How to Pay in China (2026 Updated): Complete Guide for First-Time Tourists

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1. Introduction: Debunking the "No Cash, No Cards" Myth

Planning your first trip to China? You may have heard that China is almost cashless and that local shops prefer QR code payments over credit cards.

That is true, but it does not mean foreign tourists cannot pay in China.

Here is the good news for 2026: paying in China as a foreigner is much easier than it used to be. You can use mobile payment apps, link international cards, withdraw RMB cash, and still use Visa or Mastercard in many travel-related scenarios.

The key is not choosing only one payment method. The safest approach is to prepare a main payment method and at least one backup before you arrive.

⚠️ 提示： Do not rely only on an international credit card. For daily spending in China, mobile payment is usually more reliable than direct card payment.

2. The Core: Mobile Payments in China

Mobile payment is the main way people pay in China. Restaurants, supermarkets, taxis, subway systems, tourist attractions, and small shops often use QR codes.

For first-time tourists, the two most important apps are Alipay and WeChat Pay.

If you only want to prepare one app before your trip, start with Alipay. It is usually easier for foreign visitors because the interface is clearer and it works well with many travel scenarios.

Option A: Alipay for Foreigners

Alipay is one of the most recommended payment apps for foreign tourists in China.

It supports international phone numbers, passport verification, and foreign bank cards from major networks such as Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Discover, and Diners Club, depending on your card issuer.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Download Alipay
   Search for "Alipay" in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
2. Sign Up with Your Phone Number
   Use your international phone number to register.
3. Use the International Version
   If you register with an overseas number, Alipay may suggest the international version automatically.
4. Link Your Bank Card
   Go to Account - Bank Cards - Add Card, then enter your international card details.
5. Complete Identity Verification
   Follow the prompts to upload your passport information for real-name verification.

Best for:

• Restaurants
• Convenience stores
• Subway payments
• Didi ride-hailing
• Tourist attractions
• Daily QR code payments

⚠️ 提示： Set up Alipay before you fly to China. It is easier to handle SMS verification, bank security checks, and passport verification while you still have stable access to your home phone number and bank app.

Option B: WeChat Pay for Tourists

WeChat is China’s most important social and service app. WeChat Pay is built inside WeChat.

For tourists, WeChat Pay is especially useful when restaurants, attractions, or local services use WeChat Mini Programs.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Download WeChat
   Install WeChat and register an account.
2. Activate WeChat Pay
   Go to Me - Services - Wallet.
3. Add a Bank Card
   Tap Cards - Add a Card, then enter your international card information.
4. Complete Verification
   Follow the instructions to verify your identity with passport information.

Best for:

• Restaurant QR code ordering
• Attraction ticket Mini Programs
• Local services
• Some merchant payments
• Communication with local contacts

⚠️ 提示： WeChat Pay is useful, but for many first-time visitors, Alipay is usually more straightforward as the main payment app.

Alipay vs WeChat Pay: Which One Should You Use?

If you are visiting China for the first time, the best setup is simple.

Use Alipay as your main payment method and prepare WeChat Pay as a backup.

Alipay is often easier for transport, ride-hailing, and quick payments. WeChat Pay is useful when a restaurant or attraction requires a WeChat Mini Program.

Recommended setup for first-time tourists:

• Main payment app: Alipay
• Backup app: WeChat Pay
• Emergency backup: 300-800 RMB cash
• Travel purchases: International credit card where accepted

⚠️ 提示： In 2026, small transactions under 200 RMB are commonly fee-free on Alipay and WeChat Pay when using foreign cards. A service fee may apply to single transactions above 200 RMB. Your home bank may also charge foreign transaction fees.

3. Traditional Way: Where Can You Use International Credit Cards?

Can you travel in China using only Visa, Mastercard, or American Express?

In some places, yes. But for daily spending, no.

International credit cards are most useful for hotels, airports, major train stations, and high-end shopping malls. They are much less reliable at small restaurants, taxis, street markets, and convenience stores.

You Can Usually Use International Credit Cards At:

• Hotels
  International hotels and major domestic hotel chains usually accept foreign credit cards.
• Airports
  Airport counters, airline service desks, and some airport shops may accept international cards.
• High-speed railway stations
  Some major station ticket counters may accept international cards.
• Luxury malls
  High-end malls in cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen are more likely to accept Visa or Mastercard.
• International restaurants
  Some western restaurants and large chains may support foreign cards.

You Usually Cannot Use International Credit Cards At:

• Street taxis
• Local food stalls
• Night markets
• Small restaurants
• Convenience stores
• Public buses
• Most subway gates
• Small local shops

⚠️ 提示： Even if your card is accepted at hotels or airports, it may fail at everyday local merchants. Link your card to Alipay or WeChat Pay for better daily payment coverage.

4. The Backup: Is Cash Still Accepted in China?

Yes. Cash is still accepted in China.

RMB cash is legal tender, and merchants are not supposed to refuse it. However, because most local people use mobile payments, some small shops may not have enough change for large notes.

This means cash is useful, but it should be treated as a backup rather than your main payment method.

Tips for Using Cash in China

1. Carry Small Notes
   Keep 10 RMB, 20 RMB, and 50 RMB notes for small purchases.
2. Avoid Relying on 100 RMB Notes
   Small vendors may not have enough change.
3. Withdraw from Major Bank ATMs
   Bank of China and ICBC ATMs are usually more reliable for foreign debit cards.
4. Exchange a Small Amount at the Airport
   Airport exchange is convenient for emergency cash, but the rate may not be the best.
5. Use Cash as Emergency Backup
   Cash is helpful if your phone has no signal, your card fails, or a merchant cannot process your payment.

⚠️ 提示： For a short trip, carrying around 300-800 RMB in small notes is usually enough as emergency backup. Avoid carrying too much cash.

5. Alternative: Your Home E-Wallet Might Work Directly

If you are traveling from certain Asian countries or regions, your local e-wallet may already work in mainland China through the Alipay+ network.

This means you may be able to scan Alipay QR codes using your home-country wallet without downloading a separate Chinese payment app.

Regional E-Wallets That May Work in China

Examples include:

• AlipayHK from Hong Kong
• Touch 'n Go eWallet from Malaysia
• Kakao Pay from South Korea
• Toss Pay from South Korea
• TrueMoney from Thailand
• GCash from the Philippines
• OCBC from Singapore
• Changi Pay from Singapore

Availability depends on your wallet provider, country, and merchant support.

⚠️ 提示： Even if your home e-wallet supports Alipay+, still prepare Alipay, WeChat Pay, or cash as a backup. Not every merchant or travel scenario will work the same way.

6. Frequently Asked Questions

Plan Your China Trip with Less Stress

Payment is only one part of preparing for China.

First-time visitors also need to think about visa rules, internet access, transport, hotel booking, translation apps, food ordering, and city-specific travel planning.

If you want a smoother trip, prepare your payment setup before departure and keep a simple backup plan for every major travel scenario.