How to Pay in China as a Foreigner: Alipay, WeChat Pay, Cards & Cash

An essential payment guide for first-time visitors to China.

Reviewed: November 10, 2026

Planning your first trip to China? One of the most important things to prepare is how you will pay for everyday expenses.

From coffee shops and restaurants to taxis, shopping malls, and street markets, mobile payments are widely used across China.

The good news is that international travelers can also access many of these payment services.

The short answer: Download Alipay and WeChat before your trip, try linking an eligible international bank card, and keep some Chinese yuan (RMB) as a backup. You can also use international credit cards directly at participating businesses.

Here's how to get ready.

1. What Is the Best Way to Pay in China?

For most international visitors, a combination of mobile payments, a bank card, and a little cash offers the greatest flexibility.

Our practical recommendation: Set up Alipay first, add WeChat Pay if possible, and keep another payment method available.

You do not need to rely on a single app for your entire trip.

2. Can Foreigners Use Alipay in China?

Yes. International visitors can register for Alipay and link eligible bank cards issued outside China.

Alipay is particularly useful because QR-code payments are common at restaurants, convenience stores, supermarkets, attractions, and many smaller businesses.

How to set up Alipay before traveling

1. Download the official Alipay app.
2. Register or sign in using a supported mobile phone number.
3. Follow the app's identity verification instructions if requested.
4. Open the bank card section and add an eligible international card.
5. Complete any verification required by your card issuer.
6. Check that your payment method is ready before departure.

Visa and Mastercard are among the international card networks supported by Alipay. Other card networks may also be eligible.

However, support for a particular card does not guarantee that every transaction will succeed. Your issuing bank may require additional verification or decline a transaction.

Travel tip: If possible, prepare more than one eligible bank card. This gives you another option if your primary card encounters a problem.

3. Can Foreigners Use WeChat Pay?

Yes. WeChat's payment service, commonly called WeChat Pay or Weixin Pay, also supports eligible international bank cards.

You can register for WeChat using a supported mobile number, activate payment services where available, and follow the instructions to add your card.

How to prepare WeChat Pay

1. Download the official WeChat app.
2. Register or sign in.
3. Find the payment services section.
4. Follow the instructions to activate payment functionality.
5. Add an eligible international bank card.
6. Complete any required verification.

The exact menus may vary by app version, account region, and verification status.

Do you need both Alipay and WeChat Pay?

Not necessarily, but having both can be helpful.

Some businesses and payment situations work more smoothly with one service than the other. If your primary app encounters a technical issue, having a second option can save time.

For first-time travelers, this small amount of preparation can make daily activities much easier.

4. How Do QR-Code Payments Work in China?

There are two common ways to pay by QR code.

Method 1: You scan the merchant's QR code

This is common at small shops, food stalls, markets, and independent businesses.

1. Open Alipay or WeChat Pay.
2. Select the Scan function.
3. Scan the merchant's payment QR code.
4. Enter the amount if required.
5. Check the merchant and amount.
6. Confirm your payment.

For example, if you buy a drink at a small street stall, the seller may simply point to a QR code displayed beside the counter. You scan it, enter the price, and complete the transaction.

Method 2: The merchant scans your payment code

This is common at supermarkets, shopping malls, chain stores, and other staffed checkouts.

1. Open your payment app.
2. Select your payment code.
3. Show the code to the cashier.
4. The cashier scans it.
5. Check the payment confirmation.

You may not need to enter the amount yourself because the cashier's system has already calculated the total.

Important: Never share your payment code, password, or one-time verification code with strangers. Always check the amount before confirming a payment.

5. Can You Use Visa or Mastercard Directly in China?

Yes, at participating merchants.

International cards are accepted at many hotels, larger commercial establishments, and businesses equipped to process those card networks.

However, card acceptance is not universal. A small restaurant or street vendor may accept QR-code payments but not have a card terminal that supports your international card.

Before making a large purchase, ask whether your specific card network is accepted.

It is also worth notifying your bank about international travel if your bank recommends doing so.

Practical advice: Treat your international card as an important payment option, but do not assume you can use it everywhere without a mobile payment app.

6. Do You Still Need Cash in China?

Yes, carrying some RMB cash is a sensible backup.

Although mobile payments are widespread, cash remains a valid way to pay.

You may need cash if:

• Your phone battery runs out.
• Your mobile internet connection stops working.
• A payment app experiences a temporary problem.
• Your bank declines a transaction.
• A particular merchant cannot process your preferred digital payment method.

You can obtain RMB through authorized currency exchange services or compatible ATMs, subject to the applicable bank and card conditions.

It is useful to carry smaller denominations for everyday purchases.

The key is flexibility: You do not need to carry large amounts of cash for every daily expense, but arriving with no alternative payment method can create unnecessary inconvenience.

7. Are There Fees or Payment Limits for Foreign Visitors?

There may be.

When using an international bank card through Alipay or WeChat Pay, applicable service fees and transaction limits may vary depending on the payment platform, card issuer, account verification status, and transaction amount.

Your bank may also charge foreign transaction fees or apply currency conversion margins.

