How to Pay in China: Alipay

Set up a mobile wallet before you fly

For many everyday purchases, visitors use Alipay or WeChat Pay linked to an overseas card. Download the official app, use your passport details exactly as requested, add a supported card and complete any identity verification before leaving home.

Do not assume a successful download means the account is ready. Open the payment screen and check that your card is active while you still have access to your bank's security messages.

Alipay and WeChat Pay

• Use official app stores and the current in-app help flow.
• Keep your passport and card details consistent across verification screens.
• Enable a secure phone number and a backup sign-in method where available.
• Expect some merchants to prefer QR-code payment; ask for the merchant code if a scan does not work.

Cards and cash

International cards are more useful at hotels, airports, larger shops and some tourist-facing businesses than at every small food stall. RMB cash is a useful fallback for a phone battery problem, a verification issue or a small vendor that does not accept your wallet.

Carry smaller notes and do not wait until your phone fails to discover whether a backup payment method works.

What can go wrong

A new phone, SIM change, bank security challenge or name mismatch can interrupt a mobile wallet. Keep your bank's fraud-alert number, a paper copy of key booking details and enough battery for a full day of maps and payments.

The short recommendation

Prepare Alipay first, add WeChat Pay if your trip or contacts need it, keep a card and modest cash, and test the complete payment flow before arrival.