In China, the use of mobile payment is virtually universal. Regardless of age—whether young or elderly—people rely on their smartphones to make payments for meals, shopping, transportation, and more, simply by scanning a QR code. According to data, over 85% of the population uses mobile payment services, truly achieving nationwide adoption.
If you’re planning to travel to China, learning how to use mobile payment systems can greatly simplify your trip. With just a smartphone, you can easily handle most transactions—whether dining, shopping, or commuting—without the need to carry cash or physical bank cards.
Why You Should Use Alipay & WeChat Pay
When people talk about “mobile payments” in China, they’re usually referring to Alipay and WeChat Pay. These two apps are used everywhere—whether you’re in a big city like Beijing or a small town in the countryside. Almost every shop, restaurant, convenience store, or even street vendor accepts them.
So once you know how to use either Alipay or WeChat Pay, you don’t have to worry about whether a place accepts your payment—it almost always will.
Eligibility for Foreigners (2025 Update)
As of 2025, both Alipay and WeChat Pay are accessible to foreign visitors in China, provided you meet the following requirements:
- A valid passport
- A Chinese mobile phone number (required for verification)
- A Chinese bank account or an international credit/debit card (Visa, MasterCard, or American Express)
Some banks—such as ICBC (Industrial and Commercial Bank of China), Bank of China, and Citibank China—allow foreigners to open a local RMB bank account using just their passport and visa documents. This enables full access to all features of Alipay and WeChat Pay, including peer-to-peer transfers, utility payments, and offline purchases.
If you don’t have a local bank account, you can still use a limited version:
- Alipay: Supports foreign credit/debit cards for international merchants and allows topping up RMB for basic transactions.
- WeChat Pay: Accepts foreign cards and may allow top-ups via overseas banking systems, depending on your country or region.
Step-by-Step Setup Guide
Prepare Essentials
- Passport with valid Chinese visa or residence permit
- Chinese mobile number (available via eSIM or local SIM card)
- Bank card: RMB account card from Chinese bank or a supported Visa/MasterCard debit/credit card
Install the Apps
From App Store or Google Play, download:
- Alipay: available in English and multiple languages
- WeChat: includes Pay function in the “Me” section
Activate Alipay
Open the app and go to Me > Bank Cards
Tap “Add Card” and input your foreign card details (card number, expiry, CVV)
Pay a test transaction (e.g., 1 RMB) to confirm card binding
Optional: Complete real-name authentication by scanning your passport, uploading a selfie, and filling in nationality and birthdate
Once authenticated, you can top up using your foreign card and use the balance across China.
Activate WeChat Pay
- Open WeChat and go to Me > Wallet
- Tap “Cards & Bank Accounts” > “Add Card”
- Fill in foreign card info and verify via SMS
- Once bound, your WeChat can act like a digital bankcard
How to Add Money (Top-up)
| Method | Platform | Steps | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foreign card | Alipay | Wallet > Top-up > Recharge with Bank Card | Varies by card issuer |
| Foreign card | WeChat Pay | Wallet > Balance > Top-up > Link overseas card | FX rates apply |
| Tourists’ account | Alipay | Use “Tour Pass” feature, deposit via supported currencies | 3 percent fee, time-limited |
| Chinese bank card | Both | Instant payments with full feature access | Most reliable option |
Paying in Stores and Transport
Paying Offline with Alipay or WeChat Pay
- Open the App
Launch the Alipay or WeChat Pay app on your smartphone. - Choose Scan or Pay
- Scan: Tap the “Scan” button to scan the merchant’s QR code.
- Pay: Tap the “Pay” button to display your personal payment QR code or barcode.
- Enter or Confirm Amount
- If scanning a merchant’s code, enter the amount you wish to pay and confirm.
- If showing your payment code, the merchant will scan it and the payment amount will appear for your confirmation.
- Complete the Transaction
Once the payment is confirmed, the transaction completes instantly. You will receive a digital receipt or payment confirmation in the app.
Using Public Transport with Alipay or WeChat Pay
- Add a Transport Card in the App
Inside Alipay or WeChat Pay, find and add the “Transport Card” for your city (e.g., Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou). Follow the prompts to link or activate the card. Some cities may require identity verification. - Recharge Your Transport Card
Top up the transport card balance within the app using your linked bank account or wallet balance. - Tap to Pay When Traveling
When entering the subway or boarding a bus, simply tap your phone (usually the back of your device) on the card reader or turnstile. Your fare will be automatically deducted from your transport card balance. - Supported Transit Types
This method works for metro, bus, and in some cities, high-speed rail lines. You can also enjoy transfer discounts where applicable. - Check Balance and Recharge Easily
You can view your remaining balance and recent transactions anytime in the app, and recharge whenever needed.
Traveler-Specific Tips
- Check with your foreign card issuer for daily limits on digital payments
- Be aware of exchange fees, usually 1 to 3 percent
- Switch app interface to English via Settings
- Carry backup cash or UnionPay card for remote areas
- Use prepaid eSIM or local SIM for stable connectivity
Comparison: Alipay vs. WeChat Pay
| Feature | Alipay | WeChat Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Supports foreign cards | Yes | Yes |
| Public transport feature | Yes (Transport Card) | Yes (limited regions) |
| Tourist top-up feature | Yes (Tour Pass) | No |
| User interface | More straightforward | Integrated within messaging app |
| Popularity among locals | Slightly more in offline stores | Widely used for messaging and pay |
Both are essential—install and use both for maximum coverage.
Common Issues and Solutions
- Card not supported: try another card or issuer
- SMS delay: use reliable Chinese SIM or eSIM
- Tour Pass expired: monitor validity and top-up requirements
- Payment blocked: inform your bank in advance about travel
- App login issues: some users may need VPN temporarily during account setup
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use virtual cards like Revolut?
Yes, some work with Alipay. Not all are accepted. Try and test small amounts.
Is Apple Pay or Google Pay accepted?
Not directly. Most Chinese vendors require local QR code scan systems.
Do I need a Chinese bank account?
Not strictly. Foreign cards and Tour Pass are sufficient for most tourists.
Are there any hidden fees?
Foreign transactions may incur conversion or bank fees. Check with your issuer.
Travel Tips to Maximize Mobile Payment
- Install both apps before your trip
- Get a Chinese phone number or eSIM to ensure verification
- Set spending alerts and monitor in-app reports
- Look out for first-time user bonuses or coupons
- Enable in-app security settings like fingerprint authentication
- Use WeChat mini-programs for food, shopping, or hotel bills
- Avoid relying solely on cash—digital is the default in China
Conclusion
In 2025, traveling in China without Alipay or WeChat Pay is like navigating without a map. From metro rides to dumpling stalls, almost everything runs on QR codes. The good news? Foreigners can now join the cashless revolution with just a passport, a phone, and a few setup steps.
Follow the steps in this guide and you’ll be ready to pay like a local—faster, safer, and smarter.
