Go2ChinaHow to Pay in China as a Foreigner (2026)
China is one of the most cashless societies in the world — and the payment system runs on two apps: Alipay and WeChat Pay. Since 2023, both fully support international visitors with foreign cards. This guide covers exactly how to set them up and what to do when payments fail.
The Payment Landscape in China
Walking around a Chinese city, you will notice that almost every transaction — from a ¥5 street food snack to a ¥5,000 hotel bill — is completed by scanning a QR code on a phone. The two apps that power this are:
- Alipay (支付宝) — operated by Ant Group (Alibaba). Dominant in retail, food delivery, and services.
- WeChat Pay (微信支付) — built into WeChat. Widely used for everything social, transport, and daily purchases.
Both are accepted at virtually every merchant in China. In major cities, it is common to go an entire week without using cash or a physical card.
Option 1 — Add Your Foreign Card to Alipay (Recommended First Step)
Since 2023, Alipay has fully opened to international visitors. You can register with a foreign phone number, verify identity with a passport, and add a Visa, Mastercard, or Amex card.
What you need:
- International phone number
- Passport
- Visa, Mastercard, or Amex credit card (most major-bank issued cards work)
- 15 minutes
Setup steps:
- Download Alipay from the App Store or Google Play
- Register with your foreign phone number
- Select "International User" when prompted
- Complete identity verification — upload passport photo + face scan
- Tap Pay → Add Card → enter your card details
- Set a 6-digit payment PIN
Full step-by-step: How to Set Up Alipay as a Foreigner
Option 2 — Add Your Foreign Card to WeChat Pay
If you already have WeChat for messaging (which you should — it's essential), adding a payment card takes about 5 minutes.
- Open WeChat → Me → Wallet → Cards → Add a Card
- Enter your Visa or Mastercard details
- Complete the SMS verification from your bank
- Your card is now linked to WeChat Pay
Full step-by-step: How to Set Up WeChat
Option 3 — Alipay Tour Pass (Best for Short Visits)
The Alipay Tour Pass is a prepaid RMB wallet inside the Alipay app. Instead of linking your card directly for per-transaction charging, you load a fixed amount of RMB upfront.
Why it can be better than direct card linking:
- Avoids foreign transaction fees on every purchase
- Works even if your home bank blocks small foreign transactions
- Easier to budget — load what you need for the trip
How to access it: Open Alipay → search "Tour Pass" in the search bar → load with your foreign card.
How QR Code Payment Works in Practice
There are two methods at any Chinese merchant:
Method 1 — Show your QR code (most common)
Tap "Pay" on the Alipay or WeChat Pay home screen. A QR code appears on your screen. The cashier scans it with their device. You enter your PIN to confirm.
Method 2 — Scan the merchant's QR code
Tap "Scan" in Alipay or WeChat. Point your camera at the merchant's QR code (usually printed on a stand at the counter). Enter the amount manually if prompted, then confirm.
Tip: If one method fails, try the other. A network hiccup on the merchant's scanner is solved by switching to self-scan mode.
Cash in China — When It Still Works
Despite the shift to mobile payments, cash (人民币 / RMB) is legally required to be accepted everywhere and is reliably useful at:
- Banks and ATMs (UnionPay ATMs accept foreign Visa/Mastercard)
- International hotel chains
- Large supermarkets (Walmart, Carrefour, local chains)
- Government offices and hospitals
- Some rural or traditional markets
For emergencies: Withdraw ¥500–1,000 when you arrive at the airport ATM as a backup. Chinese ATMs that display the UnionPay logo accept most foreign cards.
Foreign Cards at POS Terminals
A small number of merchants — primarily international hotels, airport duty-free, and upscale malls — have POS terminals that accept foreign Visa and Mastercard directly.
If you need to pay by card and the terminal appears to support it:
- Ask the cashier for the "international card" or "外卡" option
- Select "Credit" not "Debit" if prompted
- Some terminals require you to press a button to switch to the international card channel
What to Do When Payment Fails
- Alipay / WeChat Pay QR code rejected — try the other direction: instead of showing your code, scan the merchant's code instead. Also try the other app.
- Card declined inside Alipay or WeChat — your home bank may have blocked the transaction. Call the international number on the back of your card before your trip and ask them to whitelist China transactions.
- Verification keeps failing — retake your passport photo in even indoor lighting, avoid glare. Make sure your name matches the passport exactly.
- POS terminal won't accept foreign card — ask the cashier to press the 外卡 (foreign card) or Visa button. Not all staff know this exists.
- No payment method works — ask if the venue has WeChat Pay or Alipay QR codes (they almost always do). Show the cashier the Emergency Phrases card for foreign card situations.
Payment Comparison Table
| Method | Setup required | Where accepted | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alipay (foreign card) | Before arrival | Everywhere | Most travelers |
| WeChat Pay (foreign card) | Before arrival | Everywhere | WeChat users |
| Alipay Tour Pass | Before arrival | Everywhere Alipay works | Short trips, budgeting |
| Cash (RMB) | ATM on arrival | Most places | Emergency backup |
| Foreign card at POS | None | Hotels, airports, malls | Last resort |
Search go2china pay guide to find this page again, or visit go2china.app for the full app toolkit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my foreign credit card in China?
Rarely. Foreign Visa and Mastercard are accepted at international hotels, some airports, and upscale malls — but most restaurants, shops, taxis, and markets only accept Alipay or WeChat Pay. Adding your foreign card to Alipay or WeChat Pay is the most reliable solution for daily spending.
How do foreigners pay in China without a Chinese bank account?
Since 2023, both Alipay and WeChat Pay allow foreigners to add international Visa, Mastercard, or Amex cards directly — no Chinese bank account needed. You register with your passport and foreign phone number, then add your card. This works at virtually all merchants that accept QR code payments.
Is cash accepted in China?
Legally, merchants must accept cash — but in practice many smaller shops, street food stalls, and transport vendors have removed cash infrastructure entirely. Cash is reliable at banks, international hotels, and large supermarkets. For everything else, mobile payment is expected.
What is Alipay Tour Pass?
Alipay Tour Pass is a prepaid RMB wallet inside the Alipay app, designed for foreign visitors. You load it with your foreign card and spend from the RMB balance. It avoids per-transaction foreign exchange fees and works everywhere Alipay is accepted — including places that don't support direct foreign card binding.
What should I do if my Alipay or WeChat payment is declined?
First, check your card's international transaction limit — many banks block unusual foreign activity by default. Call your bank to whitelist China transactions before you travel. If the app itself rejects the payment, try switching from showing your QR code to scanning the merchant's code instead. As a fallback, use the other app (if Alipay fails, try WeChat Pay).
Do I need both Alipay and WeChat Pay?
Not strictly necessary, but recommended. Both are accepted at virtually the same places, but occasionally one will have a technical issue or a specific merchant only has one type of QR code. Setting up both takes about 30 minutes total and gives you a reliable backup.
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Everyone's situation is different — visa type, phone carrier, and timing all affect outcomes. See what others have reported and adjust based on your own circumstances.