Alipay
Pay
Your everyday wallet. Link an international card, pay by QR, and find transport tools.
Start here · English interface
All travel guides5 min read · Guide 2 of 5
The first-timer’s field guide · 02
Money & payments
China runs on QR codes. Almost everything — taxis, noodles, museum tickets, street fruit — is paid by scanning with your phone.
A little preparation goes a long way. Save your bookings and your hotel’s Chinese address before departure.
Download before you fly
Two wallets. One less worry.
Genuine app listings and provider websites. For Android, use the provider’s download page; availability varies by country.
Pay
Messaging, WeChat Pay, and mini programs for restaurants and attractions.
A useful second payment option
Your payment setup, in three steps
- Install Alipay and WeChat, then link your Visa or Mastercard inside the app. Both accept foreign cards directly now.
- Verify your identity with a passport photo in the app; this can take a few hours, so do not leave it to the airport.
- Turn on international use for your card with your bank so the first payment is not blocked.
What each app is good for
- Alipay: the easiest for visitors. It has built-in English, transport cards, train and attraction tickets, and a translation tool.
- WeChat Pay: useful because WeChat is also how people message you; small shops often prefer it.
- Keep both as backups, but card acceptance varies by merchant and transaction type. Carry some cash too.
Cash and cards
Shops must legally accept cash, but staff often have little change. Carry a few hundred yuan in small notes as a backup. Foreign cards work at ATMs from Bank of China, ICBC and China Construction Bank; outside big hotels and international chains, card terminals are rare.
What things cost (rough guide)
- Street breakfast or noodles: ¥10–25
- Restaurant meal for two: ¥80–200
- Metro ride: ¥3–8
- Mid-range hotel: ¥300–600 per night
- Comfortable daily budget: about ¥500–900 per person
Tipping is generally not expected for everyday purchases. These are illustrative prices, not live quotes.
A little extra confidence
When a payment does not go through
Will my foreign card work for every payment?
No. International cards can be linked for many merchant purchases, but transfers, red packets, or some merchants may not support them. Bring a second card and cash.
Are there extra payment fees?
Your wallet may charge a fee for international-card transactions, and your bank may charge currency-conversion fees. Review the amount and any fee shown before confirming.
Can I still pay with cash?
Renminbi cash remains a valid payment option. Smaller notes are easier when a merchant has limited change; ATMs at major banks can be a useful backup.
Information only, not legal advice. Entry rules, prices, app access, and features can change. Confirm details with the official provider before you travel.
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