Before You Go
How to Pay in China: Alipay, WeChat Pay & Cash
A practical guide to setting up mobile payments, linking an international bank card, using QR codes and understanding when you may still need cash.
01
Set up payments before you arrive
Alipay and WeChat Pay are the two payment apps you will see most often in mainland China. International visitors can usually register with a foreign mobile number and link an eligible international bank card.
Set up at least one app before departure and complete any identity checks it requests. App rules and card support can change, so check the current in-app instructions before you fly.
02
How QR payments work
For a shop or restaurant, you will normally scan the merchant’s QR code and enter the amount, or show your own payment code for the cashier to scan. Check the merchant name and amount before confirming.
- Keep mobile data available so the payment can complete.
- Carry the physical card linked to your account.
- Do not share payment codes or verification messages.
03
When cash is still useful
Cash remains legal tender and can be useful in small towns, rural areas or when your phone has no signal. Cards issued outside China are not accepted everywhere, so they should not be your only backup.
04
Common problems
A payment can fail because of a bank security check, transaction limit, unsupported card or incomplete identity verification. Try your second payment app or cash rather than repeatedly submitting the same payment.
Questions
What travellers usually ask
Can I travel in China using only cash?
Cash is accepted, but mobile payment is much more common. Using cash alone can make small purchases, taxis and self-service machines less convenient.
Will my foreign credit card work everywhere?
No. Larger hotels and some major shops accept international cards, but many everyday businesses do not. Link the card to a payment app and keep cash as a backup.
Keep Reading
Related practical guides
Planning a trip to China?
Make the practical side feel easier.
I can help you build a realistic route, arrange local experiences and make the practical side of your trip much easier.