How to Pay Highway Tolls in China (ETC/WeChat/Alipay) 2026

China’s highways use toll systems requiring payment via ETC (electronic), mobile payment (WeChat/Alipay), or cash. For foreigners, the most practical options are WeChat Pay, Alipay, or cash at manual lanes – ETC requires Chinese bank account and vehicle registration. Tolls cost approximately ¥0.4-0.6 per kilometer, adding up to ¥200-800 for typical intercity drives. This guide explains all payment methods, which lanes to use, how to avoid mistakes, and practical solutions for foreigners without Chinese payment apps.

This guide provides complete information for DIY toll payment. We also offer rental booking services that include prepaid toll packages and payment assistance for those who prefer simplified travel logistics.

Understanding China’s Toll System

How Tolls Work in China

China operates one of the world’s most extensive toll highway networks. Nearly all expressways (高速公路, gaosugonglu) and many inter-city highways charge tolls based on distance traveled and vehicle type.

Key characteristics:

• Entry/Exit system: You receive a ticket or card when entering, pay based on actual distance when exiting
• Distance-based pricing: ¥0.4-0.6 per km for passenger cars (varies by province and road quality)
• Vehicle classification: 5 classes – passenger cars = Class 1 (cheapest rate)
• No flat fees: Unlike some countries, tolls are proportional to distance driven
• Payment at exit: You pay when leaving highway, not when entering

Typical Toll Costs (Passenger Cars)

Additional costs to budget:

• Bridge/tunnel tolls: Major bridges (e.g., Hangzhou Bay Bridge ¥80) charge separately
• Urban expressway tolls: Some cities charge tolls for ring roads (¥5-15 per entry)
• Peak hour surcharges: Rare but some routes charge 10-20% more during holidays

The Three Lane Types at Toll Plazas

When approaching a toll plaza (收费站, shoufeizhan), you’ll see three types of lanes marked with overhead signs:

Critical for foreigners: Always use Manual Lanes (人工收费). Do NOT enter ETC-only lanes – your vehicle lacks the transponder, causing lane blockage and potential fines.

Payment Method #1: ETC (Electronic Toll Collection)

What is ETC?

ETC (电子不停车收费系统) is an electronic toll collection system using RFID transponders mounted on windshields. Vehicles pass through ETC lanes at 20-40 km/h without stopping, and tolls are automatically deducted from linked accounts.

Advantages:

• ✅ No stopping at toll booths (drive through at reduced speed)
• ✅ 5% discount on tolls nationwide
• ✅ Faster travel (no queuing at busy plazas)
• ✅ Monthly billing (pay later, not upfront)

Can Foreigners Get ETC?

Technically yes, but highly impractical for most foreigners.

Requirements for ETC:

• ❌ Chinese vehicle registration (车辆登记证) – not available for rental cars
• ❌ Chinese bank account with debit card
• ❌ Chinese phone number for account registration
• ❌ Vehicle ownership or long-term lease proof
• ❌ Installation appointment at designated service centers

Why it doesn’t work for most foreigners:

1. Rental cars: Rental companies don’t offer ETC to customers (liability and billing complexity)
2. Installation required: Transponder must be professionally installed and linked to specific vehicle and plate
3. Chinese bank requirement: International credit cards cannot be linked to ETC
4. Setup time: Takes 3-7 days for application, installation, and activation

Who can get ETC: Long-term expats who own or lease vehicles in China, have Chinese bank accounts, and plan to drive frequently over many months/years.

For everyone else: Use manual payment methods (WeChat Pay, Alipay, or cash) – covered in next sections.

Payment Method #2: Mobile Payment (WeChat Pay / Alipay)

Why Mobile Payment is Best for Foreigners

WeChat Pay and Alipay are the most convenient toll payment methods for foreigners without ETC. They work at 95%+ of manual toll lanes and are faster than cash.

