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How to Pay in China: Alipay & WeChat Pay

China runs on QR codes. From street food stalls to high-speed train tickets, mobile payment is how everyone pays — and cash is increasingly rare. The two apps you need are Alipay and WeChat Pay.

If you only set up one thing before your trip, make it Alipay.

WeChat Pay requires another user to verify your account, which is a hassle before you arrive. Alipay works straight away with just your passport and a foreign credit card. You can add WeChat Pay later if you want a backup.

What Actually Works in China

Payment MethodWhere It WorksWhat You Need
AlipayEverywhere — restaurants, shops, taxis, trains, street vendorsPassport + foreign credit card
WeChat PayEverywhere — same coverage as AlipayPassport + another WeChat user to verify you
Visa / MastercardInternational hotel chains, major department stores, some tourist restaurantsNothing extra
Cash (RMB)Works everywhere legally, but some small vendors may not have changeExchange before arrival or withdraw from ATMs
Apple Pay / Google PayRarely accepted outside international hotelsDon't rely on these

Reality check: Outside 5-star hotels and luxury malls, Visa and Mastercard are rarely accepted. China skipped the credit card era and went straight to mobile payments. Setting up Alipay isn't optional — it's the difference between paying like a local and awkwardly fumbling for cash that most vendors aren't prepared to handle.

How to Set Up Alipay (Step by Step)

You can do all of this at home before your flight. It takes about 10 minutes.

Step 1: Download Alipay

Get it from the App Store or Google Play. The app has an English interface — once installed, go to Settings (底部 "Me" tab → Settings icon) and switch the language to English.

Step 2: Sign Up with Your Phone Number

  • Open Alipay and tap "Sign Up."
  • Enter your mobile number — any country's number works.
  • You'll receive a verification code via SMS. Enter it to confirm.
  • Create a password and you're in.

Step 3: Verify Your Identity

This is the important part. Without identity verification, your payment limits will be very low and the app may not work at all.

  • Go to "Me" → your profile icon → "Account Settings."
  • Select "Verify Now" and choose "Foreign ID."
  • Take a photo of your passport's information page. Make sure it's well-lit and all text is readable.
  • Alipay verifies most passports within a few minutes.

Step 4: Add Your Foreign Credit Card

  • Go to "Me" → "Bank Cards" → "Add Card."
  • Enter your Visa, Mastercard, or Amex details.
  • Alipay supports most foreign-issued cards. A small transaction fee (~3%) applies on purchases over ¥200 — under ¥200 is usually fee-free.
  • You can add multiple cards as backups. If one gets declined, try another.

That's it. You can now scan any QR code in China and pay directly with your foreign card through Alipay.

How to Pay with Alipay

  • At shops and restaurants:Tap "Scan" on the home screen and point your camera at the vendor's QR code. Enter the amount (or the cashier enters it for you), confirm, and you're done.
  • For taxis and street vendors: They'll show you a QR code — same process.
  • Online bookings: Many apps (including 12306 for trains) accept Alipay at checkout.

WeChat Pay: The Backup Option

WeChat Pay is just as widely accepted as Alipay, but the setup is more involved. You'll need another WeChat user to scan a QR code and verify your account — which is awkward if you don't know anyone in China yet.

  • Download WeChat and sign up with your phone number.
  • After registration, go to "Me" → "WeChat Pay" → "Add a Card."
  • You'll be asked to verify your identity — passport photo + selfie.
  • WeChat may require an existing user to scan your QR code to complete activation. If you know someone in China, ask them for help. If not, stick with Alipay and set up WeChat Pay after you arrive if needed.

Why bother with WeChat Pay? If you install WeChat for communication anyway (see our Internet & Apps guide), adding WeChat Pay gives you a reliable fallback. If Alipay's servers have a hiccup or your linked card gets declined, having both apps means you're never stuck.

Should You Bring Cash?

Yes — but treat it as a backup, not your primary payment method. Bring ¥500–1,000 (~$70–140 USD) in cash for:

  • Hotel deposits (some hotels prefer cash holds)
  • Small street markets where the vendor's QR code isn't linked to a business account
  • Emergencies — if your phone dies, cash still works

Exchange money at your home bank before departure for better rates, or withdraw from ATMs at major Chinese banks (Bank of China, ICBC) after arrival. Airport exchange counters have the worst rates — avoid them unless you have no other choice.

Video Walkthroughs

If you prefer watching over reading, these video guides walk you through the setup process step by step:

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Last updated: June 2026