China skipped credit cards and went straight to mobile payments. Over 90% of transactions use WeChat Pay or Alipay. Here is exactly how to set them up with a foreign card before you arrive.
China's Payment Landscape
China is one of the most cashless societies on earth. WeChat Pay and Alipay dominate over 90% of daily transactions. Cash is accepted by law but increasingly uncommon — many small vendors and street stalls no longer carry change. Foreign credit cards (Visa/Mastercard) work at international hotels, upscale restaurants, and large malls, but are useless at most local businesses. The solution: set up Alipay and WeChat Pay with your foreign card before arriving.
| Payment Method | Where Accepted | Foreigner-Friendly | Setup Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alipay | Nearly everywhere | Yes (Tour Pass / linked card) | Before travel |
| WeChat Pay | Nearly everywhere | Yes (linked card) | Before travel |
| Cash (RMB) | By law, everywhere | Yes, but vendors may lack change | Exchange before/after arrival |
| Visa/Mastercard | Hotels, malls, upscale restaurants | Yes | None |
| UnionPay | Most Chinese businesses | No (requires Chinese bank account) | N/A |
| Apple Pay / Google Pay | Very limited | Only at NFC terminals | N/A |
How to Set Up Alipay with a Foreign Card
Alipay now supports linking foreign Visa and Mastercard credit/debit cards. This is the single most important step before traveling to China. Once linked, you can pay at any merchant that accepts Alipay — which is essentially everywhere.
| Step | Action | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Download Alipay | Available on App Store and Google Play internationally |
| 2 | Create account | Use your phone number (foreign numbers work) |
| 3 | Verify identity | Upload passport photo (required by Chinese law) |
| 4 | Link foreign card | Me > Bank Cards > Add Card > Enter Visa/Mastercard details |
| 5 | Set payment password | 6-digit PIN for all transactions |
| 6 | Test with small payment | Try scanning a QR code at any store |
Q.Are there fees for using Alipay with a foreign card?
For transactions under ¥200 (~$28), there is no fee. For transactions over ¥200, Alipay charges a 3% fee. This is comparable to foreign transaction fees on credit cards. Most daily purchases (meals, taxis, tickets) are under ¥200.
Q.Can I use Alipay to pay other people (peer-to-peer)?
With a linked foreign card, you can scan merchant QR codes to pay businesses. Peer-to-peer transfers (sending money to individuals) require a Chinese bank account. However, you can pay individuals who have a merchant account.
How to Set Up WeChat Pay with a Foreign Card
WeChat Pay works similarly to Alipay. Within the WeChat app, go to Me > Services > Wallet > Bank Cards to link your foreign Visa or Mastercard. WeChat Pay is accepted at all the same places as Alipay. Having both apps set up gives you redundancy in case one has issues.
| Feature | Alipay | WeChat Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign card support | Visa, Mastercard | Visa, Mastercard |
| Transaction fee (under ¥200) | Free | Free |
| Transaction fee (over ¥200) | 3% | 3% |
| Miniprogram ecosystem | Larger for services | Larger for social/sharing |
| English interface | Yes | Yes (partial) |
| Identity verification | Passport required | Passport required |
Cash and Currency Exchange
While China is largely cashless, we still recommend carrying ¥500-1000 in cash as a backup. Exchange currency at airport banks, Bank of China branches, or your hotel (rates are less favorable at hotels). ATMs that accept foreign cards are available at airports and Bank of China branches, but are becoming harder to find. Withdraw a larger amount at once rather than multiple small withdrawals.
| Exchange Method | Rate | Convenience | Recommended |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bank of China branch | Best official rate | Moderate (passport required) | Yes |
| Airport exchange | Slightly worse | Very convenient | For small amounts only |
| Hotel exchange | Worst rate | Very convenient | Emergency only |
| ATM withdrawal | Good rate + bank fee | Limited ATMs accept foreign cards | Backup option |
| Before departure (home bank) | Varies | Convenient | Good for initial cash |
Tipping in China
Tipping is not customary in China and is often refused. Hotel bellhops, tour guides, and drivers on private tours may accept tips (and increasingly expect them from Western tourists), but restaurant servers, taxi drivers, and hairdressers do not expect tips. Some upscale hotels and restaurants add a 10-15% service charge to the bill. When in doubt, do not tip — it is not expected.
| Service | Tipping Expected? | Suggested Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurant | No | None (service charge may be added) |
| Taxi / DiDi | No | None |
| Hotel bellhop | Optional | ¥10-20 per bag |
| Private tour guide | Yes (from Westerners) | ¥100-200/day |
| Private driver | Yes (from Westerners) | ¥50-100/day |
| Spa / massage | No | None |
Frequently Asked Questions
1.Can I use my credit card everywhere in China?
No. Visa and Mastercard are accepted at international hotels, upscale restaurants, and large shopping malls. They are NOT accepted at most local restaurants, street food stalls, small shops, taxis, subway stations, or tourist sites. You must have Alipay or WeChat Pay for daily spending.
2.How much cash should I carry in China?
Carry ¥500-1000 ($70-140) as backup. You will primarily use Alipay and WeChat Pay. Cash is useful for very small vendors, temples, and emergencies where mobile payment is unavailable. Break large bills at convenience stores (Family Mart, 7-Eleven) to get smaller denominations.
3.What is the exchange rate for Chinese Yuan (RMB)?
As of 2026, approximately: $1 USD = ¥7.1 RMB, £1 GBP = ¥9.0 RMB, €1 EUR = ¥7.7 RMB, $1 CAD = ¥5.2 RMB, $1 AUD = ¥4.7 RMB. Exchange rates fluctuate. Check current rates before travel at xe.com or your bank.
4.Should I tip my tour guide in China?
Tipping is not traditional in China, but private tour guides and drivers who serve Western tourists have come to expect it. A typical tip is ¥100-200 per day for a guide and ¥50-100 per day for a driver, given at the end of the tour. This is entirely voluntary. Group tours operated by Chinese companies for domestic tourists do not involve tipping.