Are you heading to China soon and wondering how to pay for things?
I’m Mike and I’ve traveled around China a million times.
OK, that’s an exaggeration. But I’ve visited more times than I can remember – and I’ve lived and worked there too.
China has changed a lot in recent years, and it’s hard to survive unless you have Alipay or WeChat Pay set up on your phone.
In this guide, I’ll show you how to best prepare yourself, so you can pay with confidence the minute you arrive.
I’m not going to focus on the technology or bamboozle you with screenshots. It’s just good old-fashioned advice from a real person!
If you have a question after reading, add it in the comments below and I’ll reply. Or, if you’re a Facebook user, jump into the China Travel Planning Group and get help from me and a bunch of other friendly travelers.
Do I actually need Alipay or WeChat Pay?
As a foreign tourist, you technically don’t need either app in China, but traveling is so much easier with them.
Here’s why:
- Cash is hardly used anymore, and relying on it can make traveling less convenient
- Most foreign tourists can use Alipay and WeChat Pay with a linked international card
- Restaurants, shops and markets often expect QR payments via the apps.
If you’re totally against using Chinese payment apps, you can still travel around China with local cash (yuan).
It’s definitely possible. It’s just harder.
Major hotels still accept international bank cards.
Alipay vs WeChat Pay: Which one should I use?
Here’s a summary of the key differences between these apps.
| Alipay | WeChat Pay |
|---|---|
| Easier for tourists | Widely accepted |
| More travel services inside the app | Better if already using WeChat for messaging |
| Available in English | Available in English |
| Great choice for first-time visitors | Useful as a backup |
WeChat is by far the app most locals use.
However, Alipay seems to have the edge for tourists – me included – as it’s a bit more foreigner friendly.
Do I need both apps?
I recommend you download both WeChat and Alipay. Image by Tada Images on Shutterstock.
No, but it’s a good idea.
Alipay and WeChat Pay are both widely accepted in China and now support many international payment cards.
Having both installed means you’ll have a backup if you run into a payment issue or a merchant only uses one platform over the other.
Trust me – this happens sometimes, especially if you get off the beaten path.
My best recommendation: install both apps for your China trip.
Before leaving home: 5-minute setup checklist
You should install Alipay and WeChat Pay before you leave.
The earlier you do it the better, in case your bank card doesn’t connect or there are issues with your identity verification.
Here’s what you should do:
- Download the international version of each app
- Create an account
- Verify your identity, including your passport details
- Link your bank account (e.g. debit or credit, such as Visa, Mastercard and even American Express)
- Check the $0 authorization in your bank account
The last step is key – it demonstrates that your payment method has been added successfully.
Will my Visa or Mastercard or Amex work?
Beijing Metro is one of the rare places where you don’t need Alipay or WeChat. Image supplied by Mike Cairnduff.
Usually, yes – when linked to Alipay or WeChat Pay.
However, some Chinese merchants may still decline foreign-linked wallets.
Having both Alipay and WeChat Pay improves your chances. You could also hedge your bets by linking your main bank card to Alipay and your backup card to WeChat Pay (or vice versa).
Using your bank’s “tap and go” feature generally won’t work in China, apart from a handful of exceptions like the Beijing Metro.
How can I be sure I’m all set?
The pre-authorization on your bank or credit card statement means you’re good to go.
However, some travelers I chat with get pre-travel jitters and want further ‘proof’ that their payment app will work in China.
No judgement – I’m a control freak myself!
If you’re booking a tour through a China-based travel agency, you could make a part payment using Alipay or WeChat Pay. The tour company can email you their QR code.
The agent will need to be in China, i.e. the test won’t work with a merchant based in your country.
Another option is you make a small purchase as soon as you arrive, such as a snack at the airport. This will give you maximum time to troubleshoot if there are any issues.
I wouldn’t worry about this though. Like I said, the authorization on your bank statement should be enough.
How do QR code payments work in China?
This is where many first-time visitors to China get confused.
Paying with either Alipay or WeChat Pay involves using a QR code. And there’s two ways to do it.
Option 1: The merchant scans your QR code
Hold up your QR code and let the shop assistant scan it. Image by Freer on Shutterstock.
I find this option is a bit easier.
You may hear the merchant say “我扫你” (Wǒ sǎo nǐ) which means “I’ll scan you”.
Steps:
- Open the app
- Find your QR code:
- In Alipay, tap on ‘Pay/Receive’ at the top
- In WeChat Pay, tap on the ‘+’ at the top, then tap on ‘Money’
- Show the merchant your code
- The merchant scans it
All transactions are tracked in the app, so you can see every deduction in real time.
Option 2: You scan the merchant’s QR code
Scan the seller’s code with your phone’s camera. Image by Freer on Shutterstock.
This option is common at souvenir shops and when buying street food. The merchant will have their QR code on display.
You may hear the merchant say “你扫我” (Nǐ sǎo wǒ) which means “You scan me”.
Steps:
- Open the app
- Find the scan button:
- In Alipay, tap on ‘Scan’ at the top
- In WeChat Pay, tap on the ‘+’ at the top, then tap on ‘Scan’
- Enter the amount if required
- Confirm the payment
Don’t worry if you forget or don’t know which option to use. The merchant will usually point at the QR code they want you to scan or show you yours.
Insider tip: Sometimes you don’t even need an internet connection to pay, provided you have recently logged into the app and made a payment.
