🇲🇾 How to Pay in China as a Malaysian (2025 Edition)
For a complete overview of all payment options in China, please read our Ultimate Guide to Paying in China.
Quick Summary
- ✅ Link your Malaysian Visa/Mastercard to WeChat Pay International for QR everywhere.
- 💙 Use Touch 'n Go eWallet via Alipay+ in Shanghai, Hangzhou & Shenzhen.
- 💳 Carry a UnionPay QuickPass-enabled card (e.g. UOB PRVI Miles Visa) as mall backup.
- 💵 Keep about ¥200 cash for taxis and rural stalls.
1. Set Up WeChat Pay International (10 min)
- Install WeChat → Region "Malaysia".
- Navigate to Me → Services → Wallet → "Cards" → add your Maybank/CIMB Visa/Mastercard.
- Submit passport photo + selfie for eKYC — approval is typically instant.
- WeChat auto-switches to CNY the moment your phone hits a mainland network.
Fees: 3% payment fee + mid-market FX ≈ 2%.
2. Touch 'n Go eWallet & Alipay+ Beta
Since Oct 2024, TNG eWallet joined Alipay+. Enable it in the app and you can scan blue "Alipay+" QR codes in most chain cafés and convenience stores:
- No fee for purchases ≤ ¥200; larger amounts cost ~1% FX + 1% service.
- Not yet accepted on Didi or peer-to-peer transfers — keep WeChat handy.
3. UnionPay QuickPass NFC Backup
| Card | POS Acceptance | FX Spread |
|---|---|---|
| UOB PRVI Miles Visa | ✔ Malls, Starbucks, Uniqlo | ≈2.5% |
| Maybank Shopee Visa | ⚠️ Occasional declines | ≈2.5% |
4. Cash & Rural Backup
- Exchange at Bank of China counters on arrival.
- Small notes needed for certain public toilets and night-market stalls.
5. Traveller Q&A
Touch 'n Go on Didi?
No — TNG works only for merchant QR at present.
Chinese SIM required?
Your Malaysian +60 number receives WeChat OTP fine. If blocked, grab a free China Unicom eSIM at major airports.
6. Cost Snapshot
| Method | ≤¥200 | >¥200 |
|---|---|---|
| WeChat Pay Intl. | 3% | 3% |
| TNG Alipay+ | 0% | ≈1% FX + 1% |
| UnionPay NFC | ≈2.5% | ≈2.5% |
Helpful Walk‑Through Video
Short demo by a KL vlogger (YouTube, 4 min):