How to pay in China: Alipay & WeChat Pay for visitors
Last checked 2026-10-19 · by the Uncle Panda team
Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay with your foreign card before you fly, plus how much cash to bring.
Set up before you fly
- Download Alipay and register with your phone number.
- Link your Visa or Mastercard under “Bank cards”.
- Do a small test payment while you can still receive SMS at home.
Tip: set it up on every adult’s phone, so the group does not rely on one person.
Where it works
Almost everywhere: restaurants, taxis, shops, even street snacks. Some small vendors in villages still prefer cash.
| Situation | Alipay / WeChat Pay | Cash |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurants & shops | ✓ | ✓ |
| Taxis & ride-hailing | ✓ | Sometimes |
| Village stalls | Usually | ✓ |
How much cash
Bring around ¥500–1,000 per person as backup. This is for daily spending. Your tour itself is paid to our company by bank transfer, Alipay or WeChat Pay.
Your travel designer sends a step-by-step guide with screenshots before you fly.