Payment Methods in China
Everything you need to know about paying for goods and services in China as a foreign visitor.
Reality Check: Cash is Almost Dead
China is 95% cashless. You CANNOT rely on cash or foreign credit cards. Mobile payment is essential for everything - from street food to taxis. Here's how to set it up.
WeChat Pay
Most widely accepted
Alipay
Widely accepted alternative
WeChat Pay vs Alipay: Quick Comparison
| Feature | WeChat Pay | Alipay |
|---|---|---|
| Merchant Acceptance | 95%+ nationwide | 90%+ nationwide |
| Setup Difficulty | Easy | Easy |
| Payment Limits | ¥6,000 single / ¥50,000 monthly / ¥60,000 yearly | ¥6,000 single / ¥50,000 monthly / ¥60,000 yearly |
| Fees | 0% for ¥0-199.99, ≈3% for ¥200+ (60-day promo: 0% up to ¥1,000) | 0% for ¥0-199.99, ≈3% for ¥200+ |
| Additional Features | Messaging, Mini-programs | Shopping, Travel booking |
| Limitations | Spend-only (no P2P transfers, red packets) | Spend-only (no P2P transfers, red packets) |
Pro Tips for Success
💡 Setup Strategy
- • Download apps while abroad (easier setup)
- • Install abroad, bind cards after landing in China
- • Test with small transaction first
- • Take screenshots of setup process
🔄 Have Both Apps
- • Some places only accept one or the other
- • Backup option if one fails
- • WeChat more common in restaurants
- • Alipay better for online shopping
📱 QR Code Basics
- • Scan merchant QR code to pay
- • Show your QR code for them to scan
- • You must be online to generate your own code; merchant QR can be scanned offline
- • Works even with poor internet
⚠️ Common Issues
- • Account may be frozen if unused for months
- • Some cards may be declined initially
- • Keep some cash for emergencies
- • Payments may fail during CNY holidays
🚨 Important 2025 Updates
"Tour Pass" Officially Discontinued
The 90-day "Tour Pass" prepaid wallet was officially discontinued in March 2023. Many 2019-2021 guides still mention it, but the service is no longer available in Alipay.
Sources: Ant Group Official FAQ, BusinessWire, TripAdvisor, LTL Beijing, CGAA Travel Blog
"Tour Card" Still Available (But Limited)
Tour Card replaced Tour Pass but has significant limitations: ¥10,000 maximum balance, hidden entry points, slow approval process. Most travelers report low usage rates.
Sources: StellaC Life, ChinaTravelDestination, User Reports
Direct Foreign Card Binding is Now Standard
Since 2023-2024, Alipay prioritizes direct binding of Visa/Mastercard/AmEx/JCB/Discover/Diners cards. This is now the default flow shown to international visitors.
Sources: Ant Group Official, BusinessWire Partnership Announcement, Travel Blogger Reviews
Backup Payment Options
💵 Cash (CNY)
Still works but increasingly rare
- • ATMs available at airports
- • Banks exchange foreign currency
- • Small vendors may prefer cash
💳 International Cards
Limited acceptance
- • Some hotels accept
- • High-end restaurants only
- • Tourist areas have better support
🏦 Bank Cards
For longer stays
- • Open local bank account
- • Requires residence permit
- • Full payment access