HappyChinaTrip
Find My Trip
← All travel notes
Payment & Apps

How to pay in China as a foreigner

~4 min read

By HappyChinaTrip Editorial · Last updated 17 May 2026

Save guide

Quick answer

Install Alipay and WeChat Pay, link a foreign Visa/Mastercard/Amex, verify your passport in-app, and you can pay 95% of anything in China by QR code.

Get the Free First-Time China Starter Pack

A practical prep pack for first-time visitors: checklist, payment reminders, eSIM tips, train notes, itinerary prompts, and common mistakes to avoid.

China travel checklistPayment & apps setup reminderseSIM and internet tipsHigh-speed train booking notesFirst-time itinerary planning promptsCommon mistakes to avoid

Best for: First-time visitors from any country with a Visa, Mastercard or Amex card.

The real problem

Both apps now let foreign visitors link international cards directly. Set them up on home Wi-Fi before you fly.

What you should do

  1. 1

    Install both apps on home Wi-Fi

    Alipay (international version) and WeChat. Both work outside China for setup.

  2. 2

    Link your foreign card

    In Alipay: 'Cards' → add Visa/Mastercard/Amex. In WeChat: 'Me' → 'Services' → 'Wallet' → add international card.

  3. 3

    Verify your passport in-app

    Both require KYC. Allow 10 minutes per app. Once verified, payments up to ~$2,000 per transaction are unlocked.

  4. 4

    Test before you fly

    Use Alipay to pay a friend, or top up a tiny amount. If something's broken, you want to know now.

Quick wins before you go

0/3 done

Tick these off as you read — saved on this device only.

Recommended kit

Payment & Apps Setup Guide

Set up Alipay, WeChat Pay, maps, eSIM and essential China apps before your flight.

The part most first-timers wish they had fixed earlier.

$15Get the kit

Common mistakes

  • ✕Skipping the passport verification step. Without it, payment limits are very low.
  • ✕Linking only WeChat Pay. Some smaller merchants only accept Alipay (and vice versa). Install both.
  • ✕Trying to sign up for either app inside China — they need an SMS code from your home number.

Recommended next step

Get the Payment & Apps Setup Guide

FAQ

Can I use Apple Pay in China?+

Limited. Alipay and WeChat Pay QR codes are what shops expect.

What if my card is declined?+

Try smaller amounts first; some banks block China until you notify them.

Want a plan tuned to your passport?

Use the free China Trip Finder to get a personalised plan in 60 seconds.

Find My China Trip Plan