Advantages:

• ✅ Accepted at virtually all manual lanes
• ✅ No need to carry large amounts of cash
• ✅ Faster than cash payment (scan QR, confirm, done)
• ✅ Transaction records saved in app (useful for rental car deposit reconciliation)
• ✅ Can link international credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) for top-ups

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Requires setup before trip (can’t set up at toll booth)
• ❌ Needs Chinese phone number for full functionality (workarounds exist)
• ❌ Small learning curve for first-time users

How to Set Up WeChat Pay or Alipay for Tolls

Option A: WeChat Pay Setup

1. Download WeChat app (微信) from app store
2. Create account (can use international phone number)
3. Navigate to Me → Services → Wallet
4. Select “Add Payment Method”
5. Choose “International Card” and add Visa/Mastercard
6. Complete verification (may require passport photo upload)
7. Top up wallet (¥500-1,000 recommended for highway trip)

Option B: Alipay Setup

1. Download Alipay app (支付宝) from app store
2. Create account with international phone number or email
3. Go to Me → Settings → Payment Settings
4. Add “International Credit Card” (Visa/Mastercard)
5. Verify identity (passport scan required)
6. Load funds into balance (¥500-1,000 for highway travel)

Important: Set these up 2-3 days before your trip. Verification can take 24-48 hours. Don’t wait until you’re at a toll booth.

Using Mobile Payment at Toll Booths

Step-by-step process:

1. Enter manual lane (人工收费) – look for attendant in booth
2. Stop at window and roll down window
3. Hand entry ticket/card to attendant (if you received one at highway entrance)
4. Attendant calculates toll and displays amount on screen
5. Say “微信” (WeChat) or “支付宝” (Alipay) to indicate payment method
6. Attendant presents QR code (either on screen or handheld device)
7. Open WeChat or Alipay app → Scan → Scan attendant’s QR code
8. Confirm payment amount and complete transaction
9. Gate opens – drive through

Timing: Entire process takes 30-60 seconds once you’ve done it a few times.

Troubleshooting common issues:

• QR code won’t scan: Adjust phone camera distance/angle, increase screen brightness
• Insufficient balance: Tell attendant “等一下” (wait a moment), top up balance in app, try again
• Payment fails: Have cash backup ready, or try other app (WeChat if Alipay fails, vice versa)
• Attendant doesn’t understand: Point to WeChat/Alipay logo on your phone, gesture scanning motion

Payment Method #3: Cash

When Cash is Necessary

Despite China being heavily digital, cash remains a reliable fallback for toll payment:

• ✅ Accepted at 100% of manual toll lanes
• ✅ No setup required
• ✅ No dependency on phone battery or network signal
• ✅ Works when mobile payment fails

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Slower than mobile payment (attendant must make change)
• ❌ Need to carry ¥500-1,000+ for long trips
• ❌ No transaction record (can’t prove toll payment if rental car disputes arise)

How Much Cash to Carry

Trip length-based recommendations:

Denomination tips:

• Carry mostly ¥20, ¥50, ¥100 notes (easier for attendants to make change)
• Avoid giving ¥100 notes for small tolls (¥10-20) early in the day – attendants may lack change
• Keep cash separate from wallet in car for quick access

Using Cash at Toll Booths

1. Enter manual lane (人工收费)
2. Hand ticket/card to attendant
3. Attendant shows toll amount on screen
4. Give cash – hand bills to attendant
5. Receive change (if applicable) and receipt
6. Drive through when gate opens

Keep receipts: Some rental companies require toll receipts to verify pre-charged toll estimates. Without receipts, they may not refund excess toll deposits.

Payment Method #4: Chinese Bank Cards

If you have a Chinese bank account (UnionPay debit card), you can use it at toll booths.

Process:

1. Enter manual lane
2. Tell attendant “银行卡” (yínháng kǎ, bank card)
3. Attendant provides card reader
4. Insert UnionPay card, enter PIN
5. Transaction completes, gate opens

Important: International credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) are NOT accepted directly at toll booths. Only Chinese bank cards (UnionPay) work via card reader. International cards must be used through WeChat Pay/Alipay.

