China Trip

China Payment Guide: How to Pay in China

China is nearly cashless — Alipay and WeChat Pay are accepted almost everywhere. As a foreign visitor you can use both — no Chinese bank account needed. Set them up before you arrive and almost every shop, restaurant, taxi and metro gate accepts you.

The short answer: Download Alipay (and WeChat Pay), verify your passport, add your Visa or Mastercard, and scan QR codes everywhere. Carry ¥500–1000 cash as backup.

Alipay for Foreigners

Set up steps for Alipay with a foreign passport and card — about 10 minutes, do it at home on WiFi.

  1. 1.Download Alipay from the App Store or Google Play.
  2. 2.Register with your home phone number.
  3. 3.Verify your identity with your passport — required to add an international card.
  4. 4.Add your Visa, Mastercard or Amex: Alipay → Payments → Add Card.
  5. 5.Pay by scanning the merchant QR code, or show your own payment code.

WeChat Pay for Foreigners

WeChat Pay also accepts foreign cards — the setup is very similar.

  1. 1.Install WeChat and register with your home phone number.
  2. 2.Open Me → Services → Wallet → Cards to add your Visa, Mastercard or Amex.
  3. 3.Verify your identity with your passport when prompted.
  4. 4.Pay by scanning QR codes in shops, restaurants and taxis.

WeChat Pay works with foreign cards in most places, though a few merchants may decline them — Alipay is generally the more reliable choice for tourists.

Alipay vs WeChat Pay

Which one should you install?

  1. 1.Alipay — the most reliable for foreign cards, plus Didi ride-hailing and the metro ride code.
  2. 2.WeChat Pay — best if you already use WeChat to talk with friends in China; slightly less consistent with foreign cards.

Cash & ATMs

Cash is still your safety net.

  1. 1.Keep some cash as a backup (¥500–1000). Small vendors and taxis sometimes only take cash.
  2. 2.ATMs at major banks accept foreign cards; look for machines with Visa/Mastercard logos.
  3. 3.Never accept torn or heavily worn banknotes — and pay by QR code where possible to avoid counterfeit bills.

Common Issues & Tips

  1. 1.Identity verification can fail with a foreign passport — retry later, or contact Alipay support (the app has an English option).
  2. 2.Foreign cards may have daily spending limits — check with your bank before big purchases.
  3. 3.Install and verify both apps at home on WiFi, where receiving the SMS code is easier and cheaper.
  4. 4.Set this up BEFORE you arrive if you can — you’ll need the app installed and your foreign phone verified.

Payment FAQ

China runs on mobile payments. Set up Alipay and WeChat Pay before you arrive, link your Visa, Mastercard or Amex card, and pay by scanning QR codes. Keep a little cash as backup.

Yes. Download Alipay, register with your home phone number, verify your identity with your passport, add a Visa, Mastercard or Amex card — then pay everywhere by QR code.

Yes, WeChat Pay accepts Visa, Mastercard and Amex from overseas. It works in most shops, though Alipay is generally the more reliable choice for foreign cards.

Yes, but you will rarely need it. Keep ¥500–1000 in cash for small vendors and taxis that only take cash or cannot give change.

Need the full pre-trip checklist?

The Before You Go guide covers the rest — Didi and the metro, eSIM and VPN, essential apps, and visa entry.

Before You Go →