How to Use a Vending Machine in China

A practical photo guide for international visitors. Follow these real examples to buy a drink using your phone at a Chinese railway station or other public place.

STEP 1

Find a vending machine

Look for a machine with a touchscreen and drinks or snacks displayed inside.

STEP 2

Browse the products

Tap the touchscreen to browse available items and their prices.

STEP 3

Select your item

This example shows a 500 ml sugar-free Coca-Cola priced at ¥4.50. Check the total before paying.

STEP 4

Check the item in the machine

You can see the products through the glass. The stock and prices may differ from those shown in this example.

STEP 5

Open the payment page

After choosing the item, the machine displays a QR code for payment by Alipay or WeChat Pay.

STEP 6

Open WeChat Scan

In WeChat, tap the + symbol at the top right and select Scan (扫一扫).

STEP 7

Scan the QR code

Point your phone camera at the code on the vending machine screen. The payment page should open.

STEP 8

Review the order

Check the product and amount on your phone, then tap Pay Now (立即支付).

STEP 9

Choose a payment method

This example offers WeChat Pay. Follow the prompts to authorize the payment; do not pay twice.

STEP 10

Collect your drink

Wait for the machine to dispense the product, then collect it from the pickup compartment.

Photographs illustrate a real purchase. Prices, machine interface, available payment options and stock may change. © Chinese Medical Navigator.