Navigating Toll Plazas: Step-by-Step Guide

Entering the Highway (Entry Toll Plaza)

Step 1: Choose correct lane at entry

• Look for “入口” (entrance) signs
• If you have ETC, use ETC lanes
• If no ETC, use manual lanes or mixed lanes
• Most modern plazas issue electronic cards (no physical ticket) – just note your entry point

Step 2: Receive entry documentation

• Option A: Physical paper ticket showing entry point, time, date
• Option B: Electronic card (CPC card) – return this at exit
• Option C: Nothing (gantry system records plate number electronically)

Important: If you receive a physical ticket or card, DO NOT LOSE IT. Losing it results in charging you the maximum possible toll for the highway (entire length).

Step 3: Drive onto highway

• Gate lifts automatically
• Accelerate and merge into highway traffic
• Keep ticket/card safe if received

Exiting the Highway (Exit Toll Plaza)

Step 1: Watch for exit toll plaza signs (2-5 km ahead)

• “收费站前方” (toll plaza ahead)
• “ETC车道” vs “人工车道” lane markers
• Start slowing down to 40-60 km/h

Step 2: Choose correct lane type

• If you have ETC: Use ETC lanes (far left usually), slow to 20-40 km/h, drive through
• If paying manually: Use “人工收费” or “MTC” lanes (middle and right lanes typically)
• Avoid ETC-only lanes if you lack transponder

Step 3: Queue and approach booth

• Follow vehicle ahead, maintain 5-10m distance
• Prepare payment method (open WeChat/Alipay app, or have cash ready)
• Stop when red light shows, proceed when green

Step 4: Pay toll

• Roll down driver’s window
• Hand ticket/card to attendant (if you received one)
• Attendant calculates and displays toll
• Pay via mobile payment or cash (methods described above)
• Collect receipt if needed

Step 5: Exit

• Gate lifts after payment confirmation
• Drive through and merge onto exit road
• Done!

Average time: 1-3 minutes from entering queue to exiting gate, depending on traffic and payment speed.

Common Mistakes Foreigners Make (And How to Avoid Them)

Mistake #1: Entering ETC-Only Lane Without Transponder

Problem: Gate won’t open, you’re stuck, causing traffic backup and potentially fined.

Solution:

• Always read overhead signs carefully
• If sign says “ETC专用道” (ETC only), don’t enter
• Look for “人工收费” (manual payment) or “MTC” lanes
• If accidentally in ETC lane, turn on hazard lights, back up slowly (if safe), or wait for attendant assistance

Mistake #2: Losing Entry Ticket/Card

Problem: Can’t prove where you entered. Toll plaza charges maximum possible toll (entire highway length).

Example: You enter at km 50, exit at km 200 (150 km driven). But you lost ticket. They charge you for km 0 to km 200 (200 km), costing ¥120 instead of ¥70.

Solution:

• Immediately place ticket/card in cup holder or dashboard slot when entering
• Don’t put in pockets, bags, or glove compartment where it can be forgotten
• If you lose it, tell attendant entry location – they may show leniency (不一定, depends on attendant)

Mistake #3: Not Having Backup Payment Method

Problem: WeChat Pay fails (poor signal, insufficient balance), no cash, long delay ensues.

Solution:

• Always carry ¥200-500 cash as backup
• Have both WeChat Pay AND Alipay set up (if one fails, try the other)
• Check app balance before starting trip
• Ensure phone is charged (bring car charger)

Mistake #4: Driving Through ETC Lane at Full Speed

Problem: Even with ETC transponder, driving >60 km/h can cause system failure to read, resulting in gate not opening and potential accident.

Solution:

• Slow to 20-40 km/h in ETC lanes
• Watch for brake lights of vehicle ahead
• Be prepared to stop if gate doesn’t lift

Mistake #5: Not Understanding “No Toll” Sections

Problem: Some highway segments are toll-free (often around major cities). You pass through without stopping, then encounter toll at next section, causing confusion.

Example: Beijing’s 5th Ring Road is toll-free. But connecting expressways charge tolls. You might drive 30 minutes toll-free, then suddenly hit toll booth.

