How to Use Your Wise Card in China

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China is a vast, diverse and fascinating destination that is popular with Singaporeans travelling for holidays, business, studies or relocation. If you’re planning a trip, you might be wondering how to use your Wise card in China to spend Chinese yuan (CNY) conveniently, with transparent fees and the mid-market exchange rate.

So, does Wise work in China for in-store payments? And can you link your Wise card to Alipay or WeChat Pay to pay like a local? Here’s what you need to know.

If you’re still planning your trip, you can start with our guide to travelling to China from Singapore for entry requirements, visas and practical tips.

Can I use Wise in China?

Yes. If you have a Wise account issued in Singapore, you can use it when travelling to China to:

• Spend using your Wise card
• Convert SGD to Chinese yuan (CNY)
• Send money internationally, including to China

Wise uses the mid-market exchange rate, with fees shown upfront. This means no hidden markups when you spend or transfer money overseas. With Wise, you can hold and convert 40+ currencies, including SGD and CNY, all in one account.

There may be some restrictions when sending CNY, depending on factors like the recipient’s status in Mainland China, so it’s worth checking the latest guidance before making a transfer.

Can I use the Wise card in China?

Yes. Both physical and digital Wise cards are accepted anywhere Visa or Mastercard payments are supported.

In practice, your card will work best at:

• International hotels and chains
• Larger retailers and tourist-friendly merchants
• ATMs for cash withdrawals

However, card acceptance in China is still less widespread than in Singapore. For everyday spending, most people rely on mobile wallets instead.

If you’re unfamiliar with how these work, here’s a helpful overview of Alipay and WeChat Pay for Singaporeans.

How to use Wise in China

You can use your Wise card in China in a few different ways:

• Pay in-store where international cards are accepted
• Withdraw cash from ATMs across China when you need local currency
• Connect your card to mobile wallets for QR payments

While tapping your card works in some locations, QR payments are the most common way to pay for daily expenses, from meals to transport.

To get the most seamless experience, it’s worth setting up Alipay or WeChat Pay before or shortly after you arrive.

Using Alipay and WeChat Pay with Wise

Both Alipay and WeChat Pay now support international users, including Singaporeans, making it much easier to pay like a local in China.¹

Once your Wise card is linked, you can:

• Scan QR codes to pay at shops and restaurants
• Pay for services and everyday purchases
• Book transport and other in-app services

If you’re new to these platforms, start with our guide to Alipay and WeChat Pay for Singaporeans. When you’re ready, follow this step-by-step guide to link your Wise card and pay like a local, especially at smaller merchants where cards are less commonly accepted.

Some mobile wallets may apply their own exchange rates or fees. For example, WeChat Pay charges a 3% fee on transactions above CNY 200, while Alipay may use an exchange rate that includes a markup.²

Using your Wise digital card in China

Wise also lets you create digital cards, which can be especially useful when travelling.

With a digital card, you can:

• Pay using your phone
• Link directly to Alipay or WeChat Pay
• Freeze or replace your card instantly if needed

Each digital card has its own details, which adds an extra layer of security without affecting your physical card. This also means you can replace a card instantly if anything looks suspicious, without waiting for a new physical card.

How to order a Wise card in Singapore

Order your Wise card before you travel, so you can spend easily as soon as you arrive. Physical cards are typically delivered within 7 to 14 days, but you can start using a Wise digital card immediately after ordering if you’re in a hurry.

You can order a Wise card in Singapore by following these steps³:

1. Download the Wise app or sign up on the Wise website
2. Create an account using your email, or sign in with Google, Apple, or Facebook
3. Verify your identity using Singpass (Myinfo), or upload your documents manually
4. If you’re using Singpass, your details can be confirmed in about a minute
5. Once verified, add money to your account in SGD
6. Go to the Cards tab and choose a digital or physical card
7. Pay the one-time fee of 8.50 SGD for a physical card (digital cards are free)

Your physical card will be delivered to your registered address, usually within 7 to 14 days. Faster delivery may be available for an additional fee, which can take around 4 days.

Once you’ve ordered your physical card, you can also create and start using digital cards immediately while you wait for it to arrive.

Before you can spend, you’ll need to add money to your Wise balance in the app.

Getting around China: paying for transport

If you’re planning to get around using ride-hailing apps, DiDi is the main ride-hailing app in China.

You can link your payment method and pay directly through the app. Here’s a practical guide on how to use DiDi in China as a foreigner, including setup tips and what to expect.

Before you travel

Before heading to China, it’s a good idea to prepare your balance.

You can:

• Add SGD to your Wise account
• Convert SGD to CNY in advance
• Spend in SGD and let Wise automatically convert at the point of payment

If you hold a CNY balance, payments will be deducted from it first. Otherwise, Wise will automatically convert from your other balances. Either way, you’ll get the mid-market exchange rate, with low, transparent conversion fees from 0.26%.

If you don’t have a Wise card yet, you can order one in the app and start using a digital card straight away.

Summary: Using Wise in China

Wise is a good choice for travel spending, as you can hold a balance in your preferred currency, including SGD and CNY, and spend conveniently when you arrive.

You can pay in several ways:

• Mobile payments through apps like Alipay or WeChat Pay
• Contactless or chip and PIN payments with your Wise card
• ATM withdrawals if you need local cash

With Wise, you can hold and convert 40+ currencies, spend in 150+ countries, and make 2 free ATM withdrawals up to 350 SGD each month before low fees apply.

Order your Wise card in the app before you travel to China to make spending simple and convenient, and to access the mid-market exchange rate while you’re there.

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