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How to Use Alipay and WeChat Pay in China: Payment Guide for Foreign Tourists

Last checked: July 2026

If you are visiting China for the first time, payment may be one of the most confusing parts of your trip.

You may arrive with cash, Visa, Mastercard, or another international card, only to discover that many everyday places in China expect QR code payment instead of a physical card swipe. Restaurants, convenience stores, taxis, small shops, street food stalls, hotels, and public transport are often much easier when you have Alipay or WeChat Pay ready on your phone.

I’m Mr. Panda, your local friend in Guangzhou, China. I use both apps in daily life, and in this guide I’ll show you how foreign tourists can prepare Alipay and WeChat Pay before arriving in China, how to link a foreign bank card, how QR code payments work, and which app you should set up first.

Quick Answer: What Is the Best Way to Pay in China?

For most first-time visitors, the best setup is:

  1. Set up Alipay first before your trip.
  2. Set up WeChat Pay as your second payment app if possible.
  3. Link at least two foreign cards if you have them.
  4. Keep a small amount of cash as backup, especially for emergencies.
  5. Test the app before your flight so you are not stuck at the airport, hotel, or first restaurant.

If you only have time to prepare one app before your flight, start with Alipay. In my experience, Alipay is usually smoother for foreign tourists because the international version feels more travel-friendly, the English interface is clearer, and the setup process is more direct.

But for a real China trip, the honest answer is: you should have both Alipay and WeChat Pay. Alipay is great as your travel payment tool. WeChat Pay is useful because WeChat is also China’s everyday communication and local-life app.

Why Payment in China Feels Different for Foreign Tourists

In many countries, you can travel with a credit card and some cash. In China, that is not always enough for daily convenience.

China is highly mobile-payment-friendly. Instead of inserting a card or tapping a card terminal, you will often see a QR code at the counter. Sometimes you scan the merchant’s code. Sometimes the merchant scans your payment code.

This is why first-time visitors often feel lost:

So the goal is not to replace every payment method. The goal is to build a safe travel setup:

Alipay + WeChat Pay + backup card + some cash.

Can Foreign Tourists Use Cash or International Credit Cards in China?

Yes, you can still bring cash. But if you rely only on cash, your trip may be less convenient.

International credit cards may work in larger hotels, major shopping malls, high-end restaurants, and some tourist-facing businesses. But at small restaurants, convenience stores, local taxis, street food stalls, and many everyday shops, QR code payment is often the normal method.

That is why I recommend setting up mobile payment before you arrive.

You usually need:

You do not need a Chinese bank account for the basic tourist setup described in this guide.

Alipay vs WeChat Pay: Which One Should You Use?

Alipay and WeChat Pay have the same basic payment idea:

You open the app, scan a QR code, or show your payment code, and confirm the payment.

Both can work for daily purchases in China when linked with eligible foreign cards. But the two apps feel different.

When Alipay Is Better for Foreign Tourists

Alipay is usually the better first app for tourists.

Why?

In my videos, I recommend starting with Alipay if you can only prepare one app before your flight.

When WeChat Pay Is Useful

WeChat Pay is built inside WeChat. That means it is not just a payment tool. It is connected to China’s daily communication system.

WeChat is useful for:

The setup can sometimes be trickier for new users because WeChat may ask for security verification. In some cases, a new account may need extra checks, payment card verification, or help from an existing WeChat user.

That does not mean you should avoid WeChat Pay. It means you should not leave it until the moment you are standing at a cashier.

My Practical Recommendation as a Local Guide

If you are coming to China for the first time:

If one app fails, your second app can save you.

How to Set Up Alipay Before Your China Trip

Here is the simple version.

1. Download Alipay

Open the App Store or Google Play and search for Alipay. Look for the blue icon with the white Alipay symbol.

Download the official app.

2. Register with Your Phone Number

Use your real international phone number, such as a +1, +44, +61, or other country code number.

I recommend using your phone number instead of only email or Apple ID because SMS verification is important during registration and future login checks.

3. Switch to the International Version

After you enter the app, check the settings.