Solution:

• Use navigation apps (Baidu Maps, Gaode Maps) – they show toll locations and estimated costs
• Just because you didn’t pay toll for first section doesn’t mean subsequent sections are free

Mistake #6: Ignoring Lane Closures and Redirects

Problem: During peak times (holidays, weekends), certain lanes close or redirect to different payment types. Following GPS blindly can lead you to closed lane.

Solution:

• Watch for orange cones, “X” signs, or attendants directing traffic
• Be ready to change lanes even if you planned for specific lane
• Peak periods (Chinese New Year, Golden Week Oct 1-7) have special lane configurations

Toll-Related Apps and Tools

Navigation Apps with Toll Information

Baidu Maps (百度地图)

• ✅ Shows estimated toll costs before you start driving
• ✅ Warns of upcoming toll plazas
• ✅ Provides alternative toll-free routes
• ✅ Available in English (limited functionality)

Gaode Maps (高德地图)

• ✅ Real-time toll cost updates
• ✅ ETC lane notifications
• ✅ Traffic jam warnings at toll plazas
• ❌ Chinese language only

How to use:

1. Enter destination in navigation app
2. App shows route with toll estimate (e.g., “过路费约 ¥120”)
3. During navigation, app alerts you 2 km before toll plazas
4. App voice announces toll amount after calculation

Toll Calculation Tools

Online tools:

• www.expressway-toll.com/china – English language toll calculator
• Use: Enter start/end city, get estimated toll + distance + time

WeChat Mini Programs:

• Search “高速费用计算” in WeChat mini programs
• Multiple calculator options available
• Input route, vehicle type, get precise toll estimate

Special Situations and Edge Cases

What If You Run Out of Cash and Mobile Payment Fails?

Options:

1. Borrow from passenger: If traveling with others, combine cash
2. Ask another driver: Chinese drivers are often helpful – ask vehicle behind you (gesture for help, offer mobile transfer reimbursement later)
3. Attendant temporary credit: Some attendants allow you to proceed and pay later (rare, requires Chinese phone number for follow-up)
4. Leave collateral: Extreme last resort – leave ID or valuable item, return to pay (very unusual)

Prevention: Always have backup payment. Carry ¥300-500 cash minimum, even if you plan to use mobile payment.

Toll Booths During Peak Traffic (Holidays)

During Chinese New Year, Golden Week (Oct 1-7), and other holidays:

• Wait times: 30-90 minutes at major toll plazas (vs usual 2-5 minutes)
• Free toll policy: Some holidays offer toll-free travel for passenger cars (announced by government)
• Temporary lanes: Extra manual lanes open, ETC lanes may convert to manual
• Service areas: Parking extremely difficult, plan bathroom breaks accordingly

Strategy: Avoid driving during first/last days of major holidays if possible. Check government announcements for toll-free periods.

Toll Disputes and Overcharges

If you believe toll amount is incorrect:

1. Don’t argue at booth (causes traffic backup)
2. Pay the displayed amount
3. Request detailed receipt (明细发票, mingxi fapiao)
4. Note toll plaza name and lane number
5. File complaint via 12328 hotline (national transport complaint line) or provincial expressway website
6. Provide: plate number, receipt, entry/exit locations, timestamp

Common overcharge causes:

• System error (rare but happens)
• Wrong vehicle classification (you’re charged for truck instead of car)
• Lost ticket resulting in maximum toll charge

Refund process: If complaint is valid, refund processed to original payment method within 7-30 days.

Rental Car Considerations

How Rental Companies Handle Tolls

Option 1: You pay directly (most common)

• You use cash, WeChat, or Alipay at toll booths
• Keep all receipts
• Rental company doesn’t get involved
• Simplest approach

Option 2: Rental company pre-charges estimate

• Company estimates toll cost based on planned route
• Charges estimate to your deposit (e.g., ¥500 for Beijing-Tianjin trip)
• You still pay tolls normally
• After return, reconcile: excess estimate refunded, or you pay difference
• Important: Keep ALL toll receipts to prove actual costs

Option 3: Rental company’s ETC (rare)

• A few companies offer cars with ETC transponders
• You use ETC lanes, company bills you later
• Usually 5-10% service fee on top of toll
• Not common for foreign renters

Best practice: Clarify toll payment method at rental counter. Ask if they pre-charge estimates (if yes, confirm refund process and receipt requirements).

