China runs on mobile payments. Cash is accepted by law but increasingly awkward — set this up before you arrive.

Alipay (recommended)

  1. Download Alipay and register with your phone number
  2. Go to Me → Bank Cards → add your foreign Visa/Mastercard
  3. Verify with your passport photo if prompted
  4. Done — scan merchant QR codes or show your payment code

Current limits for foreign cards: roughly $500 per transaction, $5,000 per year (raised in 2024; larger payments can be verified with extra ID). No fees under ¥200 per transaction; 3% above that.

WeChat Pay

Same idea: Me → Services → Wallet → Cards → add foreign card. WeChat's international card support is nearly as good as Alipay's now. Set up both — occasionally one works when the other doesn't.

How paying actually works

  • You scan them: at restaurants, shops, markets — point your app at the merchant's QR code
  • They scan you: show your payment code at supermarket and convenience store checkouts
  • Metro and buses: use the Transport mini-app inside Alipay for ride QR codes

What about cash and cards?

  • Carry ¥300–500 emergency cash; rural areas and some taxis still prefer it
  • Physical Visa/Mastercard only works at international hotels and upscale malls
  • Apple Pay works only where UnionPay contactless is accepted — not universal
Pro tip: Test a small payment in your first hour (buy a ¥3 water at a convenience store). If the card fails, switch to the backup card in the other app immediately — sorting this out on day one saves pain all trip.