Look for Switch Version and choose International if the option is available. Then set the app language to English.

This makes the app easier to use as a tourist.

4. Complete Identity Verification

Go to your account area and find identity verification.

You may need to enter:

Use your real passport information. Make sure the passport photo is clear, with all four corners visible and no glare.

A key rule: your name should match across your passport, app profile, and bank card as closely as possible.

No nicknames. No missing middle name if your bank uses it. No random name order changes if you can avoid them.

This is one of the most common reasons verification fails.

In Alipay, go to the bank card section and add your card.

You may need:

Visa and Mastercard are usually the most reliable for foreign travelers. Other international cards may also work depending on the app, card network, and your bank.

After adding the card, set a payment password if asked.

Do not use your ATM PIN. Do not use simple numbers like 123456 or your birthday.

6. Add a Backup Card

If possible, add a second card before your trip.

Foreign card payments can sometimes be blocked by your bank’s fraud system, especially when you suddenly make payments in China. If one card fails, you can switch to the other card instead of being stuck at the counter.

How to Set Up WeChat Pay Before Your China Trip

WeChat Pay is not a separate app. It is inside WeChat.

1. Download WeChat

Open the App Store or Google Play and download the official WeChat app by Tencent.

2. Create or Sign In to Your WeChat Account

Use a mobile phone number that can receive SMS verification codes.

During registration, follow the app’s anti-bot and security checks. Some users can create an account smoothly. Others may see extra verification screens.

If WeChat asks for security verification, try these first:

If you get stuck, do not panic. It is a common hurdle for new users.

3. Find WeChat Pay / Wallet

After you enter WeChat, go to:

Me → Services → Wallet

Depending on your region and account status, the wording may vary. If you cannot see Wallet or WeChat Pay, check whether the feature needs to be enabled in your app settings.

4. Add Your Foreign Bank Card

Inside Wallet, choose the option to add a bank card.

You may need to enter identity information and upload your passport if requested.

Again, make sure your name matches your passport and bank card as closely as possible.

5. Test Before Your Trip

Do not wait until you are standing in a convenience store in China with a line behind you.

Open the app before your trip and check:

How to Pay in China with Alipay or WeChat Pay

There are two main in-store payment methods.

Method 1: You Scan the Merchant’s QR Code

This is common at small restaurants, local shops, food stalls, and counters.

The process is:

  1. Open Alipay or WeChat.
  2. Tap Scan.
  3. Scan the merchant’s QR code.
  4. Enter the amount if the app asks you to.
  5. Confirm the payment.
  6. Show the success screen to the merchant if needed.

Before confirming, always check the amount.

Do not rush. A simple mistake like entering 200 instead of 20 can create problems.

Method 2: The Merchant Scans Your Payment Code

This is common at convenience stores, supermarkets, larger restaurants, and chain stores.

The process is:

  1. Open Alipay or WeChat Pay.
  2. Tap Pay/Collect or Payment Code.
  3. Show your QR code or barcode to the cashier.
  4. The cashier scans it.
  5. You may need to enter your payment password.
  6. Wait for the payment success screen.

Important: do not show your payment code for too long in public. Open it only when you are ready to pay.

Method 3: Paying Inside Apps or Mini Programs

Some services in China use in-app payments or mini programs. For example:

This is one reason WeChat Pay can be useful even if Alipay is your main travel payment tool.

Fees, Limits, and the 200 RMB Rule

For many foreign-card payments in Alipay and WeChat Pay, single transactions under 200 RMB are usually free of app service fees.

For transactions above 200 RMB, a 3% service fee may apply.

Example:

Policies, promotions, card networks, and app rules can change. Always check the final payment page before confirming.

If you are paying a small local restaurant and the amount is slightly above 200 RMB, you can politely ask whether they can split the bill into two payments. Some small restaurants may say yes. Larger chains may not allow it.

Your own bank may also charge foreign transaction fees, so check your card terms before your trip.

Common Payment Mistakes Foreign Tourists Should Avoid

Mistake 1: Arriving in China Without Testing Your Payment App

Do not wait until you land.

