How to Pay in China as a Foreigner (2026 Complete Guide)

Last updated: Jan 26, 2026

How to Pay in China as a Foreigner (2026 Complete Guide)

Last Updated: January 2026 | Reading Time: 8 min

Quick Summary: Foreigners can now use WeChat Pay and Alipay in China by linking international cards (Visa, Mastercard). No Chinese bank account required for basic payments. This guide walks you through setup, usage, and troubleshooting.

📚 Table of Contents

  1. Why Mobile Payment Matters in China
  2. WeChat Pay vs Alipay: Which One to Choose?
  3. What You Need Before You Start
  4. How to Set Up WeChat Pay (Step-by-Step)
  5. How to Set Up Alipay (Step-by-Step)
  6. How to Make Payments in China
  7. Transaction Limits and Fees
  8. Common Issues and Solutions
  9. FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
  10. Related Guides

Why Mobile Payment Matters in China {#why-mobile-payment-matters}

China is one of the most cashless societies in the world. In major cities like Shanghai, Beijing, and Shenzhen, over 90% of transactions are made via mobile payment.

Without WeChat Pay or Alipay, you may face difficulties:

  • 🚫 Many small vendors don’t accept cash or cards
  • 🚫 Taxi apps (Didi) require mobile payment
  • 🚫 Food delivery services only work with mobile wallets
  • 🚫 Some restaurants only have QR code menus linked to payment

Good news: Since July 2023, both WeChat Pay and Alipay officially support international cards from foreigners!

WeChat Pay vs Alipay: Which One to Choose? {#wechat-pay-vs-alipay}

FeatureWeChat PayAlipay
AcceptanceSlightly higher in small shopsSlightly higher in online services
Setup DifficultyEasyEasy
English InterfaceYesYes
International Card Support✅ Yes✅ Yes
Transport IntegrationGoodBetter (includes metro in more cities)

💡 Our Recommendation: Set up both apps before arriving. Use whichever works at the merchant. They’re both widely accepted.

What You Need Before You Start {#what-you-need}

Before setting up mobile payments, prepare the following:

✅ Required Items

ItemNotes
PassportFor identity verification (photo page)
International CardVisa, Mastercard, JCB, Discover, or Diners Club
Working Phone NumberFor receiving SMS verification codes
Stable InternetWi-Fi or roaming data to complete setup

⚠️ Important Tips Before You Travel

  1. Call your bank before departure — inform them you’ll be using your card in China to prevent fraud blocks
  2. Enable international transactions on your card
  3. Download apps before arrival — Google Play is blocked in China, App Store works but can be slow
  4. Prepare some cash (200-500 CNY) as backup for initial days

How to Set Up WeChat Pay (Step-by-Step) {#wechat-pay-setup}

Step 1️⃣: Download WeChat

Step 2️⃣: Create Your Account

  1. Open WeChat and tap “Sign Up”
  2. Enter your phone number (use your home country number)
  3. Verify via SMS code
  4. Set your profile name and password

Step 3️⃣: Access WeChat Pay

  1. Go to Me → Services → Wallet
  2. If you don’t see Wallet, tap “Enable Payment”

Step 4️⃣: Complete Identity Verification

  1. Tap “Verify Identity”
  2. Select “I don’t have a mainland ID”
  3. Choose your passport-issuing country
  4. Enter your passport details exactly as shown on your passport
  5. Take a selfie for facial recognition
  6. Wait for verification (usually instant, sometimes 1-2 days)

Step 5️⃣: Add Your International Card

  1. In Wallet, tap “Cards” → “Add Card”
  2. Select “International/HK/Macau/Taiwan Card”
  3. Enter your card details (number, expiry, CVV)
  4. Verify via SMS from your bank
  5. Set a 6-digit payment password

✅ Done! Your WeChat Pay is ready to use.

📌 Note: WeChat may require an existing WeChat user to scan your QR code for verification. If you don’t know anyone in China, try asking hotel staff or a friendly local.

