Alipay vs WeChat vs Cash: How to Pay in China as a Tourist (2026)

China has gone almost completely cashless. If you haven’t been here in a while or if it’s your first time you might be wondering: how do I actually pay for things?

The short answer: you’ll use your phone for almost everything.

The slightly longer answer: you’ll set up either Alipay or WeChat Pay (or both), link your international credit card, and carry a small amount of cash as backup.

This guide walks you through every option, step by step, so you arrive in China with zero payment anxiety.

Five Ways to Pay in China

Here’s a quick comparison. Your main choice is between Alipay and WeChat Pay — the rest are backup options.

Option 1: Alipay (Recommended)

Why Alipay?

After years of traveler feedback, Alipay has become the most foreigner-friendly payment app in China. It has an English interface, a straightforward setup process, and the widest acceptance among merchants. If you only set up one app, make it Alipay.

Step-by-Step Setup

Step 1: Download Alipay

• iOS: App Store → search “Alipay”
• Android: Google Play → search “Alipay”

⚠️ Important: Download the international version, not AlipayHK (which is for Hong Kong only).

Step 2: Register with your phone number

Open the app → tap “Sign Up” → enter your international phone number → receive and enter the verification code.

Step 3: Link your international credit card

1. Tap “Me” (bottom right) → “Bank Cards” → “Add Card”
2. Enter your card number, expiration date, and CVV
3. You can link Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Discover, or Diners Club

Step 4: Verify your identity

1. Tap “Me” → “Account” → “Real-name Verification”
2. Select “Passport” as your ID type
3. Upload a photo of your passport information page
4. Take a live selfie for facial verification

⏱️ Verification usually takes 5-10 minutes. Some users report it takes up to 24 hours. Complete this before you travel if possible.

Step 5: Start paying!

Once verified, you’re ready to go. To pay:

• Merchant scans you: Open the app → tap “Pay” → show your QR code
• You scan merchant: Tap “Scan” → scan the merchant’s QR code → enter amount → confirm

Fee Warning ⚠️

Alipay charges a 3% international transaction fee on single transactions over 200 yuan. For small purchases (coffee, street food, metro tickets), you won’t be charged. For larger purchases (hotels, shopping), consider using cash or a local bank card to avoid the fee.

Troubleshooting

“My card won’t link”

• Double-check your card number, expiration date, and CVV
• Make sure your card supports 3D Secure (most international cards do)
• Try removing the card and adding it again after 24 hours
• Enable two-factor authentication on your card if available

“Facial verification failed”

• Make sure you’re in a well-lit room
• Remove glasses or face coverings
• Try again after a few minutes

Option 2: WeChat Pay

WeChat Pay is the other major payment app in China. It’s integrated into WeChat (the messaging app), so if you’re already using WeChat to communicate, this is convenient. However, the setup is slightly more complex than Alipay.

Step-by-Step Setup

Step 1: Download WeChat

• Download WeChat from your app store and register with your phone number

Step 2: Activate WeChat Pay

1. Tap “Me” (bottom right) → “Services” → “Wallet”
2. Tap “Bank Cards” → “Add a Card”
3. Enter your card details (Visa/Mastercard/JCB/Discover supported)

Step 3: Verify your identity

1. In Wallet → tap “Identity Verification”
2. Select “Passport” as your ID type
3. Upload a photo of your passport information page
4. Complete facial verification

⏱️ WeChat verification typically takes 2-3 days to process. If you plan to use WeChat Pay, start the setup at least a week before your trip.

Step 4: Start paying

Once verified, tap “Services” → “Wallet” → “Pay” to show your QR code.

Alipay vs WeChat Pay

If you only have time to set up one app before your trip, choose Alipay.

Option 3: International Credit Cards

You might be used to swiping your Visa or Mastercard everywhere at home. In China, that’s not how it works.

Where International Cards Work

The bottom line: do not rely on your credit card as your primary payment method in China.

What About UnionPay?

UnionPay is the Chinese domestic card network. If you have a UnionPay card from your home country, it works almost everywhere. This is the only card type that functions like a local card.

Option 4: Cash

Cash is tricky in China in 2026.

The Good News

• Cash is still legal tender. In theory, no merchant can refuse it.
• ATMs accept international cards. You can withdraw cash at most bank ATMs.

The Bad News

• Many merchants don’t want to accept cash — they don’t carry change, they worry about fake bills, and they prefer the speed of mobile payments.
• Large bills (100 yuan) are hard to break. Smaller stores may not have change.

What I Recommend

• Withdraw 800-1200 yuan (about $110-165 USD) at the airport ATM when you arrive.
• Ask for smaller bills (50s, 20s, 10s) at the bank counter.
• Use cash only when necessary — if Alipay/WeChat isn’t working, or if you’re in a remote area.

Option 5: Digital Yuan (e-CNY)

The Digital Yuan (e-CNY) is China’s central bank digital currency. It’s legal tender, like cash, but digital.

What You Should Know

• Tourists can download the e-CNY app and register with an international phone number
• You can top up your wallet via international cards or cash at bank counters
• However: acceptance is still limited. Most small vendors don’t take it. Alipay and WeChat are much more widely used.

Bottom line: It’s an interesting option for the future, but not necessary for your trip right now.

FAQ: 8 Common Questions

1. Do I need a Chinese bank account to use Alipay or WeChat?

No. You can link an international credit card directly. No Chinese bank account required.

2. Can I use Apple Pay or Google Pay in China?

Very rarely. Some international hotel chains accept them. For daily purchases, stick to Alipay/WeChat.

3. What if my phone has no signal?

Alipay and WeChat Pay work offline — you can still show your QR code without internet. But you need signal to complete the initial setup and verification. Download an eSIM or roaming plan before you travel.

4. Is it safe to link my credit card to Alipay/WeChat?

Yes. Both apps use bank-grade encryption and fraud detection. I’ve used them for years without issues. You can also set a payment password for extra security.

5. Will I get charged the 3% fee on everything?

No. The 3% fee only applies to transactions over 200 yuan (about $28 USD). Small purchases are fee-free.

6. Can I use WeChat Pay without WeChat?

No. WeChat Pay is integrated into WeChat. You need the WeChat app.

7. How do I get cash from an ATM?

Most ATMs in China accept international cards (Visa, Mastercard, etc.). Look for the logos on the machine. The withdrawal limit is usually 3,000-5,000 yuan per transaction.

8. Do I need to download anything else?

Not really. Alipay and WeChat are all you need. Some people also download a translation app and a VPN, but that’s a separate topic.

My Personal Recommendation

Here’s what I tell every friend visiting China:

1. Set up Alipay before you travel — do the verification at home, where you have time and stable internet
2. Link your credit card to Alipay — that’s your primary payment method
3. Set up WeChat Pay as a backup — if you have time, set it up too (start 3 days before your trip)
4. Withdraw 1,000 yuan in cash at the airport upon arrival — 100 yuan bills are fine, you can break them later
5. Keep a 50-yuan note in your pocket — for emergencies

Payment in China is simple once you’re set up. The setup takes effort, but once done, you’ll pay for everything with a two-second QR code scan. It’s faster than tapping a card — and way faster than counting coins.

You might also like:

• How to Book a High-Speed Train Ticket in China
• How to See a Doctor in China Without Waiting
• The Best Routes for First-Time Travelers

✦ Ready to explore China?