Test your setup before your flight:

Mistake 2: Expecting Visa or Mastercard to Work Everywhere

International cards are helpful, but they are not enough for every daily situation in China.

Use them as backup, not your only payment plan.

Mistake 3: Relying on Only One Payment Method

Your card may fail. Your bank may block a transaction. One app may ask for extra verification. Your internet may be unstable.

Prepare at least two of these:

Mistake 4: Confusing App Login, Identity Verification, and Payment Setup

Being able to open the app does not always mean you are ready to pay.

You need to check whether your card is actually linked and whether you can access the payment code.

Mistake 5: Ignoring Name Matching

Your passport name, app identity information, and bank card name should match as closely as possible.

If your card uses a middle name, initials, or a different name order, be careful during setup.

Mistake 6: Switching Networks While Paying

When paying, try to stay on a stable connection.

If you keep switching networks or turning VPN on and off during payment, you may trigger security checks or payment failures.

Mistake 7: Forgetting to Keep a Small Cash Backup

Even if mobile payment works well, keep some RMB cash for emergencies.

A dead phone battery, poor signal, or card issue can happen.

What If Alipay or WeChat Pay Does Not Work?

Try this checklist:

  1. Check your internet connection.
  2. Confirm that your card is still linked.
  3. Try your backup card.
  4. Try the other payment app.
  5. Lower the transaction amount if possible.
  6. Contact your card issuer if the bank blocks the payment.
  7. Use cash if you have it.
  8. Ask your hotel front desk for help if you are stuck.

If WeChat account registration fails, try again on a stable connection without VPN. If the app asks for existing-user verification, you may need help from someone who already uses WeChat.

If Alipay card linking fails, check name matching, passport verification, and whether your bank blocked the authorization.

Here is the setup I would recommend to a first-time visitor coming to China:

Before Your Flight

After You Land

Watch My Full Video Guide

If you prefer a visual walkthrough, start with my Alipay vs WeChat Pay comparison video:

You can also watch the detailed step-by-step tutorials here:

Final Checklist Before You Fly to China

Screenshot this section before your trip.

FAQ

Can foreigners use Alipay in China?

Yes. Many foreign visitors can use Alipay by downloading the app, registering with an international phone number, verifying identity if required, and linking an eligible international bank card.

Can foreigners use WeChat Pay in China?

Yes. Foreign visitors can use WeChat Pay by downloading WeChat, creating or signing in to an account, opening Wallet or WeChat Pay, and linking an eligible international bank card. Some new users may face extra security verification during signup.

Do I need a Chinese bank account?

For the basic tourist setup in this guide, no. You can usually link an eligible foreign card for daily purchases. Some advanced features may not be available with international cards.

Do I need a Chinese phone number?

Usually, no. You can use an international phone number as long as it can receive SMS verification codes. Make sure your number works before you travel.

Can I still use cash in China?

Yes, cash can still be useful, especially as a backup. But for daily convenience, Alipay or WeChat Pay will make many situations much easier.

Can I use Visa or Mastercard directly in China?

Sometimes, especially in hotels, malls, and larger businesses. But many smaller everyday merchants prefer QR code payment. Do not rely only on a physical international card.

Which is better for tourists, Alipay or WeChat Pay?

If you can only set up one before your flight, start with Alipay. It is usually smoother for tourists. But for the best China travel setup, prepare both Alipay and WeChat Pay.

What is the 200 RMB rule?

For many foreign-card payments, single transactions under 200 RMB are usually free of app service fees. For payments above 200 RMB, a 3% service fee may apply. Always check the payment page because policies can change.

Should I set up payment before arriving in China?

Yes. Set up and test your payment apps before your flight. It is much better to solve verification problems at home than at a cashier in China.

Start Here: Plan Your First China Trip

Payment is only one part of preparing for China. Two other guides pair well with this one:

If this is your first trip, start with the full beginner guide here:

Start Here: First-Time China Travel Guide

You can also explore more practical China travel guides here:

More China Travel Guides

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