How to Pay in China as a Tourist: Alipay, WeChat Pay and Cash

In China almost everyone pays by scanning a QR code with Alipay or WeChat Pay, from taxis to street food. The good news: since 2023 both apps accept foreign Visa, Mastercard and other international cards, so you can pay like a local within ten minutes of setup.

Set it up before you fly

1. Download Alipay (and optionally WeChat) at home, where app stores and SMS work normally.
2. Register with your own mobile number and verify with your passport.
3. Add your Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Diners or Discover card.
4. Make a small test payment as soon as you arrive, for example a bottle of water.

What it costs

• Payments of ¥200 or less are usually free.
• Payments over ¥200 usually carry a 3% fee charged by the app, and your own bank may add its foreign transaction fee.
• The app shows any fee before you confirm, so check the screen on larger payments.

For large items such as hotels and long-distance trains, paying through your travel company or with a card at the hotel desk often avoids the 3% fee.

Cash and cards

• Cash (Chinese yuan, RMB) is legal tender and still accepted almost everywhere. Carry ¥500–1,000 for small shops and emergencies.
• ATMs of Bank of China, ICBC and other large banks accept foreign cards.
• International cards work in big hotels, department stores and some restaurants, but not at most small shops.

Stay online

Payment apps need mobile data. A roaming plan or an international eSIM keeps your apps working, including WhatsApp and Google, which are not available on local Chinese networks.

How we help

Your trip price already covers hotels, transport, guides and entrance tickets. On the road, your guide helps you set up and use Alipay, and handles anything that needs a Chinese phone number.

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