Why Mobile Payments Matter

China is one of the world’s most cashless societies. Whether you’re buying a coffee, taking a taxi, shopping at a mall, or ordering street food, you’ll almost always pay by scanning a QR code.

Although cash (Chinese Yuan, RMB) is still legal and merchants are generally required to accept it, most people rarely use cash anymore. Many small businesses may not have enough change or simply expect customers to pay digitally.

For the smoothest travel experience, it’s highly recommended to set up Alipay and WeChat Pay before you arrive.

Which Payment App Should You Use?

For most international travelers, installing both apps is the best option.

Most travelers use Alipay more frequently, but having both apps ensures you can pay almost anywhere.

Before You Travel

Before boarding your flight to China, make sure you have:

• A valid passport
• An international credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Discover, etc.)
• An active mobile phone number that can receive SMS verification codes
• Internet access during setup
• Both payment apps installed

If possible, link two different bank cards in case one card doesn’t work.

Setting Up Alipay

Alipay is the easiest payment app for most foreign visitors.

Step 1

Download Alipay from the App Store or Google Play.

Step 2

Sign up using your international mobile phone number.

Step 3

Verify the SMS code.

Step 4

Go to:

Me → Bank Cards → Add Card

Step 5

Add your international credit or debit card.

Step 6

Complete identity verification if requested.

You may be asked to upload your passport for security verification.

Step 7

Your bank may ask you to approve a small verification transaction.

Once completed, you’re ready to pay.

Setting Up WeChat Pay

WeChat Pay works similarly.

Step 1

Download WeChat.

Step 2

Create an account using your international phone number.

Step 3

Open:

Me → Services (or WeChat Pay) → Wallet → Cards → Add Card

(The menu may look slightly different depending on your app version.)

Step 4

Add your bank card.

Step 5

Complete verification if required.

How QR Code Payments Work

China mainly uses two types of QR code payments.

Option 1: You Scan the Merchant’s QR Code

This is common in restaurants, cafés, and small shops.

Steps:

1. Open Alipay or WeChat Pay.
2. Tap Scan.
3. Scan the merchant’s QR code.
4. Enter the amount if required.
5. Confirm payment.

Option 2: The Merchant Scans Your QR Code

This is common in supermarkets, convenience stores, and shopping malls.

Steps:

1. Open the app.
2. Tap Pay.
3. Show your payment QR code.
4. The cashier scans your code.
5. Payment is completed automatically.

Real Example: Buying a Coffee

Imagine you’re visiting Shanghai.

You walk into a café and order a latte.

The total is ¥35.

The cashier points to a QR code.

You:

• Open Alipay
• Tap Scan
• Scan the QR code
• Confirm ¥35

Within seconds, you’ll see:

Payment Successful

The whole process usually takes less than 30 seconds.

Do You Still Need Cash?

Yes—but only as a backup.

We recommend carrying ¥200–500 RMB in cash for emergencies.

Cash may still be useful if:

• Your phone battery dies
• Your internet connection isn’t working
• You’re visiting remote rural areas
• A payment system is temporarily unavailable

For most travelers, you’ll rarely need to use cash.

Fees You Should Know About

Bank Fees

Some banks charge international transaction fees (typically around 1–3%).

Check with your bank before traveling.

Alipay & WeChat Pay Service Fee

For international bank cards, payments above certain amounts (for example, over ¥200 RMB) may incur a small service fee.

Fee policies can change, so always check the latest information inside the app.

Common Problems

My payment was declined.

Possible reasons include:

• Your bank blocked the transaction.
• Your card doesn’t support overseas mobile wallet payments.
• Identity verification hasn’t been completed.
• Your internet connection is unstable.
• The merchant only accepts domestic payment methods for certain services.

I can’t receive the verification SMS.

Make sure:

• International roaming is enabled.
• Your phone has signal.
• Your mobile carrier allows international SMS.

The app is in Chinese.

Both Alipay and WeChat support English.

Open Settings → Language and switch to English.

Can I use Apple Pay or Google Pay?

Only at some merchants that accept international contactless cards.

They are not a replacement for Alipay or WeChat Pay in China.

Can I get a refund?

Yes.

Refunds are usually returned to the original bank card linked to your account.

Depending on your bank, the refund may take several business days to appear.

Is it safe to link my bank card?

Yes.

Both Alipay and WeChat Pay use advanced encryption and are trusted by hundreds of millions of users.

For additional security:

• Enable biometric login (Face ID or fingerprint)
• Use a strong password
• Never share verification codes

Video Guide

Prefer watching instead?

The following video shows exactly how to set up Alipay and make your first payment in China.

Video: 视频链接

Final Travel Checklist

Before leaving for China, make sure you’ve completed the following:

• ✅ Install Alipay
• ✅ Install WeChat
• ✅ Link your bank card(s)
• ✅ Complete passport verification (if required)
• ✅ Test that both apps open correctly
• ✅ Bring ¥200–500 RMB as emergency cash
• ✅ Pack a portable power bank
• ✅ Bring your passport

Final Thoughts

Once you’ve set up Alipay and WeChat Pay, paying in China becomes incredibly easy.

From street food stalls and taxis to luxury shopping malls and high-speed train stations, QR code payments are accepted almost everywhere.

Spend a few minutes preparing before your trip, and you’ll be able to travel around China with confidence—just like a local.

Happy travels!

✦ Ready to explore China?