China has become one of the world’s most cashless societies. In many cities, street food vendors, supermarkets, taxis, and even small temples only accept Alipay (支付宝) or WeChat Pay (微信支付). As a foreigner, navigating this system used to be tricky — but since 2023, both platforms have made it much easier to link a foreign credit or debit card.
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The Big Picture: How Payments Work in China
Most Chinese people pay by scanning or showing a QR code. The two dominant platforms are:
- Alipay (支付宝) — owned by Ant Group (Alibaba). Widely used for shopping, food delivery, taxis, and almost everything else.
- WeChat Pay (微信支付) — built into WeChat, China’s all-in-one messaging app. Essential for social payments and splitting bills.
Both apps work by scanning merchant QR codes with your phone camera, or letting merchants scan a barcode displayed on your phone.
Option 1: Link a Foreign Card to Alipay
Since early 2023, Alipay allows visitors to top up an “International Balance” using a Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, or JCB card. This is the recommended method for most tourists.
Step-by-step
- Download Alipay from the App Store or Google Play.
- Register with your phone number. You can use a non-Chinese number.
- Verify your identity: tap your profile icon → International Users → follow the prompts to submit your passport details.
- Add your card: go to Me → Bank Cards → Add Card, then enter your Visa or Mastercard details.
- Top up your International Balance: select an amount (minimum is usually ¥50). Funds are loaded immediately. Transaction fees are low but do apply (typically 3%).
- Pay: hold your phone to any Alipay QR code or use the “Show Payment Code” function at the cashier.
Note: The International Balance works slightly differently from a domestic Alipay account — some features (like transfers to other users) may be restricted. For day-to-day purchases, it works seamlessly.
Which cards are accepted?
| Card type | Accepted? |
|---|---|
| Visa (credit & debit) | ✅ Yes |
| Mastercard (credit & debit) | ✅ Yes |
| American Express | ⚠️ Limited support |
| JCB | ✅ Yes |
| UnionPay (international) | ✅ Yes |
Option 2: Link a Foreign Card to WeChat Pay
WeChat Pay also accepts foreign Visa and Mastercard cards directly, without needing to top up a balance — it charges your card each time you pay.
Step-by-step
- Download WeChat and create an account with your foreign phone number.
- Tap the “Me” tab → Services → Wallet → Cards → Add a Card.
- Enter your card details and verify via a small temporary charge.
- To pay, go to Me → Services → Pay (or tap the ”+” icon in a chat and choose Money), then show your payment QR code.
Tip: Some features require a real-name verification. Tap the notification in your wallet and upload a photo of your passport.
Do I Still Need Cash?
Less than before — but keep some. Situations where cash remains useful:
- Small rural guesthouses and family-run restaurants off the tourist trail.
- Some taxis driven by older drivers.
- Temple entrance fees in remote areas.
- Emergencies (app not working, phone dies).
How much to bring: A budget of ¥500–¥1,000 in cash for a two-week trip is usually sufficient as a backup.
Getting RMB (Chinese yuan)
- ATMs: UnionPay, Visa, and Mastercard ATMs are widely available at airports, banks (ICBC, Bank of China, CCB), and some hotels. Fees vary; Bank of China and ICBC tend to have the best rates.
- Currency exchange: available at airports and banks. Bring your passport.
- Avoid exchanging at hotels — rates are usually poor.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls
Blocked transactions
Some foreign banks block transactions flagged as “China” or “mobile payments.” Before your trip, call your bank and inform them you will be travelling in China and making mobile wallet transactions. Ask them to whitelist Alipay and WeChat Pay charges.
App not working on arrival
Both apps require an internet connection. Make sure you have a local SIM, an international roaming plan, or a pocket WiFi device before you try to set up your payment apps. See our Apps & Internet guide for connectivity options.
Currency conversion
Alipay’s International Balance and WeChat Pay’s foreign card charges are processed in RMB. Your card issuer’s foreign transaction fee and exchange rate will apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Apple Pay or Google Pay? Apple Pay works at merchants that accept UnionPay contactless payments, but these are less common than QR-code payments. Google Pay is not widely accepted. We recommend setting up Alipay or WeChat Pay regardless.
Is there a spending limit for foreign cards? Alipay’s International Balance has a daily top-up limit and cumulative limits. For most tourists spending less than ¥10,000/day, you will not hit these limits.
What if my Alipay top-up fails? Try a different card, check your bank hasn’t blocked the transaction, and ensure your passport details in the app match exactly.
Last updated: May 2026 · Information reflects Alipay and WeChat Pay policies as of the update date. Terms may change — check the apps for current details.