TL;DR
China is a near-cashless society. QR code payments dominate everywhere from street vendors to high-end malls. Set up at least one mobile payment app before arrival and carry Β₯500-1000 in cash as backup.
The Two Payment Giants
Almost every merchant in China accepts either WeChat Pay or Alipay. You need at least one. Both support linking international credit cards, but acceptance and fees vary.
WeChat Pay
Alipay
Merchant acceptance
Wider (small vendors)
Merchant acceptance
Very wide
International card
Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Diners
International card
Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Diners, Discover
Transaction fee
~3% foreign exchange fee
Transaction fee
~3% foreign exchange fee
Top-up options
Bank card only (no cash top-up)
Top-up options
Bank card, Tour Pass (prepaid)
Best for
Small shops, street food
Best for
Tourists, prepaid budgeting
Pro Tip
Our recommendation: Set up both if possible. WeChat Pay for maximum merchant acceptance, Alipay as backup with the Tour Pass feature.
Setting Up WeChat Pay
Complete this setup before you leave home while you still have full internet access.
1
Download WeChat
Download WeChat (not WeChat Work) from your app store. Register with your phone number. Verification is usually automatic via SMS or bank card; friend verification is rarely needed.
2
Add a Payment Method
Go to Me β Services β Wallet β Cards. Tap "Add a Card" and enter your international Visa, Mastercard, JCB, or Diners Club card details.
3
Verify Your Identity
Follow the prompts to complete real-name verification. You will need your passport details. This step is required before making payments over Β₯200.
4
Test a Small Payment
Ask a friend to send you a small red packet (hongbao), or try paying at a merchant that accepts WeChat. Confirm the transaction goes through before your trip.
Common Setup Failures
If your international card fails to bind, try these fixes: (1) Ensure your card supports 3D Secure, (2) Contact your bank to authorize transactions in China, (3) Try adding the card at a different time of day (some banks block overnight international requests).
Setting Up Alipay
Alipay has a dedicated Tour Pass feature designed for short-term visitors.
1
Download Alipay
Download Alipay from your app store. Register with your phone number. Select "International Version" if prompted.
2
Activate Tour Pass
Go to Me β Bank Cards β Tour Pass. This is a prepaid card you load with your international credit card. Load Β₯500-2000 depending on your planned spending.
3
Load Funds
Add funds using your international card. The money sits in your Tour Pass balance and is spent directly without per-transaction fees. Unused balance can be refunded.
4
Show Your QR Code
At checkout, tap Pay and show the generated QR code to the cashier. Or scan the merchant's QR code using Scan.
Cash: Your Backup Plan
While 99% of urban transactions are cashless, cash is still essential in certain situations:
- Small street vendors who don't have QR codes (rare in cities)
- Remote areas and small towns where mobile payment infrastructure is limited
- Taxi drivers who claim their payment system is "broken"
- When your phone dies or you lose internet connection
| Where | Exchange Rate | Convenience |
|---|---|---|
| Bank in home country | Best | Order 1-2 weeks ahead |
| Airport exchange counter | Poor | Instant, 24/7 |
| ATM in China (foreign card) | Fair | ATM fees apply (~Β₯20-30) |
| Hotel front desk | Poor | Limited amounts |
Pro Tip
Bring Β₯500-1000 in cash for emergencies. If exchanging in China, use Bank of China (δΈε½ιΆθ‘) branches β they offer better rates than airport counters and accept most major currencies.
Tipping in China
Tipping is not customary in China. In fact, it can make locals uncomfortable. Here is the breakdown:
- Restaurants: No tip expected. Service charge is sometimes added (usually 10-15%) at upscale establishments.
- Taxis / Didi: No tip. Round up to the nearest yuan if you want, but it is not expected.
- Hotels: No tip for housekeeping or porters. International luxury hotels may be an exception.
- Tour guides: Tipping is becoming more common for private tour guides, especially from Western tourists. Β₯50-100 per day is generous.
- Spas / Massage: No tip required.
Important
If someone refuses your payment QR code and insists on cash, be cautious. This is a known scam tactic. Always use the official QR code displayed at the register, not one shown on a phone screen.
Quick Reference
| Situation | Payment Method |
|---|---|
| Convenience store | WeChat Pay / Alipay |
| Street food vendor | WeChat Pay (most common) |
| High-speed rail ticket | Alipay (12306 app) or cash at counter |
| Taxi / Didi | WeChat Pay (in-app) or cash |
| Hospital | Alipay or cash |
| Small town restaurant | Cash (always carry some) |