In China, mobile payments are very common, from roadside snacks to restaurants. The main payment Apps in China include Alipay, WeChat Pay, UnionPay, etc., but Alipay and WeChat Pay are the most convenient for foreigners - because they accept international cards (Visa/Mastercard), etc., and cover a variety of payment methods from QR code payment to taxi-hailing, takeout, shopping, etc. Let's learn about these payment tools together to make it easier for you to pay when travelling in China!
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List of Chinese Payment Apps
| App | Provider | Features | Foreigner-Friendly |
Alipay | Ant Group | All-in-one payments, investments, bills | ✅ Supports int'l cards |
WeChat Pay | Tencent | Social payments, mini-programs | ✅ Supports int'l cards |
UnionPay | China UnionPay | Bank card management, cross-border | ✅ Works with foreign cards |
e-CNY | People's Bank of China | Digital currency pilot | ❌ China ID required |
JD Pay | JD.com | E-commerce payments, instalments | ❌ Mostly for JD users |
Meituan | Meituan | Food delivery, local services | ❌ Requires China bank account |
China Payment App: Alipay
Alipay is China's leading mobile payment platform, providing QR code payment and innovative "tap and pay" payment functions. The platform now fully supports five international credit cards: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, JCB and Diners Club, allowing foreign tourists to travel around China without exchanging cash. From convenience stores and restaurants to attraction tickets and online car-hailing, Alipay's payment scenarios cover all aspects of daily consumption. Even street food stalls and vegetable markets can see the familiar Alipay QR code, truly realizing the convenient experience of "travelling around China with one mobile phone".
How to Use Alipay in China?
China Payment App: WeChat Pay
WeChat Pay is a convenient payment tool integrated into WeChat. Users can complete payment by scanning the code. They can also order and pay directly in the restaurant through the mini program, eliminating the trouble of queuing. Today, WeChat Pay supports binding international credit cards such as Visa and Mastercard, allowing foreign tourists to easily adapt to China's cashless life.
From large supermarkets to street milk tea shops, from online shopping to taxi travel, and even paying for water, electricity, coal and other living expenses, WeChat Pay covers almost all daily consumption scenarios, allowing one mobile phone to handle food, clothing, housing and transportation. However, it should be noted that some street stalls may only support main scanning payment, and the mini program ordering function requires a certain level of Chinese operation.
How to Use WeChat Pay in China?
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China Payment App: UnionPay
UnionPay is a Chinese bank card payment system that supports both traditional card payment and the convenient "Cloud QuickPass" (云闪付)scan code payment function. UnionPay cards issued overseas can be used directly in China, and international cards such as Visa and Mastercard can also complete transactions on most POS machines that support UnionPay. From star-rated hotels to chain supermarkets, from airport duty-free shops to tourist attractions, merchants with UnionPay logos can be seen everywhere, especially suitable for large-scale consumption and payment needs of foreign tourists. It is worth mentioning that UnionPay's cross-border services allow users to enjoy preferential exchange rates and exclusive rights when spending overseas.
Alipay vs WeChat Pay: Which Is Better for Foreigners?
Foreign tourists visiting China usually prefer to use Alipay because of its English interface optimized for international users and the function of directly binding overseas cards, which is simpler and more user-friendly. Although WeChat Pay also supports international credit cards, its operation is more dependent on the WeChat social ecosystem, which is slightly complicated for short-term tourists. However, if you need to split the payment with local friends or use WeChat mini-programs, WeChat Pay still has an advantage. It is recommended to open Alipay first and use WeChat Pay as a backup.
Feature | Alipay | WeChat Pay |
Core Focus | Financial services + lifestyle | Social payments |
App Size | Larger (more features) | Lightweight (basic payments) |
Supported Cards | Visa, Mastercard, AmEx, JCB, Diners Club | Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Amex |
Transaction Fee | ≥¥200 → 3% | ≥¥200 → 3% |
Per-Transaction Limit | US$5,000 | ¥6,000 |
Monthly Limit | US$7,000 | ¥50,000 |
Annual Limit | US$50,000 | ¥60,000 |
Security | High (facial ID + encryption) | High (linked to WeChat account) |
Use Cases | Wider (bills, investments, travel) | Daily payments + social transfers |
Foreigner Support | Better (full English UI) | English + 17 other languages |
China Payment App FAQs
Can I use Apple Pay in China?
Yes, but only in stores that have NFC terminals and accept international cards. UnionPay works best, Visa/Mastercard has limited support.
Do Alipay and WeChat Pay accept foreign credit cards?
Yes, both now accept Visa, Mastercard and other major international cards for payment in China.
Can I use cash in China?
Cash is accepted, but it's not very convenient. Many small vendors and taxis prefer mobile payments such as Alipay/WeChat Pay.
Do PayPal or Venmo work in China?
No, these are blocked. Please continue to use Alipay, WeChat Pay or international cards.
How to top up Alipay/WeChat Pay without a Chinese bank account?
Link a foreign credit card or ask a Chinese friend to transfer money.
Which ATMs accept foreign cards in China?
Look for an ICBC, Bank of China or HSBC ATM - they usually accept Visa/Mastercard withdrawals (check the fees).
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