I’ve also found this to be true with my own banking app back home.
Where can I use Alipay and WeChat Pay?
Vending machines are one of the few places where it can be hard paying. Image supplied by Mike Cairnduff.
Practically everywhere in China, including:
- Restaurants
- Convenience stores
- Street food vendors
- Coffee shops
- Metro
- Taxis
- Didi (China’s Uber)
- Tourist attractions
- Shopping malls
- Markets
You can also use Alipay and WeChat Pay at vending machines, but you’ll probably need help from your tour guide if you can’t read the Mandarin instructions.
Are there any fees to use Alipay and WeChat Pay?
Yes, there are potential costs involved:
- 3% foreign transaction fee each time you buy – this is waived on purchases under RMB 200
- Any foreign transaction fees your bank charges
Fortunately, there are some ways to avoid paying any fees at all.
If you buy something that costs more than 200 yuan (which is about US$30), ask if the merchant can split it into multiple, smaller payments.
As for your own bank’s charges, you can use an account that offers $0 foreign transaction or international conversion fees.
Do I still need cash?
Cash is no longer king. Image supplied by Mike Cairnduff.
China is now largely cashless.
Having said that, I recommend carrying a bit of cash as a backup in case your payment apps don’t work.
I’ve traveled with many foreigners in China, and there’s always been one for whom Alipay or WeChat Pay didn’t work. I’ve had to bail them out just so they can buy water or food.
Also, when I’ve traveled to rural areas in Tibet and Xinjiang, there’s been connection issues.
You may hear people in The Helpful Panda Facebook Group say that they only used Alipay or WeChat Pay and never had to use cash once.
That’s great – and how it should be in a perfect world – but the reality for some travelers is different.
I personally carry RMB 1,000, which is the equivalent of about US$150, whenever I’m in China. But you could get by with as little as RMB 200 (US$30) if you wanted.
Insider tip: When you exchange currencies, try to get some lower-denomination notes like RMB 10, 20 and 50. Cash machines in China only spit out RMB 100 notes which can be a pain for small purchases.
Common problems with the apps (and easy fixes)
Here’s where you could run into problems using China’s mobile payment apps.
My card won’t link
Remove it and try another card. Unfortunately, you won’t get any customer support from Alipay or WeChat Pay – they’re both horrendous when it comes to any kind of help for foreigners.
The app wants passport verification
I don’t like sharing my important personal data either, but I suggest submitting your details if you want stress-free payments in China.
My payment failed in China
Check if there’s a reason given on your screen. If there isn’t, try paying with the other app. If that doesn’t work, try a different store, as it could be a merchant-related issue.
My internet isn’t working
Often you can still make payments even if your internet connection is down. Open up the payment app and show your QR code to the merchant to scan.
Tips to make paying in China easier
I recommend doing all these things:
- Set everything up before flying
- Learn where the ‘Pay’ and ‘Scan’ buttons are before your first purchase
- Install an eSIM before you leave – this one’s critical
- Enable app notifications
- Save a backup payment card to each app
- Charge your phone every night in your hotel room so you’ve got 100% power the following day.
This is my recommended eSIM right now, based on personal experience:
When buying your eSIM, get a decent data allowance. Don’t be stingy as your phone will be on all the time.
Insider tip: There are restrictions on power banks on Chinese flights, and the rules can be confusing. If you’re only visiting for a short trip, I’d personally skip bringing one and simply charge your phone every night.
Other ways to pay in China
Foreign credit cards are hardly accepted. Image by Maria Domnina on Pixabay.
In addition to Alipay, WeChat Pay, and yuan, you could use:
- Foreign bank card – accepted at major hotels, some upscale restaurants and large stores that cater to international visitors, and a few tourist attractions
- Foreign credit card – as above
- Foreign cash such as US dollars – while tipping is not part of the Chinese culture, on foreigner-only tours I’ve seen some tourists slip the guide a US$20 note and it’s been greatly received.
You won’t see any locals carry plastic cards like we do.
Have a fab time!
Once you’ve set up Alipay and WeChat Pay, paying in China quickly becomes second nature. After your first couple of purchases, scanning QR codes will feel as normal as tapping your digital or physical card at home.
Get everything ready before you leave, and you’ll arrive with one less thing to worry about.
Just don’t forget your eSIM so you can actually make digital payments on the go – here are the eSIMs that work in China based on my experience.
FAQ about how to pay in China
Should I use Alipay or WeChat Pay in China?
If you only install one app, I’d recommend Alipay. It’s a little easier for first-time visitors to navigate and includes useful travel features. That said, I always recommend installing both Alipay and WeChat Pay before traveling in case you run into issues with either of them.
Are there transaction fees using Alipay and WeChat Pay?
Yes, there’s a small fee for transactions above a certain amount, and your own bank may also charge foreign transaction fees.
Do I need a Chinese bank account?
No, this is only for foreign workers in China.
Should I bring my ATM cards to China?
Absolutely, in case you need to get Chinese cash (yuan) from a machine.
Can I use my physical credit card in China?
Only at places like major hotels.
Can I use Apple Pay in China?
No, with a few rare exceptions.
Can I use Google Pay in China?
No, with a few rare exceptions.
Is it safe to use China’s mobile payment apps?
Alipay and WeChat are major international companies. If you’re concerned about digital safety, unfortunately your VPN needs to be turned off when using Alipay and WeChat Pay, which only leaves cash as an everyday option.
