Paying in China: Alipay, WeChat Pay and Cash

China runs on QR codes. A street vendor selling roast sweet potatoes expects to be paid by phone, and many small businesses no longer keep change. The good news is that both major payment apps now accept international cards, and setting them up takes about fifteen minutes.

Set it up before you fly

1. Install Alipay and WeChat from your usual app store.
2. Register with your home mobile number — you do not need a Chinese number for Alipay.
3. Add your international Visa, Mastercard, Amex, JCB or Discover card in the payment settings.
4. Complete identity verification with your passport photo page. Do this at home, on a good connection, not at an airport arrivals hall.

Both apps support English. Alipay's is slightly more polished for visitors and can also handle transport QR codes in many cities.

What still needs cash

• Some very small rural businesses and a handful of temples.
• Tipping, if you choose to — though it is not expected in China.
• Markets where a vendor's QR code is personal rather than merchant.

Carry a few hundred yuan in small notes as a backup. You can withdraw from Bank of China, ICBC and China Construction Bank ATMs with a foreign card; the machine will offer an English menu.

Cards, and what to expect

International cards work at major hotels, department stores, airports and larger restaurants. They are much less reliable in small shops and local restaurants. Do not plan a trip around your plastic.

Tips that save time

• Screenshot your payment QR code so it works without signal.
• Tell your home bank you are traveling, or the first transaction may be declined.
• Keep a small amount of cash for the first day in case verification is slow.
• Your guide can pay and settle with you if anything goes wrong — this happens rarely, but it is one reason to travel with a local operator.

We send every client a short pre-departure guide covering payment setup, SIM cards and VPN considerations, tailored to their nationality and route.