The short version
- Download Alipay or WeChat, register with your phone number, and add your Visa / Mastercard / Amex / JCB card.
- Scan the seller’s QR code (or show your payment code) at almost any shop, restaurant, taxi or ticket machine.
- Keep some cash for small vendors and emergencies.
- If a payment fails, the fix is usually: enable international/online payments on your card, switch the card’s network, or pay the card fee the app asks for.
Facts and fees change. Confirm the current steps inside the app and on the official site before you travel.
Why you need this first
China is close to cashless: street stalls, temples, taxis and even some toilets use QR payments. A working payment app removes most of the daily friction — and the anxiety — of the first 24 hours.
Set up Alipay (recommended for visitors)
- Install Alipay from your app store.
- Register with your overseas phone number (a code is sent by SMS).
- Go to Me → Bank Cards → Add card and enter your foreign card.
- Verify your identity if asked (passport details).
- Test it: buy something small (a bottle of water) before you rely on it.
Alipay is the most foreigner-friendly option, with an English interface and “International” support pages.
Set up WeChat Pay (if you already use WeChat)
- Open WeChat → Me → Services → Wallet → Bank Cards → Add.
- Enter your foreign card and verify.
- Use Money → Scan to pay, or show your payment code.
WeChat Pay is embedded in WeChat, so it’s convenient if you already message Chinese contacts.
What still needs cash
- Small vendors without QR codes (some rural stalls, some temples).
- Deposits at some guesthouses or bike rentals.
- Tipping (rare in China, but cash is easiest).
Get cash from ATMs at banks or airports. Bank of China and ICBC ATMs usually accept foreign cards. Decline “conversion” and let your bank convert — it’s usually cheaper.
Fees and limits (rough guide)
- Foreign-card payments may carry a service fee (often around 3%) above a small threshold; the app shows it before you confirm.
- Single-transaction and daily limits apply; they’re shown in the app.
- Refunds go back to the card but can take several days.
Exact fees and limits change. Check the fee shown on the confirmation screen, and see the app’s “International” help page.
When a payment fails — the fixes
| Symptom | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Card declined | Card not enabled for overseas/online use | Call your bank; enable international payments |
| “Unsupported card” | Wrong card network | Try another Visa/Mastercard, or Amex/JCB |
| Fee prompt | Foreign-card fee | Accept the fee, or pay with a local wallet if you have one |
| Verification loop | Identity check incomplete | Complete passport verification in the app |
| QR won’t scan | Screen brightness / camera | Increase brightness; clean the lens; enter the code manually |
Etiquette and practical notes
- QR codes are everywhere: “扫一扫” (scan) is the default. Merchants may also scan your payment code.
- No tipping is expected in restaurants and taxis.
- Keep your phone charged: a dead phone means no payment. Carry a power bank.
- Backup: keep a physical card and a little cash in case your phone dies or the network drops.
Verify before you travel
Payment rules, fees and app flows change often. Before your trip:
- Check the official Alipay / WeChat Pay international help pages.
- Confirm your bank allows overseas transactions.
- Do a small test payment on arrival — don’t wait until your first big purchase.