China’s cashless payment infrastructure is the most advanced in the world. In 2026, QR-code-based payments through Alipay (支付宝) and WeChat Pay (微信支付) account for the overwhelming majority of consumer transactions — from ¥5 street food to ¥5,000 hotel stays. A vendor who doesn’t accept QR payments is the exception; a vendor who has cash change available is increasingly rare.
As of 2023-2024, both Alipay and WeChat Pay updated their systems to allow foreigners to link international Visa, Mastercard, JCB, and Discover cards. This was a significant change — previously, foreign visitors effectively needed a Chinese bank account to use these apps. Now, most foreigners can set up functioning payment accounts before or shortly after arriving.
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Alipay Setup for Foreigners
Step 1: Download the app
Available on the App Store and Google Play as “Alipay.” Download before your trip.
Step 2: Register with your phone number
Open the app and register with your international mobile number. Use the +country code format. You’ll receive an SMS verification code.
Step 3: Set up a foreigner identity
When prompted to verify identity, select “Foreigner” and enter your passport details. Your name must match your passport exactly.
Step 4: Link your international card
In the app: Me > Bank Card > Add Credit Card
Enter your Visa or Mastercard details including the billing address. Supported cards include most major international Visa and Mastercard credit and debit cards. Some prepaid cards may not work.
Note on AmEx: American Express cards are generally not supported. If you only have AmEx, consider applying for a Visa debit card before your trip.
Step 5: Test a small payment
Before relying on it, make a small test payment (buying a bottle of water from a convenience store) to confirm everything works.
What you can pay for with international card:
Most retail purchases, restaurants, convenience stores, some transport (including bike sharing). Note: Some government services and certain categories may be restricted to Chinese bank accounts.
Daily/transaction limits:
International card payments have daily limits (typically CNY 5,000/day and individual transaction limits). For large expenses (hotel deposits, luxury goods), cash or card payment at the terminal is still needed.
WeChat Pay Setup for Foreigners
WeChat (微信) is China’s dominant messaging and social platform — roughly equivalent to WhatsApp, Facebook, and Venmo combined. WeChat Pay is built into the app.
Step 1: Download WeChat
Available on App Store and Google Play.
Step 2: Register
Register with your international phone number. You may need an existing WeChat user to verify your account (a security measure against bot accounts). If you know anyone who already uses WeChat, ask them to scan your verification QR code.
Step 3: Enable WeChat Pay
In WeChat: Me > Services > Wallet > Cards > Add Card
Enter international card details. The process is similar to Alipay.
Note: WeChat requires a VPN to use outside mainland China. Inside China, it works without VPN, but VPN will block it. Plan accordingly.
Advantages of WeChat Pay: Works seamlessly within the WeChat ecosystem, so you can pay friends, split bills, and make purchases without leaving the app. WeChat is also used for everything from ordering food to booking taxis in China, and pay is integrated.
Which to Prioritise?
Alipay is generally more widely accepted for general retail, transport, and tourist-facing services. It has a cleaner English interface option. For foreigners, Alipay is typically the easier first setup.
WeChat Pay is better for person-to-person payments and for services accessed through the WeChat mini-program ecosystem (many restaurants, delivery services, and event bookings use WeChat mini-programs rather than standalone apps).
Recommendation: Set up both. They take about 30 minutes total and having both covers more scenarios.
What You Can Pay For
What works: Street food vendors, convenience stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart), restaurant chain payments, metro in many cities (tap the code scanner at the turnstile), Didi ride-hailing, bike sharing (Meituan/Hello bikes), most online shopping, hotel payments at most mid-range and above hotels, most tourist attractions.
What may not work with international cards:
- Certain government-operated facilities
- Train tickets directly on the 12306 app (use Trip.com as alternative)
- Some small rural vendors who only accept cash
- Hospital registration systems
Keeping Cash Available Too
Even with working digital payments, carry ¥200–500 in cash for:
- Very small vendors (some rural and market stalls)
- Public toilets that charge (¥1–2, often coin-operated)
- Emergency situations if your phone dies or signal is lost
- Tips (not standard in China, but some situations)
ATMs that accept foreign cards: Most international banks (ICBC, Bank of China, China Construction Bank) ATMs accept Visa/Mastercard. Withdrawal limit per transaction typically ¥3,000. Fees: your bank’s foreign transaction fee plus ~¥30 ATM fee.
Practical Tips
- Set up before you go. The SMS verification for account creation should work with your home number. Troubleshooting payment issues is easier at home than at a busy street stall in China.
- Check the international card works with a test transaction as soon as you arrive.
- Screenshot your QR codes. Your Alipay and WeChat Pay QR codes for receiving payments (if you need to split costs) should be accessible offline.
- Battery bank is essential. Your entire payment system runs on your phone battery. Carry a portable charger.
- Phone protection. With payments on your phone, losing it is more consequential. Enable lock screen protection and consider a phone holder/strap.
- Multiple payment options. Don’t leave home on a day trip with only one payment method. If Alipay fails for any reason, have WeChat as backup, and carry some cash as ultimate fallback.