💳

Payment Setup

Set up mobile payments before you arrive

China is a cashless society. Set up Alipay and WeChat Pay before you travel to ensure smooth payments throughout your trip.

⚠️ Critical: Set Up BEFORE You Travel

Alipay and WeChat Pay require linking your foreign credit card. Do this at home while you can still receive verification SMS codes from your bank.

🔵 Alipay (支付宝)

Recommended

Most widely accepted

1Download "Alipay" from App Store/Google Play
2Sign up with your phone number
3Go to "Me" → "Bank Cards" → "Add Card"
4Link Visa/Mastercard (may need passport)
5Enable "Tour Pass" for international payments

Transaction fee: ~3%

🟢 WeChat Pay (微信支付)

Alternative option

1Download "WeChat" app
2Sign up and verify phone number
3Go to "Me" → "Services" → "Wallet"
4Link foreign credit card
5Complete identity verification

Transaction fee: ~3%

💵 Cash & Cards Backup Plan

Credit Cards

• Visa/Mastercard accepted at hotels
• Many restaurants don't accept cards
• Notify your bank of travel plans

💴Cash (RMB)

• Bring $100-200 to exchange
• Exchange at airport or banks
• Small bills helpful for markets

ATMs

• Bank of China ATMs reliable
• Withdrawal fee: ~¥15-30
• Check with your bank on fees

📱 How to Use Mobile Payments

Paying at Stores (The QR Code Dance)

Open Alipay or WeChat Pay
Tap "Scan" (扫一扫)
Scan merchant's QR code
Enter amount and confirm
Show confirmation screen

Showing Your QR Code (Less Common)

Open payment app
Find "Pay" or "QR Code"
Merchant scans your code
Confirm payment amount

💡 Pro Tip:

Most small businesses prefer Alipay. WeChat Pay is more common among younger users. Having both gives you maximum coverage.

🔧 Troubleshooting

Card Linking Failed?

• Ensure your card supports international transactions
• Check that your billing address matches your bank records
• Try with WiFi on (not just mobile data)
• Contact your bank to authorize international charges

Payment Declined?

• Check your card's daily transaction limit
• Verify you have sufficient funds
• Try again with a different card
• Keep some cash as backup

App Verification Issues?

• Make sure you can receive SMS from your bank
• Use your passport number for identity verification
• Take clear photos of your ID documents
• Contact app support if issues persist

Ready to continue preparing for your trip?

Back to Essential Toolkit Next: Essential Apps