China runs on QR codes. From street food to taxis, almost everything is paid with Alipay or WeChat Pay. The good news: since 2023 both apps let foreigners link an overseas Visa or Mastercard. American Express, Diners Club and Discover cards are almost unusable in China, except at some international chain hotels.

Set up before you fly

1. Install Alipay (easiest for tourists) from your home app store.
2. Register with your passport and phone number.
3. Add your foreign credit/debit card under “Bank Cards.”
4. Small payments under ¥200 usually have no fee; larger ones add ~3%.

For a full step-by-step walkthrough with screenshots, see Trip.com’s how to use Alipay guide.

Setting up WeChat Pay

WeChat (微信) started life as China’s instant-messaging app — the local equivalent of WhatsApp — and chatting is still its core: it’s how everyone here messages, calls and shares. Payments, a social feed and mini-programs were layered on top later, turning it into an all-in-one super-app. So you’ll want it to keep in touch with hotels, guides and new friends as much as to pay.

1. Install WeChat (微信) from your home app store and register with your phone number.
2. Open Me → Services (Wallet) and follow the prompts to add an international bank card (Visa or Mastercard).
3. Verify your identity with your passport details.
4. You’re ready to scan QR codes to pay, the same way as Alipay.

Tip: a brand-new WeChat account can take a day or two to fully “warm up” before payments unlock, and very new accounts occasionally face limits. Set it up before you fly, and ideally have a contact add you as a friend so the account looks established.

Alipay vs WeChat Pay: which should you use?

Both accept foreign cards and work almost everywhere. The honest answer: install both, but lead with Alipay.

	Alipay (支付宝)	WeChat Pay (微信支付)
Best for foreigners	✅ Smoothest sign-up & card linking	Works, but setup can be fussier
Built-in English	Strong, with a Travel/tourist hub	Decent, less tourist-focused
Beyond payments	Ride-hailing, metro, translation, tickets (mini-programs)	Messaging & social — how locals stay in touch
Foreign-card fees	No fee under ~¥200; ~3% above	Similar
Acceptance	Universal	Universal

Use Alipay as your main wallet — it’s the most foreigner-friendly and bundles the most travel tools. Add WeChat Pay as a backup and for messaging locals. Carrying both means if one app or card hiccups, you’re still covered.

Do you still need cash?

A little. Carry a few hundred yuan for:

• Small rural vendors
• Emergencies if your phone dies

By law, shops must still accept cash — but many will be slow at making change.

Tips

• Screenshot your payment QR in case of weak signal.
• Keep your phone charged — a power bank is essential.
• Notify your bank you’ll be in China so the card isn’t blocked.