How to Pay for Things in China
If you bring a fat stack of cash to China, you are going to starve. Street vendors, taxi drivers, and even high-end restaurants don't keep change anymore. Here is the exact setup you need to survive.
Alipay (Our Top Choice)
Alipay (Zhifubao) is the easiest app for tourists to set up. Its English translation feature is built-in and far superior to WeChat's, making it easier to order food and buy train tickets directly inside the app.
Setup Steps (Do this before you fly):
- Download Alipay from the App Store or Google Play.
- Register using your home country phone number (e.g., +1, +44).
- Tap “Account” → “Bank Cards” and add your foreign Visa, Mastercard, or Discover card.
- Complete the quick Identity Verification using your passport.
WeChat Pay
WeChat is the “everything app” of China. While Alipay is slightly easier for payments, WeChat is essential because everyone will use it to communicate with you. It's best to have both set up as backups to each other.
Setup Steps:
- Download WeChat.
- Sign up (You may need a friend who already has WeChat to verify your account by scanning a QR code).
- Go to “Me” → “Services” → “Wallet” → “Cards”.
- Add your foreign credit card and verify your identity.
Alipay vs WeChat Pay: Quick Comparison
| Feature | Alipay | WeChat Pay |
|---|---|---|
| English Interface | Built-in, excellent | Partial, clunky |
| Foreign Card Setup | Easy — no verification needed | Needs friend QR scan |
| Merchant Acceptance | Nearly universal | Nearly universal |
| Transaction Fee (>200 RMB) | 3% | 3% |
| In-app Services | Train tickets, food delivery, bike rental | Messaging, mini-programs, ride hailing |
| Offline Mode | Limited | Better offline support |
Common Problems & Fixes
“My card was rejected”
Some banks block transactions to Chinese payment platforms by default. Call your bank and tell them you're traveling to China. Visa and Mastercard have the highest acceptance; Amex and Discover work sporadically. If one card fails, try another.
“Identity verification keeps failing”
Make sure your passport photo is well-lit and all four corners are visible. The name on your Alipay/WeChat account must match your passport exactly — including middle names. Try in good natural light; the AI rejects blurry or shadowed images.
“My phone died / no internet”
This is why you carry ~500 RMB in cash as backup. Also: set up Alipay and WeChat Pay on a second device (tablet, partner's phone) before you leave. Most hotels have backup power banks you can borrow.
“How do I get a refund when leaving China?”
Any remaining balance in Alipay or WeChat Pay can be withdrawn to your linked foreign card. Go to “Wallet” → “Balance” → “Withdraw.” Processing takes 1-3 business days. Do this before you leave China — some features are geo-restricted once you're abroad.
More Questions Answered
Does Apple Pay or Google Pay work in China?
No. Apple Pay and Google Pay are not accepted by Chinese merchants. You must use Alipay or WeChat Pay. However, you can add your foreign card to Apple Wallet and use it to pay via Alipay — the card is the bridge, but the app is the gate.
Do I need to tip in China?
No. Tipping is not part of Chinese culture and is sometimes refused. The only exception is high-end international hotels (e.g., the Ritz-Carlton) where Western-style tipping is sometimes expected for concierge or bellhop service. In restaurants, taxis, and for tour guides — no tip is expected.
How much cash should I carry?
About 500 RMB (~$70) for emergencies. Get it from an ATM at the airport using your foreign debit card (Bank of China and ICBC ATMs are reliable). Do not exchange cash at your home bank — the rates are terrible. ATMs in China give the mid-market rate with a small fixed fee.
What about China Currency (Cash)?
China's currency is the RMB (or CNY). By law, merchants must accept physical cash. However, in reality, if you try to buy a 15 RMB coffee with a 100 RMB bill, the barista will likely stare at you because they haven't seen physical cash in months and have zero change in the register. It's wise to carry ~500 RMB in cash for absolute emergencies, but you will use mobile apps for 99.9% of your trip.
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