Why You Need This
China has largely moved beyond cash. Cards (Visa/Mastercard) work at hospitals, hotels, and airports — but for daily expenses (taxis, restaurants, pharmacies, convenience stores), you need Alipay or WeChat Pay. Both now support international cards.
Setup Before Arrival (Recommended)
Alipay (recommended for first-timers)
- Download Alipay app from your country's App Store / Google Play.
- Sign up with your phone number (international).
- Complete identity verification with passport.
- Bind your Visa, Mastercard, or Amex card.
- Test by topping up the in-app digital wallet ($100 USD recommended for first transaction).
WeChat Pay
- Download WeChat (the messaging app — payment is built in).
- Sign up and complete real-name verification.
- Add international card.
- WeChat Pay limits foreign cards: $200/transaction, $1,000/month, $50,000/year.
Fees
- Alipay: 3% fee on transactions under ¥200; no fee on transactions ¥200+ (changed in late 2025).
- WeChat Pay: 3% fee on all foreign-card transactions.
What Works Where
| Where | Alipay | WeChat Pay | Card | Cash |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hospital | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Hotel | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Taxi (Didi) | ✅ | ✅ | — | limited |
| Restaurant | ✅ | ✅ | — | limited |
| Subway | ✅ | ✅ | — | limited |
| Convenience store | ✅ | ✅ | — | ✅ |
Cash Backup
Bring ¥1,000–3,000 in cash for backup. Most ATMs accept international cards (Bank of China, ICBC, China Construction Bank). HSBC and Citibank ATMs are widely available in major cities.
Tips from Experience
- Take screenshots of your QR codes — useful when wifi is patchy
- Activate "Tour Pass" feature in Alipay for exclusive tourist discounts
- WeChat Mini-Programs handle Didi taxi, food delivery, etc. all in one app
- If you're only in China 1–2 weeks, Alipay alone is enough — don't bother with both
- Notify your home bank before travel to avoid card freezes