Planning a trip to China and wondering if your YouTrip card will work there? You’re not alone – China’s unique payment ecosystem can be tricky to navigate, especially for first-time travellers.
One of the most commonly asked questions we get is “Can YouTrip be used in China?”. As one of 2025’s hottest travel destinations, China is on everyone’s radar – and knowing how to navigate payments there can make all the difference to your trip.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know – from card acceptance and mobile payment options to pro tips for using YouTrip in China. Let’s dive in and get you payment-ready for your China adventure! 🇨🇳
All you need to know about using cards (including YouTrip) in China
Can I use cards for payment in China?
In short: card acceptance in China is limited – especially for foreign-issued cards.
- Foreign-issued Visa and Mastercard cards aren’t widely accepted at everyday spots like shops, markets, restaurants, or transport services in China. You might have some luck using your debit or credit cards at international chains, upscale hotels, or major attractions.
- UnionPay cards are the most widely accepted in China, though it’s still less preferred than mobile payments.
- Most locals (and tourists) pay with mobile apps like Alipay and WeChat Pay. QR codes for mobile payments are everywhere, from metro stations to street stalls, making mobile apps the most convenient way to pay.
Can YouTrip be used in China?
The YouTrip card is a prepaid Mastercard that may or may not be accepted at merchants in China. Here are three ways to make use of your YouTrip card in China:
- 💳 Pay directly with your YouTrip card at stores displaying the Mastercard logo (or check with the cashier if they accept international cards)
- 📱 Link your YouTrip card to Alipay or WeChat Pay for effortless mobile payments across China
- 🏧 Withdraw cash from ATMs that support international cards (look out for the Mastercard logo!) with your YouTrip card
💡Pro tip: Add your payment card to your Alipay or WeChat Pay account to enjoy seamless cashless payment in China! Since these platforms do not have an in-app currency exchange, the SGD – CNY rate you’re charged depends on your linked card, so be sure to add a card that offers the best rates and no fees (hint: it’s YouTrip 😉)!
Note: A 3% fee applies to single transactions above 200 CNY (~S$36) when using Alipay or WeChat Pay. This fee is charged by the payment platforms themselves – not by YouTrip. Find out more here.
Can YouTrip be used in China? – helpful guides for you 👇🏻
👉🏻 How To Use WeChat Pay in China
Comparing exchange rates of different cards
Curious how YouTrip’s Chinese Yuan exchange rates stack up against other cards? Here’s a breakdown of how much you’ll be charged when spending 1,000 CNY in China 🇨🇳:
| Payment Method | SGD to CNY rate (as of 15 May 2025) | Fees | SGD charged for 1,000 CNY / RMB |
| YouTrip card | 1 SGD = 5.5707 CNY | $0 | S$179.49 👑 |
| DBS Credit Card | 1 SGD = 5.4883 CNY | up to 3.25% | S$188.12 |
| Wise card | 1 SGD = 5.550 CNY | 0.3% | S$180.72 |
| Revolut card | 1 SGD = 5.5249 CNY | $0 (1% on weekends) | S$181.00 |
🔎 Based on the rate and fee comparisons, YouTrip offers the most favourable CNY rate and the best value for your money (meaning you’ll pay less SGD for the same amount of CNY spent), followed closely by Wise and Revolut.✨ These savings may seem small in a glance, but can add up significantly with big purchases and long trips!
Can YouTrip be used in China? – how to get the best SGD to CNY rates (2025 guide)
Ready for your trip to China?
Paying in China may require a bit of getting used to compared to travelling to other countries, but it’s actually not that complicated! Follow these tips to enjoy smooth, fuss-free payments in China:
- Download essential apps like Alipay, WeChat Pay, and DiDi before you fly. Make sure to complete your account registration and link your YouTrip card in advance.
- Bring a small amount of cash (Chinese Yuan) as backup, just in case.
- Get a local SIM card or activate roaming to ensure stable internet access – most payment apps in China need a live connection to function properly.
- Keep your YouTrip app handy to monitor your spending, top up your wallet, or manage transactions on the go. ✨
We wish you a smooth and fun trip to China!
📱 Maximize your savings for your trip to China with a fee-free card like YouTrip! Download the YouTrip app and sign up with code <YTBLOG5> to get FREE S$5 in your account upon registration 💜
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- Best things to do in Chengdu, China
- Best things to do in Beijing, China
- Fun things to do in Shanghai, China
