The Problem: China Is Cashless
Over 95% of transactions in China happen via Alipay or WeChat Pay. Many vendors — including street food stalls, taxis, and small shops — do not accept cash or foreign credit cards.
If you don’t set up mobile payments, you will struggle to buy anything outside of international hotels and chain restaurants.
Option 1: Alipay (Recommended for Tourists)
Alipay now allows foreign passport holders to link a Visa, Mastercard, or other international card directly.
Step-by-Step Setup
- Download Alipay from your app store before arriving in China
- Register with your phone number (non-Chinese numbers work)
- Complete identity verification with your passport
- Link your Visa/Mastercard in the “Bank Cards” section
- You’re ready to scan QR codes and pay
Important Notes
- There’s a transaction limit for foreign users: ¥2,000 per transaction, ¥50,000 per year
- The exchange rate is determined by your card issuer
- Some very small vendors may only accept Chinese bank-linked Alipay — in rare cases you may still need cash
Option 2: WeChat Pay
WeChat Pay works similarly but requires a Chinese phone number OR a friend with Chinese WeChat to verify you.
- Download WeChat and create an account
- Go to Me → Services → Wallet
- Add your international card
- Follow the verification process
Option 3: Keep Some Cash
Despite being overwhelmingly cashless, carry ¥500-1,000 in cash as backup. You can exchange at the airport or withdraw from Bank of China ATMs.
Our Recommendation
Set up Alipay as your primary payment method. It’s the most widely accepted and easiest to set up with a foreign passport. Keep WeChat Pay as backup, and carry a small amount of cash for emergencies.