How to Pay in China as a Foreigner

China has many unique systems when compared to the rest of the world, and their way of handling payments is no different. You should ensure that you are prepared to use money before you travel so that you can both stay safe and enjoy your trip. 

Mobile Payments

In China, the majority of transactions are done through the online apps Alipay and WeChat. 

These apps are easy to set up for foreigners, and they offer a convenient way to pay for everything wherever you go. You simply have to allow a vendor to scan your QR code, which is easily accessible in the apps, or scan a vendor’s QR code and manually enter the price for the purchase. You can also integrate your accounts into other apps such as Didi for ridesharing, Meituan for food and grocery deliveries, and Taobao for ordering products online.

In order to use the payment features on both apps, you will need to link your phone number and then verify your identity by uploading a picture of your passport or entering your passport’s details. 

You can easily link your Visa, Mastercard, or Discover card to your account, and payments will process just as they would if you used your credit card normally. You will also be asked to set a passcode to use when approving transactions. 

It is recommended that you set up both accounts. Foreigners sometimes report issues with using Alipay or WeChat, so you want to have both ready to go at all times. 

Alipay was designed to be a payment app first and foremost. When you open the app, the first thing you see are your payment QR codes, and you can also set up transportation cards to use metro systems and buses. Alipay also has a built-in translator feature, making it easier to use if you do not speak Mandarin. With that said, WeChat is the primary form of online communication in China. If you meet people, they will likely ask for your WeChat, not your phone number or another social media app. Even if you use Alipay for purchases, you should be ready to use WeChat.

Both apps contain mini-apps or mini-programs. You may frequently use these when ordering at restaurants or delivery. Some restaurants have QR codes at tables that you can scan with Alipay or WeChat to open their menus and order. 

Since your phone will be your primary method of accessing goods and services, it is more important that you keep your phone charged than it might be while traveling in other countries. Asides from being diligent with charging your phone before leaving your lodgings, you can also make a small investment into a portable power bank to ensure that you aren’t stranded without directions or the ability to pay for essentials like transportation and food. 

Credit and Debit Cards

While foreign credit cards may be accepted at places like international hotels and popular tourist attractions, you should not expect to be able to use them in most other cases. If you plan on bringing your credit cards, you should think of them as backups. 

If you want to go through the hassle, you can get a Chinese UnionPay credit card from the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC). You will have to apply online or visit a branch if they exist in your country. The use of physical UnionPay cards is not ubiquitous in China, and you may still find it more convenient to link your card to Alipay or WeChat if you decide to open an account for a UnionPay card.  

Debit cards may be more worth your time. While you will be making most of your purchases with mobile apps, you may want the security that comes from being able to withdraw cash in a bind. Major Chinese banks like the Bank of China and the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China should allow you to withdraw cash, and ATMs with a Visa logo affixed will accept withdrawals, assuming your debit card is a Visa card. 

Cash

Due to the proliferation of mobile payments, people rarely use physical cash in China. You can still pay with cash, but vendors often do not have cash to give as change if you choose to use it. 

You would still be well-advised to carry some amount of cash on you while traveling. If your phone dies, you have issues with your internet connection, your Alipay or WeChat accounts have issues, or any other number of unforeseen circumstances come your way while traveling, cash can keep you from being deserted or lost without assistance.