Planning a trip to China and wondering if your YouTrip card will work there? You’re not alone.
China’s payment ecosystem is unique, and for first-time travellers, navigating it can feel tricky.
One of the most common questions is: “Can YouTrip be used in China?” Whether it’s paying for meals, transport, or online apps, understanding how to use YouTrip abroad can save you money and stress.
In this guide, we break down card acceptance, mobile payment options, ATM withdrawals, and pro tips to make your China trip smooth and cashless. Let’s dive in and get you payment-ready for China! 🇨🇳
⚡️ TLDR: Can YouTrip Be Used in China?
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can YouTrip be used in China? | ✅ Yes, through linking your YouTrip card to Alipay/WeChat. |
| How to pay in China? | ✅ Mobile wallets, cash, or YouTrip-linked cards. |
| YouTrip China transaction fee | ⚠️ A 3% fee applies to transactions over 200 CNY on Alipay or WeChat Pay (charged by the platform, not YouTrip). |
| Can YouTrip be used at China ATMs? | ✅ Yes, you can withdraw cash at ATMs displaying the Mastercard logo. |
| Best card to use in China | 💳 YouTrip is perfect for Singaporeans who want to score zero FX fees & the best exchange rates. |
📚 Table of Contents:
- Can I Use Cards for Payment in China?
- Can YouTrip be Used in China?
- How to Use The YouTrip Card Overseas
- Comparing Exchange Rates Between Cards
- Travel Tips
- FAQs
Can I Use Cards for Payment in China?

Card acceptance in China can be limited, especially for foreign-issued cards.
- Foreign-issued Visa & Mastercard: Not widely accepted at local shops, markets, restaurants, or public transport. You may have better luck at international chains, upscale hotels, or major attractions.
- UnionPay: The most widely accepted card network in China, though still less common than mobile payments.
- Mobile payments: The preferred method for locals and tourists. Apps like Alipay and WeChat Pay dominate everyday spending, from street stalls to metro tickets, with QR codes everywhere.
💡 Tip: For hassle-free payments, link your card (like YouTrip) to a mobile wallet before your trip.
Can YouTrip be Used in China?

Yes! The YouTrip card is a prepaid Mastercard that may or may not be accepted at merchants in China – but how you use it matters. Here are three ways to use your YouTrip card in China:
- 💳 Pay in stores: Use your YouTrip card directly at merchants displaying the Mastercard logo. Always double-check with the cashier if they accept international cards!
- 📱 Link to mobile wallets: Add your YouTrip card to Alipay or WeChat Pay for seamless cashless payments across China.
- 🏧 ATM withdrawals: Withdraw Chinese Yuan from ATMs that support international cards (look for the Mastercard logo!).
💡Pro tip: Linking YouTrip to Alipay or WeChat Pay lets you enjoy smooth mobile payments and competitive SGD to CNY rates, since these platforms charge based on your card’s exchange rate. For Singaporeans, YouTrip usually gives the best rates with zero FX fees.
⚠️ Note: A 3% fee applies to single transactions above 200 CNY (~S$36) on Alipay or WeChat Pay. This is a platform fee, not a YouTrip fee.
How to Use The YouTrip Card Overseas
Using YouTrip outside Singapore is simple:
- Top up your YouTrip wallet in SGD
- Check the latest SGD to CNY rates using the Mastercard Calculator (set bank fees to “0” — YouTrip charges no FX fees!)
- Link your YouTrip card to Alipay/WeChat Pay for the easiest, most widely accepted way to pay.
- Pay directly with your YouTrip Mastercard where accepted – once linked, just scan and go! Smart Exchange™ auto converts at competitive, real-time rates 🔄
- Withdraw cash if needed from Mastercard-enabled ATMs for physical Yuan.
- Track and manage your spending easily in the YouTrip app.
📓 Step-By-Step Guides:
👉🏻 How To Use Alipay In China
👉🏻 How To Use WeChat Pay in China
Comparing Exchange Rates Between 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* | Fees | SGD charged for 1,000 CNY |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
* Rate taken as of 15 May 2025
🔎 Bottom line: YouTrip offers the best value for Singaporeans, meaning more CNY in your wallet for the same SGD spent. These savings may seem small at a glance, but they 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)
Travel Tips for Using YouTrip in China
- Download apps: Install Alipay, WeChat Pay, and DiDi before flying.
- Link YouTrip early: Set up your card on mobile wallets before arrival.
- Bring backup cash: A small amount of CNY is handy for offline situations.
- Ensure connectivity: Payment apps require a stable internet connection.
- Track spending: Use the YouTrip app for top-ups, currency conversions, and transaction monitoring.
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!
📱 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
We wish you a smooth and fun trip to China 💜
FAQs:
Q1: Can YouTrip be used in China?
Yes, Singaporeans can use YouTrip in China via Mastercard, Alipay, or WeChat Pay.
Q2: Can YouTrip be used in China to pay for things?
Yes, through Alipay and WeChat Pay.
Q3: Can YouTrip be used in China ATMs?
Yes, at ATMs displaying the Mastercard logo.
Q4: Can I link YouTrip to Alipay?
Absolutely. This enables seamless mobile payments across China.
Q5: Can I link YouTrip to WeChat Pay?
Yes, linking YouTrip to WeChat Pay works similarly to Alipay.
Q6: What’s the best payment method in China?
Mobile payments via Alipay or WeChat Pay are the easiest and most widely accepted.
Q7: What’s the best card to use in China?
YouTrip is ideal for Singaporeans, offering competitive rates and no FX fees.
Q8: Which countries accept YouTrip?
YouTrip supports in-app exchange for 12 currencies and is widely accepted in 150+ countries in Asia, Europe, and the US.
Q9: How can Singaporeans pay in China?
Options include mobile wallets, cash (rare), or YouTrip-linked cards.
Q10: YouTrip China transaction fee?
3% for transactions above 200 CNY on Alipay/WeChat Pay, platform fee only.
🇨🇳 China travel guides you may enjoy:
- 20 Best Things To Do In Chengdu
- Ultimate Shenzhen 2025 Travel Guide
- The Ultimate Shanghai Disneyland Guide
- 10 Best Things To Do In Beijing
- 31 Things To Do In Shanghai
- How to Use DiDi in China
- Best SGD to CNY Rate in Singapore
- China Power Plug & Socket Guide







