Mobile payments are a daily part of life in China. From restaurants and taxis to convenience stores and tourist attractions, Alipay and WeChat Pay are accepted almost everywhere.
For international travelers, this guide explains how to use Alipay and WeChat Pay as a foreigner, what you need to prepare, and what to expect in real situations.
Do Foreigners Need Mobile Payment in China?
Yes. While cash is still technically accepted, many places in China do not regularly handle cash, and some small vendors may not have change.
Using mobile payment will make your trip:
- Faster and more convenient
- Less stressful in taxis and small shops
- More similar to how locals pay
For most travelers, setting up at least one mobile payment app is strongly recommended.
Alipay vs WeChat Pay: Which One Should You Use?
Both apps work well for travelers, but they have slight differences.
Alipay
- More traveler-friendly setup
- Supports most foreign credit cards
- Often easier for first-time users
- Widely accepted everywhere
WeChat Pay
- Integrated into the WeChat social app
- Widely used by locals
- Also supports foreign cards
- Useful if you already use WeChat
👉 Recommendation: If you only choose one, start with Alipay. If possible, set up both.
What You Need Before Setting Up
Prepare these before you arrive in China:
- A passport
- A foreign credit or debit card (Visa or Mastercard works best)
- A working phone number (home country is fine)
- A smartphone with app store access
It is much easier to complete setup before entering China.
How to Set Up Alipay as a Foreigner
- Download Alipay from the App Store or Google Play
- Sign up using your phone number
- Verify your identity with your passport
- Add your foreign credit or debit card
- Activate the international version (Tour Pass if available)
Once set up, you can scan QR codes or let vendors scan yours to pay.
How to Set Up WeChat Pay as a Foreigner
- Download WeChat
- Create an account and verify your phone number
- Go to WeChat Pay / Wallet
- Add your foreign bank card
- Complete identity verification if required
WeChat Pay works best once your account is fully verified.
How Mobile Payment Works in Daily Situations
Paying in Shops & Restaurants
- Scan the shop’s QR code and enter the amount
- Or let the cashier scan your personal payment code
Taxis & Didi
- Didi integrates directly with Alipay and WeChat Pay
- No need to handle cash
Tourist Attractions
- Tickets, snacks, and souvenirs usually accept mobile payment
Limits, Fees, and Common Issues
- Some transactions may have daily or per-payment limits
- Small foreign card fees may apply
- Occasionally, a payment may fail—keep a backup card or small cash
For short-term travel, limits are usually not a problem.
Should You Still Carry Cash?
Yes—but only a small amount.
Cash is useful for:
- Emergencies
- Very small street vendors
- Backup if mobile payment fails
Most travelers find they use mobile payment for 90%+ of expenses.
Tips for a Smooth Experience
- Set up apps before arrival
- Keep your phone battery charged
- Use strong internet or mobile data
- Screenshot your payment code in case of slow connections
Final Thoughts
Alipay and WeChat Pay have made traveling in China much easier for foreigners. With a simple setup, you can pay just like a local—quickly, safely, and conveniently.
If this is your first trip to China, mobile payment is not just helpful—it’s essential.