Toll Violations in Rental Cars

What counts as toll violation:

• Driving through ETC lane without transponder (gate doesn’t open)
• Driving through toll plaza without paying (running barrier)
• Using fake/altered toll tickets

Consequences:

• ¥200-2,000 fine
• Recorded against rental car’s plate number
• Rental company deducts fine from your deposit + admin fee (¥50-100)
• Notification sent to you 2-4 weeks after rental (sometimes after you’ve left China)

Avoidance: Simply use correct lanes and pay all tolls. Violations are almost always accidental (wrong lane, confusion), not intentional evasion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use international credit cards directly at toll booths?

No. Toll booths only accept Chinese bank cards (UnionPay) via card reader. International credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) must be used through WeChat Pay or Alipay – you cannot swipe/insert them directly at toll plazas.

How do I know which lane to use if signs are in Chinese?

Look for these characters: “人工收费” (manual payment – safe for foreigners) or “MTC” (manual toll collection). Avoid lanes marked “ETC专用道” (ETC only). When in doubt, follow trucks – they almost always use manual lanes.

What if I accidentally enter an ETC lane?

Turn on hazard lights immediately. If safe, slowly back up and switch lanes (look for attendant directing you). If gate is close and backing up unsafe, wait – an attendant will come to assist (may take 2-5 minutes). Don’t force through or damage gate.

Are tolls cheaper with ETC?

Yes, ETC offers 5% discount nationwide. However, for foreigners, the setup hassle (Chinese bank account, vehicle registration) outweighs the savings unless you drive very frequently over many months.

Can I avoid tolls by taking alternative routes?

Yes, navigation apps show toll-free alternatives (usually regular highways or provincial roads). However, toll-free routes are significantly slower – a 3-hour expressway trip might take 5-7 hours on free roads. Only practical if you’re on tight budget or enjoy scenic drives.

Do I need to tip toll attendants?

No. Tipping is not customary in China, including at toll booths. Just pay the exact toll amount – no tip expected or needed.

What if toll booth only accepts cash and I only have WeChat Pay?

Extremely rare – 95%+ of manual lanes accept mobile payment. If it happens: ask attendant to check (sometimes they have reader but didn’t offer), or request to change lanes to one that accepts mobile payment. Last resort: borrow cash from another driver and repay via WeChat transfer.

How long do toll receipts need to be kept for rental car purposes?

Keep until deposit is fully refunded and no disputes exist (typically 30-45 days after rental). Some rental companies require receipts to verify toll expenses if they pre-charged estimates. Without receipts, they may not refund excess.

Summary: Toll Payment Action Plan for Foreigners

Before your trip (2-3 days ahead):

1. Set up WeChat Pay or Alipay (or both)
2. Top up balance: ¥500-1,000 depending on trip distance
3. Withdraw ¥300-800 cash as backup
4. Download Baidu Maps or Gaode Maps for toll warnings

On the road:

1. Watch for “收费站” (toll plaza) signs ahead
2. Choose “人工收费” (manual) lanes – avoid “ETC专用道”
3. Keep entry ticket/card safe if received
4. Pay via WeChat/Alipay (preferred) or cash
5. Save receipts if using rental car with toll pre-charges

Payment method priority:

1. First choice: WeChat Pay or Alipay (fastest, most convenient)
2. Backup: Cash (always works, universally accepted)
3. Not recommended for foreigners: ETC (setup impractical unless long-term resident with vehicle)

Toll payment in China is straightforward once you understand the system. The key is preparation: set up mobile payment apps before you travel, carry backup cash, and always use manual lanes. Following this guide, you’ll navigate toll plazas smoothly and avoid the common mistakes that trip up first-time foreign drivers in China.

For those who prefer not to handle payment logistics or want bundled toll packages, our rental booking service can arrange prepaid toll solutions and provide ongoing payment support throughout your journey. Whether you choose DIY or assisted travel, understanding China’s toll system ensures smooth, stress-free highway driving.