How to Pay in China: A Complete Guide for Foreign Tourists

China has leapfrogged the rest of the world into a cashless society. Walk into any market, restaurant, or temple in Chengdu, and you'll see everyone — from street food vendors to luxury boutiques — scanning QR codes to pay. For foreign tourists, this can feel daunting at first, but with the right preparation, paying in China is easier than ever in 2026.

Payment Methods in China: Overview

China's payment landscape is dominated by two mobile payment giants, with cards and cash playing supporting roles:

Alipay: Setup Guide for Foreigners

Alipay (支付宝), owned by Ant Group, is China's largest mobile payment platform with over 1 billion users. Since 2019, Alipay has supported international credit and debit cards.

Step-by-Step Setup

1. Download the Alipay app from the App Store or Google Play. Search for "Alipay" — the official app has a blue logo.
2. Sign up with your phone number. Enter your international number (including country code) and verify via SMS.
3. Set your region to "International". This ensures English support and international card options.
4. Link your international card. Go to "Me" → "Bank Cards" → "Add Card". Enter your Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Discover, or Diners Club details.
5. Verify your identity (optional). Upload your passport photo for higher transaction limits.
6. Set up Tour Pass (if available). A prepaid virtual card option for short-term visitors.

How to Pay with Alipay

• Scan merchant QR: Open Alipay → Tap "Scan" → Point at QR → Enter amount → Confirm.
• Show your code: Open Alipay → Tap "Pay" → Show QR to cashier.
• In-app purchases: Didi (taxis), Meituan (food delivery), and many apps integrate Alipay.

Alipay Fees

Alipay charges a 3% service fee on transactions paid with international cards. This is automatically added to your purchase. Some premium cards may waive this fee.

WeChat Pay: Setup Guide for Foreigners

WeChat Pay (微信支付) is integrated into WeChat, China's dominant social app with 1.3 billion users. If you plan to use WeChat to communicate with locals or tour guides, having WeChat Pay is very convenient.

Step-by-Step Setup

1. Download WeChat from the App Store or Google Play.
2. Sign up with your phone number. Verify via SMS and set a password.
3. Access WeChat Pay. Tap "Me" → "Services" (or "Wallet") → "Cards".
4. Add your international card. Tap "Add a Card" → Enter Visa, Mastercard, JCB, or Discover details.
5. Set your 6-digit payment passcode. Enable fingerprint/face unlock for faster payments.

Credit & Debit Cards

While mobile payment dominates daily life, international cards still have their place for larger expenses.

Where Cards Work

• Major international hotels (Marriott, Hilton, etc.)
• Airport shops and duty-free
• Large chain stores (Walmart, IKEA, Apple Stores)
• Some upscale restaurants in tourist areas
• ATMs for cash withdrawal

Where Cards Don't Work

• Most local restaurants and street food
• Taxis and ride-hailing (Didi)
• Small shops and markets
• Many tourist attractions
• Public transportation

Cash: When & Where to Use It

While China is largely cashless, having some Chinese Yuan (RMB) is still a good idea for emergencies.

Where to Get Cash

• ATMs — Bank of China, ICBC, and Construction Bank ATMs accept Visa/Mastercard. Max withdrawal: 2,000-5,000 RMB/day.
• Currency exchange — At airports, major banks, and some hotels.
• Your home bank — Order RMB before you leave (less favorable rates).

When You'll Need Cash

• Small vendors who don't accept mobile payment (rare but exists)
• Tipping (not customary, but appreciated by guides/drivers)
• Emergency backup if your phone dies
• Some rural areas and smaller towns

Payment by Scenario

Hotels & Accommodation

Major international hotels accept Visa, Mastercard, Alipay, WeChat Pay, and cash. Budget hotels may only accept Chinese mobile payment or cash. Some hotels require a cash deposit (500-1,000 RMB) for incidentals.

Restaurants & Food

Most restaurants prefer Alipay or WeChat Pay. Many have QR codes on tables for ordering and payment. Fast food chains accept mobile payment and some accept cards. Cash is accepted but may be refused for very small bills.

Transportation

• Subway: Use Alipay/WeChat QR codes at gates, or buy a transit card.
• Taxis: Most accept Alipay/WeChat. Some older drivers prefer cash.
• Didi (Uber equivalent): App-based, pays through Alipay/WeChat.
• High-speed trains: Book through Railway 12306 app with Alipay/WeChat.

Tourist Attractions

Most major attractions accept Alipay and WeChat Pay for tickets. Some ticket booths accept cash, but card payment is rare. Book tickets in advance through official WeChat mini-programs — many require timed entry and sell out during peak season.

Essential Money Tips for China Travel

1. Set Up Mobile Payment Before You Arrive

Do this at home while you have reliable internet and can receive SMS codes. Trying to set up in China can be frustrating due to network restrictions.

2. Bring a Portable Charger

Your phone is your wallet. If your battery dies, you can't pay. Carry a power bank (under 100Wh for flights).

3. Use a VPN for App Store Access

Google Play Store is blocked in China. If you need to download apps, use a VPN set up before you arrive. Apple App Store works without VPN in most cases.

4. Check Foreign Transaction Fees

Alipay's 3% fee plus your card's foreign transaction fee (1-3%) can add up. Consider a no-foreign-transaction-fee card.

5. Be Aware of Scams

Only scan QR codes from trusted merchants. Fake QR codes overlaid on legitimate ones are a known scam. Always verify the merchant name before confirming payment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Disclaimer: Payment policies and fees can change. This guide was last updated in August 2026. Always verify current requirements with Alipay, WeChat Pay, and your card issuer before your trip.