Money in China: Your Guide to the Cashless Revolution

Prepare for a fundamental shift in how you pay for things. China's economy runs on mobile payments. While cash is still legal tender, you'll discover that from high-end restaurants to street food stalls, almost everyone prefers to pay using a smartphone.

International Credit Cards Are Rarely Accepted.
Outside of major international hotel chains and luxury brand stores, your Visa, Mastercard, or American Express will likely be declined. For daily purchases like meals, coffee, or subway tickets, they are not a viable option.

The Main Players: Alipay and WeChat Pay

The entire ecosystem is dominated by two powerhouse apps. Setting up at least one of them is essential for a smooth travel experience.

Alipay (支付宝 - zhī fù bǎo)

Owned by Alibaba, this is a dedicated payment app. For many foreigners, Alipay is considered the more straightforward option to set up and link to international cards.

WeChat Pay (微信支付 - wēi xìn zhī fù)

Integrated into the super-app WeChat, this is the other major platform. Since you'll likely use WeChat to communicate, its payment function is incredibly convenient.

How to Set Up Payments as a Foreigner

The process has been streamlined for international visitors. You can now link your existing credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, etc.) directly to the apps. You will need your passport and a working phone number.

Setting Up Alipay

  1. Download the App: Get the "Alipay" app from your phone's app store. Make sure it's the main international version.
  2. Register: Open the app and sign up. You can use your home country's mobile number. You'll receive a verification code via SMS to complete the registration.
  3. Add Your Bank Card:
    • Go to the Me tab in the bottom right corner.
    • Tap on Bank Cards.
    • Tap + Add Card and enter your international credit or debit card number.
  4. Complete Identity Verification: The app will prompt you to "Verify Now". This is a crucial step. You will need to enter your personal information exactly as it appears on your passport, including your nationality, full name, and passport number. You may also be asked to take a photo of your passport.
  5. Set a Payment Password: You'll be asked to create a 6-digit payment password. This is different from your login password and is used to authorize transactions.

Setting Up WeChat Pay

  1. Download and Register WeChat: Get the "WeChat" app. Register with your home mobile number.
  2. Activate the Payment Feature (WeChat Pay):
    • Go to the Me tab in the bottom right corner.
    • Tap on Services. If you don't see it, it may not be activated yet.
    • A common way to activate it is to have an existing WeChat user send you a small "Red Packet" (a monetary gift). Once you try to open it, you'll be prompted to activate WeChat Pay.
  3. Add Your Bank Card:
    • In the Services menu, tap on Wallet.
    • Select Cards and then + Add a Card.
  4. Complete Identity Verification: Just like with Alipay, you must fill in your details and link your identity by providing your passport information. Follow the prompts carefully.
  5. Set a Payment Password: You will also create a 6-digit payment password for authorizing payments.

Important Tips for a Smooth Experience

  • Verification is Mandatory: You cannot use the payment features without completing the real-name identity verification with your passport.
  • Transaction Limits: Be aware that payments linked to foreign cards have limits. There's a per-transaction limit (e.g., ~¥6,000) and cumulative annual limits. This is sufficient for most tourist activities.
  • Always Carry Some Cash: While rare, you might encounter a vendor who only takes cash, or your app might have a technical issue. It's wise to have a few hundred RMB on hand as a backup.
  • You Need Data/Wi-Fi: These apps require an internet connection to function. Ensure you have a local SIM card or an eSIM with a data plan.