# How to pay in China: Alipay & WeChat Pay for visitors

Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay with your foreign card before you fly, plus how much cash to bring. Last checked 2026-10-19 by the Uncle Panda team.

## Set up before you fly

1. Download **Alipay** and register with your phone number.
2. Link your Visa or Mastercard under "Bank cards".
3. 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.

## More tips

- [Do I need a visa for China? (Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia)](https://unclepandatravel.com/travel-tips/visa-entry)
- [Staying connected in China: eSIM, roaming and useful apps](https://unclepandatravel.com/travel-tips/internet-apps)
- [High-speed trains in China: what to expect with family and luggage](https://unclepandatravel.com/travel-tips/trains-transport)

## Questions about your own trip?

Replies 08:30–22:00 your time · Free to ask. See [Licence & payment](https://unclepandatravel.com/licence-payment).

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- Source page: https://unclepandatravel.com/travel-tips/pay-in-china
- Language: English · Updated: 2026-10-22
- Operator: Hunan Panda International Travel Service Co., Ltd. (Uncle Panda Travel), licensed China travel agency, licence L-HUN-304745
- Contact: service@unclepandatravel.com · WhatsApp +8615580812229
- Site index for AI: https://unclepandatravel.com/llms.txt