Nihao China
A UnionPay app launched in December 2025 for international visitors, which lets them pay at shops that accept UnionPay, Alipay or WeChat Pay QR codes, ride metros and buses, and pay on major Chinese apps with a foreign card.
About Nihao China
Nihao China is a one-stop app for overseas visitors from UnionPay International, officially launched on 19 December 2025 at the China International Travel Mart. Users can register with an international phone number, email address or Apple account and activate a Tour Wallet by topping up a balance or linking a card. According to UnionPay, it works for online payments on more than 200 platforms, including 12306, Meituan, Ele.me, Ctrip and JD.com, and for in-store QR code payments with UnionPay, Alipay and WeChat Pay. It also covers metro systems in 43 cities and offers Chinese-English translation.
Key Features
- Tour Wallet: Top up with UnionPay, Visa, Mastercard, JCB or Diners Club cards, or link an overseas UnionPay card.
- In-Store Payments: Show your payment code or scan merchant QR codes from UnionPay, Alipay and WeChat Pay.
- Public Transport: Use a QR code to ride the metro in 43 cities and buses in many other places.
- Travel Tools: An English map of ATMs and exchange points, translation and exchange rates for more than 160 currencies.
How to Get Started
- Download Nihao China from your app store using the link on the UnionPay International page.
- Register with your international mobile number, email address or Apple account.
- Activate the Tour Wallet from the home screen by topping up the balance or linking a bank card, and complete the SMS verification.
- Tap Pay or Scan at the checkout, or open Metro/Bus to get a transit code.
The app is new and its features are being rolled out step by step, so some services such as visa help and attraction bookings may not yet be available. Linking a card directly requires a UnionPay card starting with 62 issued outside mainland China; other cards are used to top up the balance. Fees, limits and promotional discounts are not stated on the official page, so check them in the app before you top up.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Does Nihao China work with a foreign bank card in China? Yes — Nihao China accepts foreign-issued cards in China.
Is Nihao China available in English? Yes, Nihao China has an English-language interface.
Do I need a local phone number to use Nihao China? No, an international phone number generally works for Nihao China.
Do I need local ID or residency for Nihao China? No, Nihao China doesn't require local ID or residency for visitors.