China Payments 101: Pay with Alipay, WeChat Pay, Cards and Cash as a Foreign Visitor in 2026

The One Line Summary

In China you pay with your phone: scan a merchant's QR code or show your own payment code, and it's done. Alipay and WeChat Pay both let foreigners bind international cards (Visa, Mastercard and more), and the official payment guide published for visitors (pcac.org.cn, "Welcome to China! Payment Guide") confirms you don't need extra ID for small transactions. Bank cards with the UnionPay logo work at every POS terminal in mainland China, and cash is still legal tender everywhere.

Set Up Alipay (the Most Useful App)

Alipay is the payment app you'll use most in China — street food, convenience stores, metro, DiDi rides and mini-apps for trains and more.

1. Download and register — search Alipay in the app store or its official website, open the app and register with your phone number.
2. Add a bank card — tap "Add Now" and follow the prompts. Alipay accepts Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Diners Club and Discover cards.
3. Pay by scanning QR code — two ways:
   • Tap "Scan" and scan the merchant's QR code (method 1).
   • Tap "Pay/Receive" and show your own QR code for the merchant to scan (method 2).

For questions, Alipay runs an English service hotline: +86-571-2688 6000.

Set Up WeChat Pay

WeChat is China's super-app — messaging, payments, and hundreds of mini-programs. Its payment service is WeChat Pay (Weixin Pay).

1. Download WeChat and register with your phone number.
2. Add a card — tap the "+" icon, find payment, and add a bank card. WeChat Pay accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, JCB, Diners Club and Discover.
3. Pay — tap the "+" at the top right and scan the merchant's QR code, or tap the "Money" icon and present your payment code.

Cards and Cash

• UnionPay cards — a card with the UnionPay logo works at all POS terminals in mainland China. It's the one card type you can rely on everywhere, including many ATMs.
• Visa/Mastercard and others — your home card works where the merchant displays the corresponding logo (UnionPay, Visa, Mastercard and other payment organizations). If you don't see a logo, ask the cashier whether your card is accepted.
• Cash — still legal tender across China. Keep a small backup (200-500 RMB) for street vendors, small shops and rural areas. You can exchange currency at banks, exchange counters and some hotels; each visitor may carry up to 20,000 RMB in cash in or out per trip.
• e-CNY — China's digital currency app (e-CNY) is available in pilot cities and can be funded with foreign cards in some regions; a nice-to-have, not necessary.

Real-Life Scenarios

Buying a bottle of water. Walk to the counter, open Alipay, tap Scan, aim at the QR code sticker, confirm the amount, done — about five seconds.

A meal at a night market. Vendors display a QR code; you scan it or show yours, and the amount is settled instantly. No cash to fumble, no change to count.

Splitting a bill with local friends. WeChat Pay and Alipay both support sending money between individuals, so your Chinese friends can send you their share or you can reimburse them.

Withdrawing cash. UnionPay and some international cards work at major bank ATMs; carry your passport if you need counter service.

Common mistakes to avoid:

• Don't rely on cash as your main method — many small vendors prefer QR payments, and you'll carry heavy change otherwise.
• Don't assume every merchant takes your home card — check for the logo or ask.
• Don't forget the passport for large counter transactions and ATM withdrawals at some banks.
• Don't panic if a small payment asks for nothing — the official guide confirms small transactions don't need extra ID for a better experience.

More China travel guides: China Digital Payment Guide for Foreigners · China Trip Preparation Checklist · China High-Speed Rail Ticket Guide · China eSIM for Travelers