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Payment Options in Changsha

For tourists visiting Changsha from overseas, there are several payment options available: bank cards, mobile payments, and cash.

Payment with Bank Cards

If you possess bank cards from UnionPay, VISA, MasterCard, American Express, JCB, or other major providers, you can use them for transactions at various establishments such as airports, hotels, supermarkets, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Look for merchants displaying relevant logos indicating card acceptance. If unsure, feel free to inquire with the cashier about card acceptance.

Cash Payment

For cash transactions, you can exchange your foreign currency into Chinese Renminbi (RMB) through four channels:

  1. Bank Outlets:
    Visit banks displaying “Currency Exchange” signs with your valid personal identification to exchange foreign currency, obtain RMB change, or inquire about exchange rates.

  2. Self-Service Devices:
    Use Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) or Cash Recycling Systems (CRS) bearing logos corresponding to your foreign bank cards to withdraw RMB cash directly. Each transaction is capped at RMB 3,000 (subject to personal card limits).

  3. Authorized Foreign Currency Exchange Agencies:
    Exchange foreign currency cash directly for RMB cash at authorized foreign currency exchange agencies displaying a “Currency Exchange” sign. Each person can exchange up to the equivalent of USD 5,000 cumulatively per day, and the cumulative annual limit for foreign currency exchange is the equivalent of USD 50,000. These agencies are commonly found at airports, ports, and other major transport hubs.

  4. Foreign Currency Exchange Points:
    Commonly found in foreign-related hotels and similar establishments, these points support one-way exchange of foreign currency cash for RMB cash. Each person may exchange up to the equivalent of RMB 10,000 per day, with an annual limit of RMB 50,000.

Mobile Payments

There are three mobile payment methods available:

UnionPay:
Download the UnionPay App and register your account. If registering within China, please ensure that your mobile phone has international roaming enabled to receive the verification SMS, or complete the registration before entering the country.

Alipay:
Download the Alipay App, register an account, and link your overseas bank card issued by a major international card organization to use mobile payment services in China.

WeChat Pay:
Download the WeChat App, register an account, and link your overseas bank card to enjoy convenient mobile payments during your stay in China.

Mobile Communication

Before embarking on your journey to Changsha, it is advisable for foreign visitors to consult with their mobile service providers to enable international roaming and long-distance services. In Hong Kong and Macau, some operators offer Alternate Line Service (ALS), which allows tourists to seamlessly convert to an 11-digit mainland phone number upon arrival in Changsha.

For foreign visitors wishing to obtain a local SIM card in Changsha:

  1. Application Channels:
    Visit the business outlets of China Mobile, China Telecom, or China Unicom.

  2. Valid Documents

    The required valid documents for personal real-name registration of telephone users are as follows:

    (1) Residents from Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan should present their Residence Permit.
    (2) Foreign citizens should provide their passports or permanent resident identity cards. The requirements for checking permanent resident identity cards are equivalent to those for checking resident identity cards.

Applicable Channels for Document Verification

  • China Mobile and China Unicom:
    Residence Permit for Hong Kong and Macau Residents, Residence Permit for Taiwan Residents, passports for foreign citizens, and Permanent Residence Identity Cards for Foreigners are accepted only at self-operated outlets. Actual acceptance may vary depending on the specific situation at the service counter.

  • China Telecom:
    Residence Permit for Hong Kong and Macau Residents, Residence Permit for Taiwan Residents, passports for foreign citizens, Permanent Residence Identity Cards for Foreigners, as well as employer certificates or community certificates, are accepted only at self-operated outlets. Actual acceptance may vary depending on the specific situation at the service counter.