💳️ Why Mobile Payments Dominate China
China has leapfrogged credit cards and cash directly into a mobile payment society. Today, over 90% of all transactions in China happen via two apps: Alipay (支付宝) and WeChat Pay (微信支付). From street food vendors and taxi drivers to high-end department stores and hospitals — if you don't have these apps set up, you will struggle to pay for anything beyond international hotels.
The good news: as of 2023–2026, both Alipay and WeChat Pay now accept international credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, JCB, Discover). You no longer need a Chinese bank account to use them. This guide covers everything you need to know to set them up before you arrive.
💡 Key Insight: Even if you plan to use cash, carry a small amount of RMB (¥200–¥500) at all times. Some small vendors, rural areas, and older establishments still prefer cash or simply can't process foreign cards.
🟢 Alipay (支付宝) — Full Setup Guide
Alipay is the most widely accepted mobile payment app in China. Setting it up with an international card takes about 10 minutes.
Download & Register
Download Alipay (International Version) from the App Store or Google Play (search "Alipay"). Open the app and tap "Sign Up". Enter your international phone number (you'll receive an SMS verification code). Follow the prompts to set a login password and a 6-digit payment password (you'll need this every time you pay).
Add an International Card
Tap "Me" → "Bank Cards" → "Add a Bank Card". Enter your Visa, Mastercard, American Express, JCB, or Discover card details. Alipay will verify your card via a small temporary charge (typically $1–$2 USD, refunded within 7 days). Once verified, your card is linked and ready to use.
Set Up Face ID / Fingerprint (Recommended)
For faster checkout, enable Face ID or Fingerprint verification: Go to "Me" → "Settings" → "Security Center". This lets you pay by simply scanning a QR code and confirming with your face or fingerprint — no need to type your 6-digit password each time.
Enable "TourPass" (For Foreign Cards)
Alipay's TourPass feature is specifically designed for foreign card holders. It acts as a prepaid wallet: you top it up from your international card, and then spend from the TourPass balance. This avoids the 3% foreign transaction fee that applies when paying directly from your card. To enable: search "TourPass" in the Alipay search bar, follow the prompts, and top up at least ¥100 RMB ($14 USD).
✅ Alipay Pro Tip: The Alipay international version now has an English interface. If your app is in Chinese, tap "Me" → "Settings" → "General" → "Language" and switch to English.
💚 WeChat Pay (微信支付) — Full Setup Guide
WeChat is China's "super app" — it combines messaging, social media, and payments. WeChat Pay is accepted almost everywhere Alipay is.
Download WeChat & Register
Download WeChat from the App Store or Google Play. Sign up with your international phone number. Note: WeChat requires friend verification for new accounts (a security measure). If you don't have existing WeChat users as friends, this can be tricky — consider setting up WeChat before you leave home and ask a friend who uses WeChat to help verify your account.
Enable WeChat Pay
Tap "Me" → "Services" → "WeChat Pay". Follow the prompts to add a Visa, Mastercard, or Amex card. WeChat Pay will verify your card with a small temporary charge. Once linked, you can use WeChat Pay at any merchant that displays a WeChat Pay QR code.
Set a Payment Password
WeChat Pay requires a 6-digit payment password for all transactions. Set this up in "Me" → "Services" → "WeChat Pay" → "Payment Password". You'll enter this password (or use Face ID / Fingerprint) every time you make a payment.
⚠️ WeChat Note: WeChat's interface is more complex than Alipay's, and some features may be locked if your account is new. For most tourists, Alipay is the easier choice for day-to-day payments. Use WeChat Pay as a backup.
🛒 How to Pay In-Person (Step by Step)
Once your app is set up, paying is simple. Here's how it works in different scenarios.
📱 Scenario 1: Merchant Scans YOU (Most Common)
- The merchant shows you their QR code (printed or on a screen).
- Open Alipay/WeChat → tap "Scan" (扫描二维码).
- Scan the merchant's QR code.
