If you’re traveling to China, payment can feel like one of the biggest hurdles. Western credit cards are rarely accepted outside of major hotels, international restaurants, and large department stores. Most small shops, street food stalls, convenience stores, and even public transport systems rely entirely on mobile QR payments.
- Preparation before arrival: Download the Alipay app and complete basic registration. Many travelers successfully link Visa or Mastercard to their accounts before leaving home.
- Verification process: You’ll need to provide passport information for real-name verification.
- After arriving: Once linked, you can use Alipay just like a local, paying with QR codes in almost all shops.
- Similar to Alipay, WeChat Pay now supports binding foreign credit cards. The process is similar: register, verify your identity, and add your card.
- Note: Some travelers report it can be less stable than Alipay, so setting up both is a good backup.
- Carry a small amount of RMB cash (e.g., 500–1000 yuan) for emergencies and small purchases where QR payments are not available.
- You can exchange cash at the airport, major banks, or large hotels, though airport rates are often less favorable.
- Always check if a shop accepts credit cards before ordering or making a purchase.
- Some apps and services (e.g., bike-sharing, ride-hailing) require a Chinese phone number and local payment method, so plan accordingly.
- Save screenshots of your payment setup and common QR codes in case of slow internet.