Payment guide
How to pay for things in China
China is almost entirely cashless. Street food, subway rides, museums — everything is QR code. Here's how to set up Alipay as a foreigner, step by step.
Do this before you land
Setting up Alipay requires a stable internet connection, SMS to your home number, and sometimes a few tries. Do it at home, not at the airport.
Which payment method should you use?
For foreign visitors, here's the best way to pay in China:
Alipay + your Visa / Mastercard
RecommendedThe simplest setup for most visitors. Since late 2023 you can link a foreign Visa or Mastercard directly — no Chinese bank account or phone number needed. Small payments clear instantly; larger ones may ask for a one-time passport verification.
How to set it up →WeChat Pay + international card
Works the same way and is just as widely accepted. Setting up both Alipay and WeChat Pay gives you a reliable backup.
How to set it up →Alipay+ with your home e-wallet (region-dependent)
Travellers from some countries can pay in China using their own home e-wallet through Alipay+. Availability depends on your country and wallet — check whether yours is supported before relying on it.
Foreign card (Visa / Mastercard)
Accepted at most hotels and larger stores, but not at street vendors or many small shops. Treat it as a backup, not your main method.
A little cash (RMB)
Carry ¥300–500 for the rare vendor who doesn't take mobile pay. Withdraw at major bank ATMs (Bank of China, ICBC) with your card.
Payment rules can change and vary by card issuer. Verify with official sources before you travel. Note: PayPal is not a standard in-store payment method in China — don't plan to rely on it.
Setting up Alipay — step by step
Download Alipay before you leave
Search for 'Alipay' in your App Store or Google Play. Make sure it's the international version. Do this while you still have unrestricted internet — you cannot reliably access Google Play inside China.
Register with your phone number
Open Alipay → tap 'Sign Up' → enter your phone number. You'll receive an SMS verification code. Use your home country number — this works fine.
Complete identity verification
Go to: Me → Pay → International Card. Tap 'Verify Identity'. You'll need your passport number and to take a selfie. This enables you to link a foreign card.
Add your foreign credit or debit card
After verification, tap 'Add Card'. Alipay supports Visa, Mastercard, and most major international cards. Enter your card number, expiry, CVV, and billing address exactly as they appear on your statement.
Make a small test payment
Before you travel, make a small payment — even ¥1 to a friend who has Alipay, or to a charity. This confirms the card works end-to-end.
Foreign card limits on Alipay
Limits as of 2025–2026. Subject to change. Exchange rates use WeChat/Alipay's rate which is typically close to mid-market.
What about WeChat Pay?
WeChat Pay works similarly and also accepts foreign Visa/Mastercard. Most places that accept Alipay also accept WeChat Pay. It's worth setting up both.
The key difference: WeChat is also China's main messaging and social app. Having WeChat makes it much easier to communicate with locals, book things, and access services.
Should I bring cash?
Bring ¥500–1000 RMBas a backup. Most things in major cities don't need it, but small vendors in tourist areas, certain taxis, and rural destinations may be cash-only. Get it from a Bank of China or ICBC ATM — they reliably accept foreign cards. Avoid airport exchange counters for large amounts.
Now set up your internet
VPN + SIM — the other critical pre-trip setup.