Payment

Payment Guides

Step-by-step guides to paying in China as a foreign visitor: set up Alipay and WeChat Pay, link international cards, and avoid common pitfalls.

Mobile payment setup with smartphone showing payment methods for China travel
Photo by Micheile Henderson on Unsplash
Alipay Setup

Step-by-step guide to installing Alipay and linking a foreign credit card

 WeChat Pay

Complete setup and usage guide for foreign visitors

 Alipay vs WeChat Pay

Which payment app should you use in 2026?

 Complete Payment Guide

Everything you need to know about paying in China as a tourist

Start with a reliable payment setup

China is mostly QR-payment first. A tourist-friendly setup usually means one primary wallet, one backup wallet, two card options, and a small amount of cash for exceptions.

  1. 1 Install Alipay and WeChat before departure, then verify identity while you still have access to your home bank and phone number.
  2. 2 Link at least one Visa or Mastercard, then keep a second card from another issuer as a backup.
  3. 3 Carry a small amount of RMB cash for taxis, small shops, and moments when wallet verification or card authorization fails.
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Can You Use a Foreign Credit Card in China 2026? Where It Works

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Alipay for Foreigners 2026: How to Link a Foreign Credit Card Step by Step

Complete 2026 guide to setting up Alipay as a foreign visitor: download the app, verify your passport, and link a Visa or Mastercard for payments anywhere in China.

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How to Pay for Things in China 2026: 3 Methods Ranked for Tourists (Alipay, Card, Cash)

How to pay for things in China as a tourist in 2026 — Alipay, WeChat Pay, foreign credit cards, cash backup, and which method works at each type of merchant. Includes a quick decision flowchart.

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WeChat Pay for Foreign Visitors 2026: Complete Setup and Usage Guide

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