Do Visa and Mastercard work in China?
You can use Mastercard or Visa as forms of payment in China, but there are some limitations and pitfalls you should know about.
How to use GCash in mainland China? Is GCash available in China?
One of the biggest concerns of Filipinos working in China might be how to manage money or to send salary back home to support your family. If you want a seamless experience, GCash might be one of the first choices as you’ve likely already used it in the Philippines. If you ever find yourself asking can I still use my GCash for daily transactions or to send money back home?
Using it in mainland China works a little differently than it does in the Philippines. But don’t worry, this guide covers everything you need to know: exactly where you can use GCash, how to scan and pay like a local, and a breakdown of the fees. Let’s dive in!
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Does GCash work in China?
While GCash does work in China, its functionality has certain limitations. In general, you can use GCash in China thanks to a partnership with Alipay+. This means almost any merchant displaying the Alipay logo might accept GCash. Given Alipay’s dominance in China, you can pay for goods nearly everywhere.
However, GCash is better suited for short-term travelers than for those working in China long-term. If you are earning a salary in China, using GCash to send your hard-earned money back to the Philippines remains quite difficult. This is because you cannot cash in CNY directly into the app. The only way to work around this is to remit money from traditional banks or selected partners to GCash. Remitting through traditional banks might take longer and be more expensive than you think. You can also consider transferring money from Alipay to GCash or vice versa. But it is worth noting that you can only remit with AlipayHK since the mainland version doesn’t offer this service yet.
You can definitely use GCash for daily spending in China, but sending your salary back home requires a slightly different approach. Here is everything you need to know about using your trusted e-wallet in mainland China:
- Scan QR: Look for the Alipay logo. Use your GCash app’s "QR," function and scan the merchant's code.
- Generate QR: If the merchant needs to scan you, open GCash, select "QR," select "Pay Abroad with Alipay+," and let them scan your screen.
Can I Use a GCash Card in China?
Yes. If a merchant or ATM accepts your card network (Visa/Mastercard), you can use your GCash Card in China. The GCash Card is a physical debit card linked to your GCash wallet, and you can use it to:2
- Pay in-store at card terminals where Visa/Mastercard is accepted
- Pay online by entering your card details at checkout (where Visa/Mastercard is accepted)
- Withdraw cash at ATMs that accept your card network
Acceptance depends on the merchant and local regulations. Always look for the Visa or Mastercard logo and keep a backup payment method.
Fees for Using GCash in China
Let’s be real: when you’re working hard in China, every Yuan counts. So it is always better to be aware of those service charges. Here is the breakdown of using GCash in China.
| Payment method | Transaction Fee |
|---|---|
| Paying in China via Alipay+ (Scan QR) | Waived |
| ATM Withdrawal in China (GCash Card) | From 0 PHP to 18 PHP, depending on the ATM provider |
While GCash is a fantastic tool for daily spending in China, it shouldn’t be the only solution for managing your income in China. You cannot simply "cash in" your Chinese salary directly into the app, and relying on traditional bank transfers can be slow and quite expensive.
Looking for another route? Go Digital with Wise. By sending money with Wise directly to your Philippine GCash or bank account, you gain access to mid-market exchange rates, low and transparent fees, and quick delivery.
Don't let currency exchange complexities and extra charges diminish the value of your hard-earned money. Take control of your remittances and start sending money from China the smart way with Wise today.
Please also be informed that Wise in China is operating under a local partner’s license.
Sources used in this article:
- GCash: How much are the fees and transaction limits for my GCash Card?
- GCash Help Center: What can I do with my GCash VISA/Mastercard Card?
Sources last checked on 30-Dec-2025
*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.
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