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Savings Strategies

Your Quick and Easy China Travel Guide: Payments, Transport and Apps

CIMB ❘ 18 Dec 2025

3 min(s) read

Travelling to China, whether it’s your first visit or a repeat trip to cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, preparation goes a long way in China’s digital-first environment.

This quick guide covers the essentials every traveller needs, focusing on payments, transport, apps, local food and smart planning.

Tip #1

Payments: Cash vs Digital

Digital payments dominate in China, but it’s still important to have both digital and cash options.

✔️ Linking your card to Alipay / WeChat Pay early allows seamless payments at restaurants, shops and even small street vendors.

💡 Pro Tip: You can earn up to 10x Bonus Points or Cashback when you spend in China using your linked CIMB Credit Card/-i on Alipay or WeChat Pay, with no markup fee for transactions under RMB200.

Tap here to learn how to link your CIMB Credit Card/-i

Step 1: Tap “Add Now” and follow the on-page prompts to enter your card details.

Step 2: Enter your bank card number and click “Add”.

Step 3: Fill in the required details, then click “Next Step”.

Step 4: Success! Your CIMB Cards is now linked to Alipay.

Step 5: Begin using Alipay to pay or receive money.

Step 1: Open the “Me” tab & select “Services”

Step 2: Click “Bank Cards” to link your CIMB Cards

Step 3: Select “Add a Bank Card”

Step 4: Fill in the required details

Step 5: Set your 6-digit payment PIN

Step 6: Confirm your 6-digit payment PIN

Learn more

✔️ Carrying a small amount of cash is useful in smaller towns, older establishments or as a backup.

💡 Pro Tip: CIMB TravelCurrency lets you exchange RMB online and pick it up at KLIA, KLIA 2 or Penang International Airport at the lowest* currency rates in town, skipping long queues.

Tip #2

Apps: Digital Tools You Can't Travel Without

Your phone is your lifeline in China.

✔️ Get a local SIM or eSIM

Avoid roaming charges and stay connected with reliable data across cities.

✔️ Must-have apps before arrival

💳📱Alipay / WeChat Pay: Main payment methods

🗺️📍Baidu Maps / Gaode Map: Reliable alternatives to Google Maps

🔐🌐VPN: Access Gmail, Instagram, WhatsApp, and other blocked apps

🚗📲DiDi: Convenient rides in cities

🈶🔤📘Youdao Translate or Baidu Translate: Translation apps for offline use

💡 Pro Tip: Install and test all apps before departure to ensure smooth navigation and payments.

Tip #3

Transport: High Speed Trains and Getting Around

China’s high-speed trains 🚅 are fast, comfortable and often more reliable than domestic flights.

✔️ Book early via 12306 or Ctrip, especially during holidays or weekends.

Trains usually offer better value than flights and predictable pricing, making budget planning easier.

✔️ For shorter distances or urban travel 🚗, Didi (China’s version of Grab/Uber) and metro networks provide convenient and reliable transportation.

💡 Pro Tip: Choose high-speed rail for major city-to-city routes such as Beijing-Shanghai or Chengdu-Chongqing to maximise time and comfort.

Tip #4

Eating and Exploring Like a Local

China is a food lover’s paradise. Each region offers unique flavours:

Beijing: Peking duck and hearty northern-style dishes🥢

Sichuan: Spicy and numbing cuisine🌶️🔥🥵

Guangzhou: Dim sum and delicate seafood specialties 🥟🍤🐟

💡 Pro Tip: Discover hidden gems 💎 using Meituan and Xiaohongshu, and leverage AI trip planners to avoid crowds and optimise your itinerary based on your interests, pace and preferred mode of transportation.

Tip #5

Extra Travel Prep: Language, Health and Seasonal Planning

Language: Learn a few basic Mandarin phrases or use offline translation apps 🗣️🀄📘

Health and Safety: Carry hand sanitizer, bottled water and masks 🧴💧😷

Seasonal Planning: Avoid peak holidays such as Spring Festival and National Day and pack according to northern winters or southern summers 📅❄️☀️🧳

Key Takeaways: Travel Smart and Save Money

Set up apps and payment methods before departure.
Book high-speed trains early to avoid hassle.
Use local apps and AI tools to explore food and hidden gems.
Spend smarter with CIMB-linked payments and CIMB TravelCurrency.

With these tips, you enjoy more of China while staying in control of your finances and time.

*The lowest rates in town offered by CIMB is in comparison against other commercial banks’ and money changer providers’ published rates. Terms and Conditions apply.

All third-party trademarks, products and services belong to their respective owners and are not affiliated with CIMB unless expressly stated.

This article is for informational purposes only and CIMB does not make any representation and warranty as to the accuracy, completeness and fairness of any information contained in this article. As this article is general in nature, it is not intended to address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. You are advised to consult a financial advisor or investment professional before making any decisions based on the information contained in this article. CIMB assumes no liability for any consequences arising from your reliance on the information presented here.

#Savings #Travel #TravelDeals #Travel Budgeting #CIMBDuitMatters

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Your Quick and Easy China Travel Guide: Payments, Transport and Apps

Tip #1

Payments: Cash vs Digital

Tip #2

Apps: Digital Tools You Can't Travel Without

Tip #3

Transport: High Speed Trains and Getting Around

Tip #4

Eating and Exploring Like a Local

Tip #5

Extra Travel Prep: Language, Health and Seasonal Planning

Key Takeaways: Travel Smart and Save Money

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Your Quick and Easy China Travel Guide: Payments, Transport and Apps

Tip #1

Payments: Cash vs Digital

Tip #2

Apps: Digital Tools You Can't Travel Without

Tip #3

Transport: High Speed Trains and Getting Around

Tip #4

Eating and Exploring Like a Local

Tip #5

Extra Travel Prep: Language, Health and Seasonal Planning

Key Takeaways: Travel Smart and Save Money

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