Before confirming a transaction, review:

• Any service fee displayed by the payment app.
• The exchange rate or currency conversion terms.
• Foreign transaction fees charged by your bank.
• Transaction and account limits.
• Any identity verification requirements.

For large purchases or substantial travel payments, confirm the available payment method in advance rather than relying on a single mobile transaction.

8. How Do You Pay for Taxis, Ride-Hailing, and Public Transport?

Mobile payments can be useful for transportation throughout China.

Taxis and ride-hailing

Ride-hailing services such as DiDi support digital booking and payment options. Depending on the service and account setup, international visitors may be able to use eligible international cards or connected payment services. Check your payment method before requesting a ride.

Metro and buses

Payment options vary by city and transport operator. Depending on the location, you may be able to use:

• A metro or transport QR code in a supported app.
• A physical transport card.
• A ticket purchased at a station.
• An eligible bank card at supported fare gates.
• RMB cash where accepted.

Do not assume the same metro payment method works in every Chinese city.

Airports and train stations

Major transport hubs generally provide multiple payment options, but individual counters, machines, and booking platforms can differ. Preparing your payment apps before arrival is particularly helpful when you need to buy transport tickets or reach your hotel after a long flight.

9. What If Your Payment Doesn't Work?

Payment problems can happen even when you have prepared in advance. Try the following troubleshooting steps:

1. Check your internet connection. Make sure your phone has a working data connection.
2. Check the transaction details. Confirm the amount, merchant, and selected card.
3. Try your second payment app. Switch between Alipay and WeChat Pay if available.
4. Try another bank card. Your issuing bank may have declined the first transaction.
5. Check verification prompts. Your account or card may require additional authentication.
6. Use a backup payment method. Cash or another accepted card may be the easiest solution.

If the app indicates that payment may have succeeded, check your transaction history before paying again to avoid duplicate charges.

For persistent problems, contact the payment platform or your card issuer.

10. Common Payment Mistakes First-Time Visitors Should Avoid

A little preparation can prevent many common frustrations.

Mistake 1: Waiting until you arrive to download payment apps.
Install and begin setting up your apps before departure. Some verification steps may take additional time.

Mistake 2: Relying on only one international bank card.
Card authorization can fail for reasons outside the merchant's control. A second card is useful.

Mistake 3: Assuming every shop accepts direct card payments.
QR-code payments are often more convenient for small everyday purchases.

Mistake 4: Traveling without any RMB cash.
Cash is a useful backup if your phone or payment app becomes unavailable.

Mistake 5: Ignoring transaction fees and limits.
Check the amount you will actually be charged, especially for larger purchases.

Mistake 6: Paying without checking the recipient or amount.
Always review payment details before confirming a transaction.

11. Your China Payment Checklist

Before leaving home, make sure you have:

• [ ] Downloaded Alipay.
• [ ] Downloaded WeChat if you plan to use WeChat Pay.
• [ ] Attempted to link an eligible international bank card.
• [ ] Completed any required identity verification.
• [ ] Prepared a second card or alternative payment method.
• [ ] Checked international roaming, eSIM, or mobile data arrangements.
• [ ] Planned how to obtain a small amount of RMB cash.
• [ ] Reviewed your bank's international transaction and currency conversion fees.

You do not need a complicated payment setup to travel comfortably in China. You simply need a reliable primary method and a sensible backup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can tourists use Alipay without a Chinese bank account?

Yes. Eligible international visitors can link supported overseas bank cards to Alipay, subject to the platform's requirements and bank authorization.

Is WeChat Pay better than Alipay for foreigners?

Neither is universally better. Both are widely used, and individual experiences vary by card, account, merchant, and payment situation. Having access to both can be convenient.

Can I pay in China using only a Visa or Mastercard?

You can use eligible international cards at participating merchants, but direct card acceptance is not universal. Mobile payment access and some RMB cash can make your trip easier.

Is cash accepted in China?

Yes. RMB cash remains a valid payment option. Mobile payments are widespread, but travelers should not be told that China is entirely cashless.

Can I use Alipay at street food stalls?

Many street vendors and small businesses accept QR-code payments through Alipay or WeChat Pay. Acceptance of an overseas-linked card may still depend on the transaction and payment provider.

What should I do if my international card is declined?

Check your bank's security prompts, try another eligible card or payment app, and contact your card issuer if the problem continues. Keep a backup payment method available.

Explore China with Be Frank Tours

Understanding how payments work is just one part of preparing for your first trip to China.

At Be Frank Tours, we help international visitors explore China through tailor-made travel experiences, cultural journeys, and thoughtfully planned itineraries.

Whether you're planning your first visit, traveling with family, or organizing a group experience, we're here to help you discover more of China.

Explore our China Travel Experiences or Contact Be Frank Tours to discuss your travel plans.

Official References

For current payment information, please consult:

• Guide to Payment Services in China — The People's Bank of China (State Council English Portal)
• Payment Service Guide for Overseas Visitors to China — Chinese Government
• A Guide to Working and Living in China as Business Expatriates — Ministry of Commerce / State Council

Payment features, fees, limits, and card eligibility may change. Check the latest information with your payment provider and issuing bank before traveling.