Paying for things can feel stressful on your first trip to China. You may have heard that everyone uses QR codes, while foreign credit cards do not work everywhere.
The good news: you do not need a Chinese bank account or a wallet full of cash for a short trip.
For most travelers, the safest setup is simple:
- Use Alipay for everyday payments.
- Keep WeChat as a second option.
- Carry a small amount of Chinese cash for emergencies.
- Use your foreign bank card where it is clearly accepted.
This guide covers what to prepare before you fly. Registration, card linking, and QR-code payments will be covered step by step in the next guide.
1. Set up Alipay first
Alipay is usually the easiest starting point for international visitors. It is widely used in restaurants, cafes, convenience stores, supermarkets, taxis, and tourist attractions.
Before your trip:
- Download the official Alipay app.
- Register with your mobile number.
- Follow the current in-app instructions to add an international bank card and verify your identity.
Enter your name exactly as it appears on your passport and bank card. Do not wait until the end of your first meal in China to start setting up the app.
Bottom line: If you only set up one payment app first, make it Alipay.
2. Why you should also have WeChat
WeChat combines messaging, mini programs, and payments. You may use it to contact a hotel or guide, make a restaurant booking, or access a local service.
You may also see several types of WeChat payment in China:
- A printed merchant QR code: Common in restaurants, shops, and taxis.
- A personal QR code shown on a phone: A guide, host, driver, or friend may ask you to scan it.
- A transfer to a WeChat friend: Often used to split a bill or repay someone.
- A red packet: A social feature used for gifts, thanks, and small payments between friends.
Even if Alipay is your main payment app, WeChat is useful for communication, mini programs, merchant payments, and as a backup.
One important warning: being able to chat does not mean every payment feature will work. With an international card, merchant payments are usually the most relevant feature. Personal QR payments, friend transfers, red packets, and wallet balance features may be restricted.
If a guide or activity provider asks for a deposit, use an official booking platform or merchant payment method when possible.
Bottom line: Install WeChat, but do not assume it gives an international visitor full access to every wallet feature.
3. Carry some Chinese cash
Cash is still accepted in China. It is useful when your phone has no signal or battery, an app asks for extra verification, or your bank blocks a payment.
For a short city trip, consider keeping about RMB 500 to RMB 1,000 as backup, depending on your itinerary and comfort level. Include smaller notes such as RMB 10, 20, and 50, because a small shop may not have change for RMB 100.
Do not rely on cash alone. Some bookings, ride-hailing services, and restaurant orders are completed inside an app.
Bottom line: Cash is your safety net, not your main payment method.
4. Bring foreign bank cards, but have a backup
Visa, Mastercard, and other international cards are more likely to work directly at international hotels, airports, large shopping malls, higher-end restaurants, and major tourist attractions.
They may not be accepted at small restaurants, street shops, local markets, or in taxis.
Bring two cards from different banks if possible, and confirm that overseas payments are enabled before you leave. If one bank blocks a transaction, you still have another option.
Bottom line: Use your physical card where it is clearly accepted, but do not make it your only way to pay.
One-minute pre-trip checklist
- Alipay and WeChat are installed and registered.
- You have followed the current in-app steps for card linking and identity verification.
- You are carrying two bank cards from different issuers, if possible.
- Overseas payments are enabled on your cards.
- Your phone will have mobile data in China.
- You have a power bank and some small RMB notes.
- You understand that merchant payments and personal transfers are not the same thing.
You do not need one payment method that works perfectly everywhere. You need a second option ready when the first one fails.