Alipay and WeChat Pay for Foreigners: How to Pay in China as a Tourist

Last reviewed: October 2026

You'll see it within an hour of landing. Someone buys a coffee by holding up their phone. Someone else pays a street vendor by scanning a code taped to a cart. Cash and bank cards are still options, but mobile payments are widely used across China.

The good news is that foreign visitors can often join in. You can usually try linking an eligible international bank card to Alipay or WeChat Pay, then pay by scanning a QR code or showing your own payment code. The catch is that card compatibility, identity checks, fees and merchant acceptance can vary, so it's worth testing your setup before you leave.

Quick answer: how do foreigners pay in China? Set up Alipay before your trip and consider adding WeChat Pay as a backup. Link a supported international card, check the applicable fees and limits, carry a second payment card, and keep some renminbi (RMB) cash.

Part of our China travel guide for foreigners.

Payment methods at a glance

Setting up Alipay before you travel

Alipay is a sensible first app to try for many visitors. Set it up at home, on a reliable internet connection, and leave time to resolve any verification issues.

1. Download the official Alipay app from your phone's app store.
2. Register using the information requested by the app.
3. Complete identity verification if prompted. You may need your passport or other requested details.
4. Try linking an eligible international bank card.
5. Review the fees, limits and card restrictions shown in the app.
6. Check that you can log in again and access any verification method you may need while travelling.

Once your setup is ready, you can generally scan a merchant's QR code or display your own payment code for the merchant to scan. The available method depends on the merchant and transaction.

Alipay also offers mini-programs and other services for things such as transport and ticket purchases. Availability, language support and payment requirements vary, so test any feature you specifically plan to use.

What fees should you expect?

When paying through Alipay or WeChat Pay with an overseas-issued bank card, the platform may charge a service fee depending on the transaction amount and the applicable terms.

As a general guide, official Chinese payment guidance states that transactions of RMB 200 or less are generally exempt from the platform service fee, while transactions above RMB 200 may incur a 3% service fee on the full transaction amount. Promotions or updated terms may change what you actually pay.

Your bank may also charge a foreign transaction fee or apply its own currency-conversion rate. Check the payment screen before confirming a transaction and review your bank's fees before travelling.

If your card won't link

A card-linking failure doesn't necessarily mean that the card cannot be used anywhere in China. Possible causes include issuer restrictions, verification problems or incompatibility with the payment service.

Try these steps:

• Try another eligible card, if you have one.
• Check whether your bank permits international online transactions.
• Make sure the information you enter matches your identification and card details where required.
• Contact your bank or the app's customer support team if the problem persists.
• Complete any additional verification requested by the app.

If you still cannot link a card, you can use other available options, including direct bank-card payments at participating merchants and RMB cash.

Should you also set up WeChat Pay?

WeChat is China's widely used messaging and services app, and WeChat Pay is its payment feature. It can be useful for everyday purchases, communicating with local contacts and accessing services within WeChat.

Eligible overseas-issued cards can be linked, but supported card networks, verification requirements and payment availability depend on the service and your account.

You don't necessarily need both Alipay and WeChat Pay for a short holiday. Starting with one and setting up the other as a backup is a reasonable approach, particularly if you expect to use transport services or mini-programs.

Remember that having both apps does not guarantee that every merchant or transaction will accept your linked foreign card.

Can you use Visa and Mastercard in China?

Yes, sometimes directly. Foreign bank cards are accepted at many hotels, larger retailers, tourist attractions and other businesses that support the relevant card network.

Look for the payment-network logos at the checkout or ask before making a purchase. Don't assume that a business accepts your card just because it is large or located in a major city.

Linking an eligible Visa or Mastercard to Alipay or WeChat Pay can make QR-code payments available at many more merchants. However, this does not guarantee that every transaction will succeed.

Before travelling:

• Check your bank's foreign transaction and currency-conversion fees.
• Make sure your card is enabled for overseas transactions.
• Carry a second card, preferably on a different network.
• Store your backup card separately from your main wallet.

Other international card networks may be supported too, depending on the app and issuing bank. Check the current supported-card information in the app before you travel.

Do you still need cash?

Yes. Carrying some RMB is a sensible backup, even if you expect to use mobile payments most of the time.

Cash is useful if your phone battery dies, your internet connection fails, an app requests additional verification or a payment cannot be completed. China has policies requiring businesses to accommodate RMB cash payments, although in practice you may still encounter situations where paying electronically is more convenient.

To obtain RMB, you can exchange foreign currency through authorised providers or withdraw cash from an ATM that supports your card network. Compare exchange rates and fees, including those charged by your bank. Airport exchange counters may be convenient but aren't always the cheapest option.

Carry a modest amount in smaller denominations rather than relying on large notes for every purchase.

How paying works day to day

There are two common QR-code payment methods.

You scan the merchant's code. Open the app, choose the scan function and point your camera at the merchant's QR code. Depending on the payment flow, you may need to enter an amount, confirm the details and authorise the payment.

The merchant scans your code. Open your payment-code screen and let the cashier scan it with a compatible reader. Follow the app's instructions to complete the transaction.

Before confirming, check the amount and merchant details displayed in the app. If the transaction fails, check the app for an error message before trying again, so you don't accidentally pay twice.

Keep your phone charged and consider carrying a small power bank. You'll also need a working connection for most app-based payment flows, so arrange mobile data or roaming before you arrive.

Common payment mistakes

• Waiting until arrival to set up the apps. Account registration or verification can take time.
• Bringing only one card. A declined transaction can leave you without a convenient alternative.
• Ignoring fees. Platform service fees and bank foreign transaction fees are separate costs.
• Forgetting your phone battery. A charged phone is essential for most mobile payments.
• Carrying no cash. A small amount of RMB provides useful backup.
• Assuming every shop accepts foreign bank cards. Acceptance depends on the merchant, terminal and card network.
• Assuming that linking a card guarantees every payment will work. Some transactions, services or mini-programs may have additional restrictions.

Best payment setup for a typical trip

Set up Alipay before departure and test that you can access your account. Consider adding WeChat Pay as a second option. Bring two bank cards, check their fees, keep a little RMB cash and carry a power bank.

We cover mobile data in our eSIM and SIM card guide, which is useful because most mobile payment flows work best with a reliable connection.

FAQ

Can foreigners use Alipay?

Generally, yes. Eligible visitors can register and link supported international bank cards, subject to verification, compatibility, transaction limits and applicable fees.

Can foreigners use WeChat Pay?

Yes, many overseas visitors can link eligible international cards to WeChat Pay. Availability depends on the supported card, verification requirements and current service terms.

Does Visa work in China?

Visa can work directly at merchants that accept it. You can also try linking an eligible Visa card to Alipay or WeChat Pay. Neither method guarantees acceptance for every purchase.

Do I need a Chinese bank account?

Not necessarily. Eligible visitors can generally link supported overseas-issued cards to Alipay or WeChat Pay without opening a mainland Chinese bank account. Additional requirements may apply to specific features or services.

Is cash accepted in China?

Yes. RMB cash remains a valid payment method, and businesses are subject to requirements concerning cash acceptance. Carrying smaller notes is useful, even if you plan to pay mainly by phone.

Are there fees?

There may be. Overseas-card payments through Alipay or WeChat Pay are generally exempt from the platform service fee at RMB 200 or less, while larger transactions may incur a 3% fee on the full amount. Check the app's current terms and payment screen. Your bank may charge additional fees.

Do I need internet to pay?

A working data connection is needed for most mobile-payment transactions. Keep your roaming or data plan ready and carry a backup payment method in case you lose connectivity.