Here's the reality: China is a cashless society. From five-star hotels to street food vendors, everyone pays with their phone. As a foreigner, you might worry about how to handle payments. Good news: since 2023, Alipay and WeChat Pay both accept international credit cards.
This guide walks you through everything — from setting up your account before you fly to paying at a night market stall.
💡 Quick answer: Yes, you can use Alipay and WeChat Pay with a Visa, Mastercard, or other international credit card. No Chinese bank account needed.
Alipay vs WeChat Pay: Which Should You Use?
| Feature | Alipay | WeChat Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Payments, shopping, travel | Social + payments combined |
| English support | ✅ Full English interface | ⚠️ Partial English |
| Foreign card support | ✅ Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Diners | ✅ Visa, Mastercard |
| Transaction fee | Free for payments under 200 RMB; 3% above | Free for payments under 200 RMB; 3% above |
| Extra features | Metro tickets, taxi booking, hotel booking | Chat, moments, mini-programs |
| Setup difficulty | Easy | Moderate (needs phone number verification) |
Our recommendation: Set up Alipay first. It has the best English support and is designed for payments. WeChat Pay is useful but the English version is limited.
How to Set Up Alipay (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Download the App
- Before you fly — download it on the App Store or Google Play
- Search "Alipay" (图标是蓝色的 "支" 字)
- The app automatically detects your phone language and offers an English interface
Step 2: Register Your Account
- Open Alipay and tap "Sign Up"
- Enter your international phone number (select your country code)
- Enter the verification code sent via SMS
- Set a 6-digit payment password — remember this, you'll need it for every transaction
Step 3: Complete Identity Verification
- Go to "Me" → "Settings" → "Account and Security" → "Identity Verification"
- Select your nationality
- Upload a photo of your passport (the main page with your photo)
- Take a selfie for facial recognition
- Wait for approval (usually within minutes, sometimes up to 24 hours)
Step 4: Link Your Credit Card
- Go to "Me" → "Bank Cards" → "Add Card"
- Enter your Visa/Mastercard/Amex card details
- Your bank may send a verification code via SMS or app notification
- Confirm the card
✅ Supported cards: Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Diners Club, Discover. Most major international banks work fine.
Step 5: Start Paying
You're ready! Here's how to pay:
Method 1: Scan a QR Code (most common)
- Tap "Scan" on the home screen
- Point your camera at the merchant's QR code
- Enter the amount (if not pre-filled)
- Confirm and enter your 6-digit payment password
- Done! 🎉
Method 2: Show Your Payment Code
- Tap "Pay/Collect" on the home screen
- Show the QR code/barcode on your screen to the merchant
- They scan it — payment goes through instantly
- No password needed for small amounts (under 1,000 RMB)
What You Can Pay For with Alipay
Almost everything. Here's a breakdown:
| Category | Examples | Works? |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurants | From fine dining to street food | ✅ Yes |
| Shopping | Malls, markets, convenience stores | ✅ Yes |
| Transport | Metro, buses, Didi rides, train tickets | ✅ Yes |
| Hotels | Most hotels (some still accept cash too) | ✅ Yes |
| Attractions | Museum tickets, theme parks | ✅ Yes |
| Online | Trip.com, Taobao, Meituan | ✅ Yes |
| Taxis | Regular taxis with QR code | ✅ Yes |
| Tipping | Not expected in China | N/A |
Cash backup: Keep 500-1,000 RMB cash as backup. Some small vendors in remote areas may not accept mobile payments, though this is increasingly rare.
How to Set Up WeChat Pay (Step-by-Step)
WeChat Pay works similarly but has a slightly different setup:
Step 1: Download WeChat
- Available on App Store and Google Play
- Register with your phone number
Step 2: Activate WeChat Pay
- Go to "Me" → "Services" (or "Pay")
- Tap "Wallet"
- Follow the prompts to verify your identity with your passport
- Link your international credit card
Step 3: Use It
- Scan QR codes or show your payment code — same as Alipay
⚠️ Note: WeChat Pay's English interface is not as complete as Alipay's. Some features may still show in Chinese. For this reason, we recommend Alipay as your primary payment method.
Common Problems & Solutions
Problem: "Card declined" when linking
Solutions:
- Contact your bank to authorize international transactions
- Some banks block Chinese payment platforms by default — call them to whitelist Alipay/WeChat Pay
- Try a different card if the first one doesn't work
Problem: "Identity verification failed"
Solutions:
- Make sure your passport photo is clear and well-lit
- The name on your account must match your passport exactly
- Some nationalities may take longer to verify — be patient, it usually works within 24 hours
Problem: "Payment failed" at merchant
Solutions:
- Check your internet connection — you need data to pay
- Make sure your card has sufficient funds/credit limit
- Some very small vendors may not support international cards — have cash backup
Problem: App is in Chinese
Solutions:
- Alipay: "Me" → "Settings" → "Language" → Select English
- WeChat: "Me" → "Settings" → "General" → "Language"
- Both apps default to your phone's language
Money-Saving Tips for Tourists
1. Exchange Rate Awareness
- Alipay/WeChat Pay use real-time exchange rates from your card network (Visa/Mastercard)
- Rates are generally better than currency exchange booths
- Check your bank's foreign transaction fee — some charge 2-3% on top
2. Keep Track of Spending
- Alipay has an English "Transactions" section showing all payments
- Each transaction shows the RMB amount and approximate USD/EUR equivalent
- Export your transaction history at the end of your trip for budgeting
3. Don't Overpay at Tourist Spots
- QR code payments show the exact price — no haggling needed
- Some tourist vendors may inflate prices — check online reviews or ask your guide
- If a price seems unreasonable, walk away — there's always another option nearby
FAQ
Do I need a Chinese bank account?
No. Since 2023, both Alipay and WeChat Pay accept international credit cards directly.
Can I use Apple Pay / Google Pay?
No. These don't work in China. Alipay and WeChat Pay are the only mobile payment options.
What if my phone runs out of battery?
Carry a portable charger (power bank). Every Chinese person carries one — they're cheap and available everywhere. Also keep some cash as backup.
Is it safe to link my credit card?
Yes. Alipay and WeChat Pay use bank-grade encryption. They're used by over 1 billion people daily.
Can I get a refund if I overpay?
It depends. Scan-and-pay transactions are instant and usually non-reversible. If a merchant makes a mistake, they can refund through their system. Keep transaction records.
Do ATMs accept international cards?
Yes. Major banks (ICBC, Bank of China, China Construction Bank) accept Visa/Mastercard at ATMs. But ATM fees are high (~15-30 RMB per withdrawal + your bank's fee).
The Bottom Line
Setting up Alipay takes 15 minutes and is the single most important thing you can do before visiting China. Once it's set up, you can pay for literally everything — from a 2 RMB bottle of water to a 2,000 RMB hotel room.
Don't stress about cash. Don't worry about "how will I pay?" Set up Alipay before you fly, bring a power bank, and you'll pay like a local from day one.
Need Help Planning Your Trip?
We help travelers navigate every aspect of China — payments, transport, food, culture. Our local guides handle the logistics so you can focus on the experience.
Real Guide Travel — Experience China Like a Local.
Last updated: May 2026. This guide reflects the latest Alipay and WeChat Pay policies for international users. Policies may change — always check the official apps for the most current information.