- Enter the amount (if not pre-filled) → tap "Pay".
- Enter your 6-digit password or use Face ID.
- Show the "Payment Successful" screen to the merchant.
🖥️ Scenario 2: YOU Scan the Merchant's Code
- Open Alipay/WeChat → tap "Pay/Receive" (收付款).
- Your personal QR code appears on screen.
- The merchant scans your code with their device.
- You'll receive a payment notification — confirm the amount.
- Done! No password needed for small amounts (under ¥500).
💻 Scenario 3: Online / In-App Payments
- When checking out on Chinese websites/apps, select "Alipay" or "WeChat Pay".
- You'll be redirected to the app to confirm payment.
- Enter password or use biometric verification.
- Payment confirmed — return to the merchant app.
🍜 Scenario 4: Street Food & Small Vendors
- Ask: "Kěyǐ yòng Alipay ma?" (可以用支付宝吗？) — "Can I use Alipay?"
- If yes, scan their QR code or show yours.
- Most street vendors prefer scanning your code (faster for them).
- No internet? Ask if they take cash as backup.
💰 Fees, Limits & Currency Exchange
| Item | Alipay | WeChat Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign Card Fee | 3% per transaction | 3% per transaction |
| Single Transaction Limit | ¥5,000 RMB | ¥5,000 RMB |
| Monthly Limit (Foreign Card) | ¥50,000 RMB | ¥50,000 RMB |
| Exchange Rate | Set by card network (Visa/MC) | Set by card network |
| TourPass Top-Up Fee | No fee (better rate than direct pay) | N/A |
💡 Money-Saving Tip: To avoid the 3% foreign card fee, top up Alipay's TourPass wallet (you'll still pay a small exchange rate margin, but no 3% fee per transaction). Alternatively, withdraw cash from an ATM in China and use cash for small purchases.
🚕 Beyond Payments: DiDi & Other Essential Apps
Once you have Alipay or WeChat set up, you can access many other services inside these apps.
🚕 DiDi (Chinese Uber)
Book taxis directly inside Alipay (search "DiDi" in the app) or use the standalone DiDi app (Chinese only). No haggling, metered fares, cashless payment. English interface available in Alipay's version.
🍜 Food Delivery (Meituan / Ele.me)
Order food delivery via Meituan (美团) or Ele.me (Alipay's service). English interface available. Pay with your linked card. Tip: your hotel front desk can help you order if the app is in Chinese.
🚄 High-Speed Train Tickets
Book high-speed rail tickets via "Railway 12306" mini-program inside Alipay or WeChat. You'll need your passport number. Tickets can be collected at the station or (in some cities) scanned directly from your phone.
🏥 Hospital / Doctor Appointments
Many hospitals in China require advance appointment booking. Use the "Medical" service inside Alipay (search "医疗") to book appointments at English-friendly international clinics in major cities.
❓ Payment FAQ
Can I use Apple Pay or Google Pay in China?
Apple Pay and Google Pay are not widely accepted in China. Only a few high-end retailers (like Apple Stores and some malls) accept them. Stick to Alipay/WeChat for 99% of situations.
What if my card gets declined?
Foreign cards are sometimes declined due to bank security settings. Before you travel, tell your bank you'll be using your card in China. Also, make sure your card has 3D Secure authentication enabled (you'll receive an SMS code to verify transactions).
Can I withdraw cash from ATMs in China?
Yes. ATMs at major banks (Bank of China, ICBC, CCB) accept international cards. Withdraw RMB (¥100, ¥50, ¥20 bills). Note: your home bank will charge a foreign ATM fee (typically $3–$5 per withdrawal). Withdraw larger amounts to minimize fees.
Is it safe to link my credit card to Alipay/WeChat?
Yes — very safe. Alipay and WeChat Pay use bank-level encryption, and your card details are tokenized (not stored in plain text). Millions of international users safely use these apps. For extra security, enable transaction notifications via SMS so you're alerted to every charge in real time.