay. Revolut's supported balance currencies depend on where your account is registered. UK, German and Singapore accounts can hold CNY; US accounts cannot. Wise uses mid-market exchange rates with transparent fees by region. Revolut's free monthly exchange limits and weekend markup fees depend on your plan tier.

With an international card linked to Alipay or WeChat Pay, payments of 200 CNY or less are generally free of platform processing fees; larger payments normally carry a 3% fee. Until 31 December 2026, users who link an international card to WeChat Pay for the first time qualify for a fee waiver for 90 consecutive days from their first purchase, covering up to 1,000 CNY in daily spending. Check our travel budget guide to manage daily meal and transport spending.

Always pay in local currency (CNY). When an ATM or hotel terminal asks whether you want to be billed in your home currency (like USD, GBP, or EUR) or local currency (CNY), always pick CNY. Choosing your home currency triggers Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC). That lets the local bank apply high markup rates. Letting Revolut or Wise handle the conversion ensures you get the best live rate.

Make your arrival smooth

Set up your mobile apps and pack your physical cards before leaving home so you can hit the ground running.

When ordering a hot bowl of spicy noodles (重庆小面), simply open Alipay, WeChat Pay, or Wise to scan the counter code. At your hotel front desk, you can present your physical card for room deposits or pay directly via app. Having both a digital wallet and a physical card ready lets you explore Chongqing's river walks, scenic viewpoints, and hillside alleys with complete peace of mind.