Paying in China is easy once your phone is properly set up. Mobile payments are used for almost everything, from restaurants and convenience stores to taxis, metro rides and attraction tickets.
International visitors can register for Alipay and WeChat with an overseas phone number and link an eligible international bank card. For normal purchases at shops and restaurants, you do not need a Chinese bank account. Cash and physical bank cards are also available as backup payment methods.
Set up Alipay as your main payment app, add WeChat Pay as a backup, and carry a small amount of RMB cash.
What You Need Before You Start
Prepare the following:
- Your passport
- An active mobile number that can receive text messages
- An eligible international credit or debit card
- Access to your bank’s app or online banking
- A stable internet connection
Visa and Mastercard are widely supported. Other international card networks may also be available, depending on the app, card issuer and account.
It is best to complete the setup before flying to China. Your bank may send a verification code or ask you to approve the card connection.
How to Set Up Alipay
- Download the official Alipay app.
- Register with your international mobile number.
- Change the app language to English if necessary.
- Open Me and select Bank Cards.
- Tap Add a Card.
- Enter your card details exactly as they appear on the card.
- Complete identity or bank verification if requested.
- Create your payment password and enable fingerprint or facial recognition.
The names and positions of individual buttons may change slightly between app versions.
Alipay may ask you to verify your identity using your passport. Complete this before your trip when possible, especially if you expect to make larger payments.
How to Set Up WeChat Pay
- Download the official WeChat app.
- Register using your international mobile number.
- Open Me.
- Select Services or Pay and Services.
- Open Wallet and select Cards.
- Add your international credit or debit card.
- Complete passport or bank verification if requested.
- Set a payment password and enable biometric security.
Weixin Pay supports international visitors using overseas phone numbers and eligible international cards. It can be used at a wide range of restaurants, shops, transport services and other merchants in mainland China.
How Mobile Payments Work in China
There are three common ways to pay.
Scan the Merchant’s QR Code
Open Alipay or WeChat, select Scan, and scan the QR code displayed by the shop. You may need to enter the amount yourself. Check the number carefully before confirming.
Show Your Payment Code
Open Pay or Money, display your payment QR code, and allow the cashier to scan it. This is common in supermarkets, convenience stores and larger restaurants.
Pay Inside an App or Mini Program
Taxi services, attraction tickets, restaurant ordering systems and other services may open inside Alipay or WeChat. Many restaurants place a QR code on the table. Scan it to view the menu, place your order and sometimes pay directly from your phone. The menu may only be available in Chinese, so a translation app can still be useful.
Which App Should You Use?
For most first-time visitors, Alipay is usually the easiest place to start. It includes payment, ride-hailing and public transport functions in one app.
WeChat Pay is useful as a second option. WeChat is also widely used for communication, restaurant bookings, attraction services and mini programs.
Some merchants or services may work with one app and not the other. Having both gives you a practical backup.
Common Problems and How to Fix Them
Your card is linked, but the payment is declined
Check whether your bank has blocked an overseas or online transaction. Approve it in your banking app, try a different card, switch payment apps, or use cash or a physical card. Acceptance can vary by merchant, transaction type and card issuer.
You cannot receive the verification code
Make sure your original mobile number can receive international text messages. Keep roaming enabled for SMS if required by your carrier.
Your name does not match
Enter your name exactly as it appears on your passport and bank card. Avoid adding nicknames or changing the order unless the app tells you to do so.
A transfer or wallet feature does not work
International cards are mainly designed for merchant payments. Do not assume that every feature available to a Chinese bank account holder, such as personal transfers or wallet balance functions, will be available.
The app asks for identity verification
Keep your passport with you and follow the instructions in the app. Verification requirements can depend on your account and transaction amount.
Fees and Exchange Rates
Before confirming a larger payment, check the amount displayed in RMB and any service fee shown by the app.
Your card issuer may also apply:
- A foreign transaction fee
- A currency conversion fee
- Its own exchange rate
These charges come from your bank or card provider and are separate from the Chinese payment app.
Always Keep a Backup
Even after setting up mobile payment, we recommend carrying:
- A small amount of RMB cash
- At least one physical international bank card
- A second bank card stored separately
- Access to your banking app
- Your hotel name and address written in Chinese
China officially supports mobile payments, bank cards and cash for overseas visitors, although the most convenient option can vary between businesses.
Basic Payment Safety
Only download Alipay and WeChat from an official app store.
Do not scan QR codes sent by unknown people. Check the merchant name and payment amount before confirming. Enable fingerprint or facial recognition, turn on bank transaction notifications, and never share your payment password or verification code.
QUICK CHECKLIST
Before You Fly
- Download Alipay
- Download WeChat
- Register with your overseas phone number
- Link at least one international bank card
- Complete passport verification if requested
- Test that you can log in
- Make sure your phone can receive verification messages
- Inform your bank about international travel if necessary
- Bring a physical card and some RMB cash
Once these steps are complete, paying for food, transport and everyday purchases in Beijing should be straightforward.
