Paying in China with Alipay and WeChat Pay

Most of China pays by phone, from taxis to street stalls. Visitors can now link a foreign card to Alipay or WeChat Pay and pay the same way, so set it up before you fly.

Why you need mobile payments

Shops, restaurants, metro gates and taxis all accept QR-code payments, and some small vendors take nothing else. Cards are accepted in big hotels and department stores, but rarely elsewhere.

Setting up Alipay

Download Alipay, register with your phone number and add a Visa, Mastercard or other international card. You then scan the shop’s QR code or show your own code to pay.

• Verify your passport in the app to raise your limits.
• Small fees can apply to larger single payments.
• Alipay also books DiDi taxis and train tickets inside the app.

Setting up WeChat Pay

WeChat is China’s main messaging app. Add a foreign card under Wallet to use WeChat Pay, which is handy for chatting with guides and hotels too.

Cash and cards

Carry a little cash in yuan as a backup. ATMs at airports and major banks accept foreign cards.

• Tell your bank you are travelling to China.
• Keep a second card in case one is declined.

Other useful apps

• DiDi for taxis.
• Amap for maps and navigation.
• An eSIM or roaming plan so your apps work everywhere.