How to Pay in China as a Foreign Tourist (2025 Guide)
The Short Answer
China is a mobile payments country, but foreign tourists can now participate. Alipay and WeChat Pay both accept foreign Visa and Mastercard since 2023–2024, making it genuinely possible to get around without a Chinese bank account. Carry some cash as backup — it still works everywhere.
Option 1: Alipay International (Recommended)
Alipay is China's dominant payment app, accepted at essentially every shop, restaurant, market stall, taxi, and tourist site.
How to set it up:
- Download the Alipay app (international version) before you arrive
- Register with your email address
- Link your foreign Visa, Mastercard, or Maestro card
- Top up a wallet balance in Chinese Yuan (CNY/RMB)
Spending limits apply to foreign-linked cards — typically around ¥5,000 per month for most users, which covers a comfortable short trip. You can apply for higher limits within the app.
What you can pay for: restaurants, taxis and Didi, convenience stores, supermarkets, tourist attractions, street markets, and most hotels. Some transactions at government counters or hospitals may not accept Alipay.
Tip: Set up Alipay at home before you travel. The verification process can require SMS to your foreign number — easier to do before you land.
Option 2: WeChat Pay
WeChat is China's messaging and social super-app, and WeChat Pay is embedded within it. Like Alipay, it now accepts foreign cards.
How to set it up:
- Download WeChat and create an account
- Go to Me → Pay → Wallet → Cards
- Link a foreign Visa or Mastercard
- You're ready to scan QR codes
Coverage is similar to Alipay. In practice, most places accept both — you rarely need both apps, but having a backup is never a bad idea.
Note on WeChat: The app requires photo ID verification for financial features. Have your passport scanned and ready during setup.
Option 3: Cash (RMB / CNY)
Cash is still widely accepted across China and is your ultimate fallback. Rural areas, small family restaurants, older market vendors, and some transport options prefer or only accept cash.
Getting RMB:
- ATMs in China are the easiest source. Bank of China, ICBC, and China Construction Bank ATMs reliably accept foreign Visa and Mastercard. UnionPay acceptance varies. Expect fees from both the Chinese ATM and your home bank.
- Exchange at the airport upon arrival — rates are fair at official counters (avoid private booths)
- Exchange before you leave — your home bank or exchange service may offer better rates
How much to carry: ¥500–1,000 (roughly USD 70–140) is a sensible walking-around amount. More if you're heading somewhere rural.
Denominations: Familiarise yourself with ¥100, ¥50, ¥20, and ¥10 notes. Counterfeit ¥100 notes exist — check the security strip and watermark when receiving change.
Option 4: Foreign Credit and Debit Cards
Card acceptance has improved but remains patchy outside major international hotels and upscale restaurants.
Where cards work reliably:
- International hotel chains (Marriott, Hilton, etc.)
- High-end restaurants in tourist areas
- Duty-free shops
- Some national museum ticket counters
Where cards often fail:
- Local restaurants and street food
- Public transport (Metro, buses)
- Small shops and markets
- Ride-hailing apps
- Tourist attractions outside major cities
UnionPay (China's domestic card network) is most widely accepted. If your bank card carries the UnionPay logo, acceptance will be much better.
Public Transport Payments
Metro: Most major city metros now have a dedicated foreign visitor card or NFC tap (iPhone/Android) via Alipay. Check each city's metro app — Shanghai and Beijing both have good English options.
Didi (ride-hailing): Download the Didi app and link your Alipay or WeChat Pay. Accept rides showing the price upfront. Your guide can help you set this up.
High-speed trains: Tickets purchased on the 12306 app or website require a Chinese payment method. Book through your guide, a travel agency, or at the station ticket counter with your passport and cash.
Tipping
China does not have a tipping culture. Service staff at local restaurants do not expect tips. At tourist-focused establishments, some staff are now accustomed to foreign tipping customs — follow your instinct. For private guides like ours, a tip at the end of a wonderful day is always appreciated but never expected.
Summary: What to Prepare
| Tool | Set Up | Best For | |------|--------|----------| | Alipay (linked foreign card) | Before trip, at home | Day-to-day everything | | WeChat Pay | Before trip | Backup; some places prefer it | | Cash (RMB ¥500–1,000) | Airport ATM on arrival | Rural areas, markets, backup | | Foreign credit card | Already have it | Hotels, emergencies |
The combination that works for 95% of travellers: Alipay + ¥500–800 cash.