How to Pay in China with Alipay and WeChat Pay

In China, everything from convenience stores and restaurants to taxis and markets runs on QR payments. Some shops no longer accept cash at all, so setting up mobile payment makes the whole trip smoother.

Alipay and WeChat Pay together cover virtually every situation. Below is the setup order, the two ways you actually pay, and what to do when a payment fails.

The bottom line: Alipay alone covers most of it

Start with Alipay. It accepts foreign cards and has the widest merchant coverage.

If you already use WeChat, add WeChat Pay as well. It is handy for messaging locals and paying at smaller shops.

Setup order before you leave

Install the app in your home country and sign up with your phone number.
Verify your identity with your passport.
Add a foreign-issued card such as Visa or Mastercard.
Set a payment password.
Make one small test payment to confirm it works.

Foreign cards may carry a transaction fee, so check the in-app notice.

The two ways you pay

Method	Where it happens	What you do
You scan	Restaurants, convenience stores, street stalls	Scan the shop QR code in the app and enter the amount.
They scan you	Stores with a checkout counter	Show your payment barcode and the cashier scans it.
Online	In-app orders and bookings	Pay directly with the card linked to your account.

When a payment fails

Try a different QR code. Some shops post a personal and a merchant code side by side.
Reopen the payment barcode screen to refresh it.
Switch to another card, or pay a small amount in cash.
On weak networks, wait a moment and retry.

Carrying a little cash for the day keeps you relaxed.

When to use WeChat Pay

WeChat Pay lives inside the WeChat messenger. It is useful at smaller shops that do not take Alipay, and for person-to-person payments.

Installing WeChat also helps you stay in touch with guides, hotels, and drivers. Be aware that identity verification can take some effort, so set it up early.

Situations travelers run into

Deposits: hotels or rental services may hold a card deposit.
Loss prevention: memorize your login and payment password separately.
Refunds: check them inside the app you paid with.

Payment tools keep changing, so review the app notices before departure.

Last updated: 2026-10-13 · 결제

FAQ

Can I link a card to Alipay from home?

Yes, you can install the app, sign up, and add a card before you fly. We suggest a small test payment so it is ready the moment you land.

Do I need any cash at all?

Almost everything can be paid by phone, but a little cash for small stalls keeps you covered.

Should I set up Alipay or WeChat Pay first?

Start with Alipay for its wider merchant coverage, then add WeChat Pay if you use WeChat.

What if my payments keep failing?

Try a different QR code or card, and fall back to small cash amounts. On unstable networks, waiting and retrying often works.

Related tours

Official sources

Always re-check the latest conditions on the official sites before you travel.

Alipay and WeChat Pay: How to Get Ready