How to Set Up Alipay (Step-by-Step) {#alipay-setup}

Step 1️⃣: Download Alipay

Step 2️⃣: Register Your Account

  1. Open Alipay and select “International” version
  2. Tap “Sign Up”
  3. Enter your phone number and verify via SMS
  4. Set a login password

Step 3️⃣: Complete Identity Verification

  1. Go to “Me” → “Settings” → “Account & Security”
  2. Tap “Identity Verification”
  3. Select “International User”
  4. Upload your passport photo (photo page)
  5. Complete facial recognition
  6. Wait for approval (usually within minutes)

Step 4️⃣: Add Your International Card

  1. Go to “Me” → “Bank Cards”
  2. Tap ”+ Add”
  3. Select “International Card”
  4. Enter card details
  5. Agree to terms and verify

✅ Done! Your Alipay is ready to use.

How to Make Payments in China {#how-to-pay}

Method 1: Scan to Pay (Most Common)

  1. Open WeChat/Alipay
  2. Tap “Scan” (camera icon)
  3. Scan the merchant’s QR code
  4. Enter the payment amount
  5. Enter your payment password
  6. Done!

Method 2: Show Your QR Code

  1. Open WeChat/Alipay
  2. Tap “Pay” or “Payment Code”
  3. Show your QR code to the merchant
  4. They scan your code
  5. Transaction complete!

Method 3: In-App Payments

For online services (Didi, Meituan, etc.):

  1. Select your item/service
  2. Choose WeChat Pay or Alipay at checkout
  3. Confirm with password or Face ID
  4. Done!

Transaction Limits and Fees {#limits-and-fees}

WeChat Pay Limits (International Cards)

Transaction TypeLimit
Per Transaction¥6,000 (~$830 USD)
Daily Limit¥6,000
Monthly Limit¥50,000 (~$6,900 USD)
Annual Limit¥60,000 (~$8,300 USD)

Alipay Limits (International Cards)

Transaction TypeLimit
Per Transaction¥3,000 (~$415 USD)
Daily Limit¥3,000
Annual Limit¥60,000 (~$8,300 USD)

Fees

  • WeChat Pay: No transaction fee for payments, but your bank may charge foreign transaction fees (typically 1-3%)
  • Alipay: Similar — no platform fee, but check with your bank

💡 Tip: Use a travel card with no foreign transaction fees (like Wise, Revolut) for better rates.

Common Issues and Solutions {#troubleshooting}

❌ “Card Declined” or “Payment Failed”

Solutions:

  • Call your bank to enable international transactions
  • Try a different card
  • Check if you’ve hit the daily/monthly limit
  • Ensure card has sufficient balance

❌ Identity Verification Failed

Solutions:

  • Ensure name matches passport exactly (including middle name)
  • Retake passport photo in good lighting
  • Try again after 24 hours

❌ Can’t Find “Wallet” or “Pay” Option

Solutions:

  • Update app to latest version
  • Change app region to China in settings
  • Complete identity verification first

❌ “Need Existing User to Verify” (WeChat)

Solutions:

  • Ask a friend who uses WeChat to scan your code
  • Ask hotel staff or tour guide
  • Try setting up in a WeChat-friendly country first

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions {#faq}

Do I need a Chinese bank account?

No. For basic merchant payments, an international card is sufficient. You only need a Chinese bank account for:

  • Peer-to-peer transfers
  • Red packet (hongbao) features
  • Some mini-program services

Can I set this up before arriving in China?

Yes, and you should! Download the apps and complete as much verification as possible before your trip. This ensures you’re ready on day one.

Is mobile payment safe in China?

Yes. Both WeChat Pay and Alipay use:

  • Biometric authentication (fingerprint, Face ID)
  • 6-digit payment passwords
  • Real-time transaction alerts
  • Encrypted connections

What if my phone battery dies?

Always carry a power bank. In emergencies, major hotels and some stores accept international credit cards (Visa/Mastercard), though acceptance is limited outside tourist areas.

Can I use Apple Pay or Google Pay in China?

Very limited. Some international hotels and Apple Stores accept Apple Pay, but it’s not widely supported. Stick with WeChat Pay and Alipay for daily use.

How do I get a refund?

Refunds go back to your original payment method (your international card). Processing time depends on your bank (typically 3-7 business days).

Summary: Quick Checklist

Before your trip:

  • Download WeChat and Alipay
  • Complete identity verification
  • Link your international card
  • Inform your bank about China travel
  • Prepare 200-500 CNY cash as backup

You’re ready to pay in China! 🇨🇳

Need Help? Check our other Living Guides or contact us.

Last Updated: January 26, 2026