If you’re planning a trip to China, one of the first questions you may have is: How do I pay for things there?
In China, mobile payment is king — even for the smallest purchases. Cash and credit cards are no longer as common.
For foreign tourists, the good news is: you can now easily use Alipay and WeChat Pay — the two most popular digital wallets in China — with your international credit card or debit card.
Here’s how it works (based on official policies in 2024-2025):
Why You Should Use Alipay and WeChat Pay in China
- 90%+ of shops, restaurants, hotels, attractions in China accept mobile payment
- Even street food vendors and taxis use QR codes
- Some locations may not accept foreign credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) at all
- No Chinese bank account needed anymore for tourists
- Convenient and safe — no need to carry cash
How to Use Alipay as a Foreigner
1️⃣ Download the Alipay app
You can download Alipay from:
2️⃣ Register with your passport
- Open Alipay and select Tour Pass or International Version
- Sign up with your passport number and personal info
- Verify your identity (passport scan or photo)
3️⃣ Link your bank card
- You can link Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Discover, Diners Club
- Most major credit and debit cards are accepted
- No Chinese bank account required
4️⃣ Pay like a local
- Open Alipay, tap “Pay” and scan the merchant’s QR code — or show your own QR for the merchant to scan
- Alipay will handle the conversion to RMB (CNY) automatically
Tip: Many Alipay menus are now in English — easy for tourists to use!
How to Use WeChat Pay as a Foreigner
1️⃣ Download WeChat app
2️⃣ Register an account
- Sign up using your mobile number (can be international)
- Complete identity verification with passport
3️⃣ Link a card
- You can link Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Diners Club, Discover
- If your country’s card is not accepted, some tourists use Wise Visa / virtual cards which often work well
4️⃣ Start paying
- Tap Me → Services → Wallet → Cards to manage your card
- Tap WeChat Pay when you are ready to pay — scan the merchant’s QR code or show yours
Note: Some mini-programs (train tickets, public bikes) require extra verification — not all services are open to foreign tourists yet, but basic payments work fine.
Which One Is Better — Alipay or WeChat Pay?
Both work great for tourists.
Many shops accept both, but some places may prefer one.
Recommendation: Install both apps — this gives you maximum flexibility on your trip.
Final Tips for Foreign Tourists
✅ Install both Alipay and WeChat Pay before arrival
✅ Use international Visa or Mastercard — works fine on both apps
✅ Always carry a little cash (RMB) as backup — small towns or older spots may not use digital
✅ Don’t worry if you don’t speak Chinese — QR codes are universal
✅ If you need help, ask your PandaPower guide — we assist all our guests with setup!
At PandaPower, we make your China trip smooth and easy — from payment tips to full custom itineraries.
👉 Ready to plan your adventure? Contact PandaPower today!
