Personal QR code not working with a foreign card? Here's why
Quick answer
China has two kinds of payment QR codes. Merchant codes (hotels, malls, restaurants) usually accept foreign cards. Personal codes (street stalls, small shops, homestays, private drivers) fail more often. Test both before you travel, try another card, complete passport verification, and keep WeChat Pay and some cash as backups.
Two kinds of QR codes
| Type | Where you'll see it | With a foreign card |
|---|---|---|
| Personal QR | Street food, small shops, homestays, private drivers | Fails more often |
| Merchant QR | Malls, hotels, restaurants, online platforms | Usually fine |
Personal codes aren't always processed like formal merchant payments. Whether yours works can depend on the code type, your card, your bank and whether your account is verified.
What to do
- Test both kinds before you fly. Our ¥1 payment test has merchant codes. For a personal code, message me and I'll send one privately.
- Try your other card. Different banks give different results.
- Complete passport verification in the app if you haven't.
- Call your bank and ask them to allow the transaction.
- Use the other app. If Alipay fails, try WeChat Pay, and the other way round.
- Pay cash. Keep a few hundred yuan for exactly this. See getting cash in Hainan.
Scan problem or payment problem?
- The code won't scan: show the whole code, avoid glare, allow camera access, or ask for a fresh code.
- It scans but the payment is declined: that's a payment problem. See payment failed: what to check.