Patient guide
Paying in China as a foreign patient
China is largely cashless, and the systems are built for local users. With a little setup, international visitors can pay, but cards are not accepted everywhere.
WeChat Pay and Alipay
Both apps now allow visitors to link an international card, including major card networks such as Visa and Mastercard. They are used in shops, taxis, pharmacies and restaurants. Some hospitals also accept them, but many hospital counters and machines are built around Chinese ID cards and local bank cards.
Rules, limits and fees can change. Check the app for current limits and any card fees. A foreign card may be declined for security reasons, so tell your bank about your trip.
Setting up before you fly
Download the apps
Install WeChat and Alipay from your usual app store, and register with your phone number.
Verify your identity
Follow the in-app steps to confirm your name and passport, if asked.
Link a card
Add your international credit or debit card. Try a small payment to test it.
Keep a backup
Carry a second card, some cash, and your bank's emergency number.
Hospital deposits and bills
Chinese public hospitals usually ask for a deposit at admission and for top-ups as costs build. Large payments may need a bank card at the cashier or a bank transfer. Daily card limits at home can block a large payment, so ask your bank to raise limits for your trip.
Ask which payment methods the hospital accepts, how unused deposit is returned, and whether the return goes to the original card or in cash. Our team can go with you to the cashier and interpret.
If a payment fails
Stay calm and tell your coordinator or the hospital cashier. Try a second card, a different app or cash. Do not leave a bill unpaid without speaking to the hospital, because treatment steps may depend on the deposit.
Keep your phone charged and carry a power bank. Many payments, including taxis and pharmacies, depend on the phone working.
Everyday payment tips
- Carry some cash in yuan for small shops and places that do not take cards
- Do not rely on one card or one app
- Foreign cards are not accepted everywhere, even in large cities
- Keep receipts for hospital charges, medicines and travel
- Ask for an itemized list of charges before you pay a large bill
Receipts (fapiao) and insurance
An official receipt or invoice in China is called a fapiao (发票). Ask for itemized receipts and a discharge bill that lists each service. Insurers and tax authorities usually need the payee's name, the date, the patient's name and what the money was for.
Keep the originals and take photos. Ask for English summaries or have key documents translated, since an insurer may ask for them.
Canadian tax
The Canada Revenue Agency says medical services received outside Canada can often be claimed under the medical expense tax credit. It also covers some travel costs when conditions are met, and requires receipts that show who was paid. Eligibility depends on your situation.
This is not tax advice. Ask an accountant or the CRA what you can claim, and keep every receipt.
Provincial health plans and travel insurance usually do not pay for planned treatment abroad. Ask your insurer in writing before you commit.
Related pages
Sources: Canada Revenue Agency, Lines 33099 and 33199 Eligible medical expenses · Canada Revenue Agency, RC4065 Medical expenses · Government of Canada, Trip interruption and travel health insurance
Last reviewed: 12 November 2026. This page is general information, not medical advice.
Sino Health Link is an independent coordination service, not a hospital. We do not diagnose, prescribe or treat. Licensed doctors make all medical recommendations and decisions with you.