Payments in China
Practical payment guides for China, covering Alipay, WeChat Pay, cash, cards, mobile payment failures, and backup plans.
Payment is the one thing you should not leave to hope. Do not arrive with only one app, one card, or one plan.
A safer minimum: one mobile wallet, one backup mobile wallet if possible, one physical bank card, and some RMB cash.
Payment questions visitors actually ask
- How do I set up Alipay (支付宝, Zhifubao) in China as a foreigner?
- Can foreign visitors use WeChat (微信, Weixin) Pay (微信支付, Weixin Zhifu) in China?
- Should I carry cash, a bank card, or only mobile payment?
- What should I do if Alipay (支付宝, Zhifubao) or WeChat (微信, Weixin) Pay (微信支付, Weixin Zhifu) fails?
Simple rule
If your payment setup only works in theory, it is not ready. After you land, test it with a small purchase at a staffed shop before you depend on it for a taxi, restaurant, or late-night situation.
When you need actual cash
Mobile payment is convenient until your foreign card, wallet, or phone fails at the same time. Use the ATM guide to check card-network logos, PINs, fees, exchange-rate prompts, failed withdrawals, and retained cards before you need the backup.