China moved to mobile payments faster than almost anywhere else. In cities, most purchases, from street food to train tickets, are paid by scanning a QR code. For years that was a headache for visitors without a Chinese bank account. Today it is much easier: both big payment apps accept foreign cards, and cash is still legal tender.
The short version
- Before you fly, install Alipay (支付宝) and, optionally, WeChat (微信) with WeChat Pay.
- Register with your phone number and link a Visa or Mastercard. Other networks such as JCB, Diners Club and Discover are also supported in many cases.
- Complete identity verification with your passport. This raises your limits and avoids blocks later.
- Bring a small amount of cash (a few hundred yuan) as a backup.
- Tell your bank you are travelling, because the first payment in China sometimes triggers a fraud check.
Alipay vs WeChat Pay
| Alipay | WeChat Pay | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Stand-alone payment and services app from Ant Group | Payment wallet built into the WeChat messaging app (Tencent) |
| English interface | Yes, with an international mode | Yes |
| Foreign cards | Visa, Mastercard and others | Visa, Mastercard and others |
| Extras for visitors | Built-in translation, ride-hailing, metro QR codes, mini-apps | Messaging (useful for talking to hotels and guides), mini-apps |
| Best for | A first-time visitor's main wallet | A second wallet, plus staying in touch |
Almost every merchant accepts both. If you only set up one, Alipay is usually the easier choice for a first visit.
How paying actually works
There are two ways to pay, and the cashier will often simply point:
- You scan them (我扫你). Scan the merchant's printed QR code, type in the amount and confirm. This is normal at small shops, stalls and taxis.
- They scan you (你扫我). Open your payment code and the cashier scans it. This is normal in supermarkets, chain stores and restaurants.
For the metro and city buses, many cities let you generate a transport QR code inside Alipay or WeChat and scan it at the gate. Search the city's name plus “metro” inside the app.
Fees on foreign cards
Under the rules both apps publish, a single payment of ¥200 or less made with a foreign card is free. On larger payments, the payment provider charges a 3% fee, and it applies to the whole amount. Beijing's official visitor information, for example, describes WeChat Pay's waiver for payments under ¥200. Both apps run promotions from time to time, such as extra fee waivers for new users, so check the current terms inside the app before you pay for something big.
Your own bank may also add a foreign-transaction or currency-conversion fee. A card with no foreign-transaction fees saves money. For big items such as hotels and train tickets, it can also be cheaper to pay with a card directly where that is accepted.
Cash is still legal tender
Paper yuan are legal tender, and the People's Bank of China has repeatedly told merchants they must not refuse cash. In practice some small vendors may have no change, so carry ¥10 and ¥20 notes rather than only ¥100s. You can exchange money at major airports and banks, but the rates at airport kiosks are usually poor.
Bank cards and ATMs
UnionPay is China's domestic card network and works almost everywhere. Visa and Mastercard are accepted at international hotels, airports, large malls and some chain restaurants, and acceptance is slowly improving, but do not count on them at small businesses. ATMs from major banks such as Bank of China, ICBC, China Construction Bank and Agricultural Bank of China often accept foreign cards for cash withdrawals. Expect a withdrawal fee from your home bank.
Getting around
- Ride-hailing: DiDi has an English app and also runs inside Alipay. Fares are charged to your linked wallet.
- Trains: high-speed rail tickets are sold through the official 12306 service, which has an English version, or through travel apps. Bring your passport, because the ticket is tied to it.
- Taxis: most street taxis accept QR payment, and cash still works.
Tipping and service charges
Tipping is not part of the culture in mainland China, and leaving money on the table can cause confusion. Some upscale hotels and restaurants add a service charge, often around 10–15%, which appears on the bill. Tour guides and drivers on organised tours are the main exception, where a small tip is appreciated.
Common problems and fixes
- Card declined on first use: your bank's fraud system probably blocked it. Approve the charge in your banking app or call the bank, then try again.
- “Verification required”: finish the passport verification step in the app. Unverified accounts hit limits quickly.
- No mobile data: payments need a connection. Get a local SIM or an eSIM before you leave the airport.
- Merchant only shows a Chinese-only QR: it will almost always still work with Alipay or WeChat. If not, offer cash.
Frequently asked questions
Can foreigners use Alipay in China?
Yes. Visitors can download Alipay, register with a foreign phone number, verify their passport and link a Visa, Mastercard or other international card, then pay at almost any merchant in China.
Is there a fee for using a foreign card on Alipay or WeChat Pay?
Single payments of ¥200 or less are free. Above ¥200 the payment provider charges a 3% fee on the whole amount. Promotions sometimes waive more; your own bank may add its own foreign-transaction fee.
Do shops in China still accept cash?
Yes. Renminbi cash is legal tender and merchants are not supposed to refuse it, though small vendors may lack change for large notes.
Should I tip in China?
Generally no. Tipping is not customary in mainland China's restaurants, taxis or hotels, though some upscale venues add a service charge to the bill.