China is deeply digital, and for many first-time visitors, the biggest culture shock is not the food but the way people pay. Digital payment in China runs through daily life, from metro gates to noodle shops. Hence, figuring out how to pay in China is helpful for your tours of China, whether you are joining a group tour or exploring this country independently.
The Payment Reality: Is China Cashless?
When traveling in China, it’s important for you to understand the local money matters. Many tourists wonder, “Is China cashless?” The reality is that QR codes have taken over daily payment. Cashless payment in China is a type of lifestyle here rather than a tech trend; it is how people buy breakfast like steamed buns, enter museums in China, split bills, and pay money in China without thinking twice.
You may ask, “Can I pay cash in China?” Yes. RMB cash is legal tender, and shops are not supposed to refuse it. But in real life, many small vendors do not keep much change, and a big note can slow everything down. Carry a little cash for emergencies when packing for your China travel, but use mobile payment as the main plan for paying in China.
Major Mobile Payment Apps: Alipay vs WeChat Pay in China
Many first-time visitors ask the exact same question: How can I pay in China as a foreigner? Indeed, for most visitors, the best way to pay for things in China as a foreigner is by using mobile payment, and Alipay and WeChat Pay are two mainstream payment apps in China. With them, you can pay in just a few seconds without needing to change money.
Setting Up Alipay as a Foreign Tourist
Alipay has a cleaner setup for overseas users with an international-friendly interface, and it accepts many international cards for paying in China. Card linking still needs a little patience, but the success rate is generally solid. When planning your first China trip, Alipay is the safer app to prepare before arrival.
How to Pay with Alipay in China
1. Get to install Alipay and register with your phone number.
2. Add passport details and link an international card. Set your payment password afterwards.
3. Tap "Scan" on the top part of Alipay’s main interface to scan the merchant’s QR code and enter the amount. Some merchants may ask you to show your QR payment code for scanning and charging, and just tap “Pay/Collect” to show it. Besides, if the phone supports NFC, enable tap-to-pay for even faster payment.
4. Confirm the payment, and the money goes through in seconds.
Using WeChat Pay (Weixin Pay) in China
WeChat Pay is obviously another important QR code payment in China, and it’s one part of WeChat. The app works as an all-in-one platform where you can chat, pay, order food, book rides, and open mini programs without leaving the screen. For travelers, WeChat Pay is a useful way of paying in China because it connects payment with so many small everyday services.
How to Pay with WeChat (Weixin) in China
1. Install WeChat on your phone and sign up for your own account.
2. Head over to “Me” > “Pay and Services” > “Wallet”, then upload the images of your passport and valid visa to complete the identity verification.
3. Then, still under the “Wallet” section, bind an international bank card.
4. Click the “+” icon at the top right of the main interface and choose “Scan” to scan the merchant’s QR code. If you are asked to show your QR code for the payment, just tap “Money” under the same menu.
5. Check the amount, and complete the payment.
Pay via Alipay or WeChat Pay when Traveling in China
Dining & Street Food
You may wonder how to pay in China when dining in a restaurant or tasting local street food. Don’t worry, it’s easy. For street food payment in China, the QR code is usually taped to the cart, counter, or wall. Just open your Alipay or WeChat, scan the printed code, type the price, and show the paid screen if needed. That also works for paying at restaurants in China.
Shopping & Retail
Things may be a little bit different regarding the payment methods for shopping in China. In large supermarkets, department stores, and international malls, payment tends to be even easier. Open the “Pay” code on your WeChat Pay or Alipay before reaching the cashier. Then, let the scanner beep once, and the bill is settled. No typing, no extra steps, just a quick check of the screen before leaving.
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Other Payment Methods in China
Credit Cards
If you plan on paying in China with a physical Visa or Mastercard, keep it as a backup rather than your main option. These cards are usually accepted at five-star hotels, luxury stores, or major malls in cities in China like Beijing and Shanghai. But once you reach smaller cities or local neighborhoods, card terminals often do not take foreign cards. Therefore, link the card to Alipay or WeChat instead.
Digital RMB (e-CNY) and Overseas E-wallets
Digital RMB, or e-CNY, is China’s newer official payment option, and it is slowly showing up in more cities, shops, and transport systems. When it comes to how to pay in China as a tourist, some overseas e-wallets now work with Chinese QR codes too, including AlipayHK and selected regional wallets, but coverage depends on the wallet, city, and merchant.
FAQs
Q1: Can I Use Apple Pay in China?
A: Sometimes. Since paying via Apple Pay requires that the POS terminals support foreign cards, you can use it in places like international supermarkets or high-end hotels. But for daily stuff, just forget it.
Q2: Can I use Google Pay in China?
A: Not really. Google Pay is restricted in mainland China. Even with a VPN, the cashier’s machine usually will not know what to do with it.
Q3: Will Samsung Pay work in China?
Samsung Pay has the same problem as Apple Pay. It may pass at a few luxury stores or international hotels with the right terminals, but for paying in China day to day, it is not the app to count on. Alipay and WeChat Pay will get you much further.