If you are packing your bags for Beijing or Shanghai, you are likely asking one big question: “Will my card work?” The short answer is: Yes, If you are planning on using wise card in china, you need to know this… BUT not how you think. If you try to swipe your physical green card at a street food stall or a taxi stand, you will likely get a confused look and a rejection. To survive financially in China, you need to adapt.
In this guide, we will break down the specific strategy for using wise card in china successfully, saving you from high bank fees and awkward payment failures.
The Hard Truth: Physical Cards vs. Mobile Payments
Here is the reality check: China skipped the credit card era almost entirely. They went straight from cash to digital wallets.
90% of shops, restaurants, and taxis do NOT accept physical Visa or Mastercard.
While your physical Wise card might work at:
- 5-star luxury hotels
- High-end shopping malls (like Apple Stores)
- Some Starbucks locations
It will fail at:
- Convenience stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart)
- Local restaurants
- Subways and buses
- Taxis
To use your Wise funds, you must bridge the gap between your card and China’s digital ecosystem. You need Alipay.
How to Link Wise Card to Alipay (Step-by-Step)
This is the most critical step for your trip. Since Alipay now accepts international cards, you can use your Wise card as the funding source for all your daily scans.
Follow these steps:
- Download Alipay and register with your foreign phone number.
- Tap on “Me” -> “Bank Cards” -> “Add Bank Card”.
- Enter your Wise Visa or Mastercard details.
- Alipay will charge a tiny amount to verify the card (usually refunded instantly).
Important Warning on Fees:
- Transactions under 200 RMB (approx. $28 USD): FREE. No transaction fee from Alipay.
- Transactions over 200 RMB: Alipay charges a 3% service fee.
Strategy: For large purchases, try to split the payment if the merchant allows it, or switch to the Nihao China App (see Plan B below) which may have different fee structures for specific vendors.
Tips for Using Wise Card in China at ATMs ?
Sometimes, you just need cash. While digital payment is king, cash is still useful for emergencies or very rural areas. Your Wise card works as a standard ATM card, but not every machine will accept it.
Stick to these major state banks:
- Bank of China (BOC) – Most reliable for foreign cards.
- ICBC (Industrial and Commercial Bank of China)
- China Construction Bank (CCB)
Avoid: Small regional banks or obscure “Credit Cooperative” ATMs.
Pro Tip: Remember that Wise has a monthly free withdrawal limit (usually 2 withdrawals up to a certain amount, depending on your home region). Check your app before you fly to know your exact limit to avoid unexpected fees.
What If My Wise Card Fails? (Plan B)
Technology can be glitchy. Sometimes Alipay might flag a transaction for security reasons, or the connection might time out. You never want to be stranded without a way to pay.
If Alipay + Wise isn’t working, we highly recommend setting up the Nihao China App as your backup. It is the new official app supported by UnionPay designed specifically for tourists, and it often works for public transport when other methods fail.
Do I Need a VPN to Use Wise App in China?
Yes.
While the card works physically, the Wise App on your phone may be blocked or extremely slow behind the Great Firewall of China.
- Why this matters: If you need to freeze your card, check your PIN, or convert more currency into CNY, you need to access the app.
- The Fix: Install a reliable, paid VPN before you board your plane. Do not wait until you land, as downloading VPN software inside China is difficult.
FAQ Section
Q: Can I send money from Wise to Alipay directly? A: Yes! You can use the “Send” function in the Wise app to transfer money directly to an Alipay ID (using the recipient’s phone number and name). This is different from linking the card; this pushes money into an Alipay balance. It is a great way to send money to a Chinese friend or tour guide.
Q: Is the exchange rate better than the airport? A: Yes, much better. Airport currency exchange kiosks typically have the worst rates and high commissions. Wise uses the mid-market rate (the “real” exchange rate), which is significantly cheaper.
Q: Should I convert money to CNY in the Wise App before I go? A: It is not strictly necessary. If you hold USD/GBP/EUR, Wise will auto-convert it at the moment of the transaction. However, converting a lump sum to CNY ahead of time can be smart if you want to lock in a good exchange rate.