💳 How to Pay in China: A Complete Guide for Travelers
Planning your first trip to China? 🇨🇳
One of the first things you may wonder is:
“How am I going to pay for things in China?”
Can you use Visa or Mastercard? 💳
Should you bring Chinese yuan? 💴
Can foreigners use Alipay? 📱
What about WeChat Pay? 💬
Do you need a Chinese bank account?
Don't worry.
China has a highly digital payment system, and once you know how it works, paying for everyday things can be surprisingly easy.
In this guide, Fugo explains the main ways to pay in China, including Alipay, WeChat Pay, credit cards, cash and ATMs.
Travel China Your Way — and don't let payments slow you down. ❤️
📱 How Do People Pay in China?
For everyday purchases, mobile payments are extremely common in China.
Instead of pulling out a wallet and handing over cash, many people simply scan a QR code or let the merchant scan their payment code.
The two most important mobile payment platforms for travelers are:
🟦 Alipay
Great for:
-
Restaurants 🍜
-
Shops 🛍️
-
Transportation 🚇
-
Taxis 🚕
-
Online purchases
-
QR-code payments
💬 WeChat Pay
WeChat is one of China's most widely used apps, and WeChat Pay is integrated directly into the app.
You can use it for many everyday purchases and services.
💴 Cash
Cash is still legal tender and can be useful as a backup.
💳 Bank Cards
International credit and debit cards can be useful, especially at larger hotels, international businesses and some larger stores.
However, you shouldn't assume that every small shop or restaurant will accept your foreign card directly.
⭐ The Easiest Payment Setup for Most Travelers
If you're visiting China for the first time, a simple setup is:
📱 Alipay + 💳 International Card + 💴 Some RMB Cash
This gives you several options without carrying a large amount of cash.
You can use Alipay for many everyday purchases, keep your international card as a backup and carry some Chinese yuan for situations where mobile payment isn't convenient.
💡 Fugo Tip: Set everything up before you arrive in China.
It's much easier to solve account or verification problems at home than when you're standing at a restaurant counter. 😅
🟦 How to Use Alipay in China
For international visitors, Alipay can be one of the most useful apps to prepare before traveling.
You can download the Alipay app and look for the international visitor payment options.
Depending on the current setup and eligibility, foreign visitors can link supported international bank cards to Alipay.
Once your account is ready, you can use Alipay for many everyday purchases.
📱 How Does Alipay Payment Work?
There are generally two common ways.
1️⃣ Scan the Merchant's QR Code
The shop shows you a QR code.
Open Alipay → Scan → Enter or confirm the payment amount → Pay.
2️⃣ Show Your Payment Code
You open your Alipay payment code and allow the merchant to scan it.
That's it.
It can feel unfamiliar the first time, but after a few transactions, it becomes very simple.
💬 Can Foreigners Use WeChat Pay?
Yes.
Foreign visitors can use WeChat Pay with supported international payment cards, subject to the current eligibility and verification requirements.
WeChat is especially useful because it is much more than a payment app.
You may also use WeChat for:
💬 Messaging
📍 Location sharing
🚕 Services
🏨 Travel information
📱 Mini Programs
If you already use WeChat during your China trip, having WeChat Pay available can be convenient.
💳 Can I Use Visa or Mastercard in China?
Yes — but don't rely on your foreign bank card for every purchase.
International cards are increasingly accepted in many hotels, shopping centers, international restaurants and other businesses.
However, smaller businesses may primarily use QR-code mobile payments.
For example, you might walk into a small local restaurant and see:
📱 QR code
instead of:
💳 Card terminal
That's why it's a good idea to have a mobile payment option ready.
💡 Fugo Tip
Think of your foreign card as your backup and direct-payment option, rather than your only payment method.
💴 Do I Need Cash in China?
You don't need to carry a large amount of cash.
But having some Chinese yuan is still a smart backup.
Cash can be useful if:
-
Your phone battery dies 🔋
-
Your mobile payment doesn't work
-
A merchant doesn't accept your preferred payment method
-
You're somewhere with limited connectivity
-
You simply want a backup option
💡 How Much Cash Should You Carry?
There's no single amount that works for everyone.
For most travelers, carrying a small emergency amount of RMB is enough.
Your daily spending habits, destination and travel style will determine how much cash you actually need.
🏧 Can Foreigners Use ATMs in China?
Many travelers can withdraw Chinese yuan from ATMs using international bank cards.
However, ATM acceptance can vary by bank, card network and location.
Before your trip:
✅ Check whether your bank allows international withdrawals
✅ Check foreign transaction fees
✅ Check ATM withdrawal limits
✅ Notify your bank if required
✅ Bring a backup payment method
💡 Fugo Tip: Don't wait until you have zero cash to look for an ATM.
💰 What Currency Is Used in China?
China uses the Chinese yuan, also called RMB.
You'll commonly see the currency written as:
¥
or:
RMB / CNY
For example:
¥50
means 50 yuan.
You may hear locals simply say:
“50 kuai.”
"Kuai" is a common informal way of referring to yuan in everyday conversation.
🧾 How Much Money Do You Need for a Trip to China?
There is no single answer because travel budgets vary dramatically.
You could travel:
🎒 Budget style
🏨 Mid-range
✨ Comfortable
👑 Luxury
Your biggest expenses are usually things like:
-
Hotels 🏨
-
Transportation 🚄
-
Food 🍜
-
Attractions 🎫
-
Shopping 🛍️
China can offer good value for travelers, especially when it comes to local restaurants, public transportation and everyday services.
The key is to choose a travel style that matches your budget.
🍜 How Do You Pay at Restaurants?
At restaurants, you'll often encounter QR-code payments.
Depending on the restaurant, you may:
Option 1: Scan the restaurant's QR code.
Option 2: Show your payment QR code.
Option 3: Pay through a restaurant's digital ordering system.
At some restaurants, especially larger or more international ones, you may also be able to pay by card.
💡 Fugo Tip
If you see a QR code on the table, don't automatically assume it's only for payment.
It could also be used for:
📋 Ordering food
💳 Paying the bill
⭐ Leaving a review
🚕 How Do You Pay for Taxis and Ride-Hailing?
Digital payments are extremely useful when getting around China.
For ride-hailing services, payment is often handled directly through the app.
For traditional taxis, payment options can vary.
Having Alipay or WeChat Pay ready makes transportation much easier.
🚇 Can I Pay for Public Transportation with Alipay?
In many Chinese cities, mobile apps can make public transportation easier to use.
Depending on the city, you may find digital options for:
🚇 Metro
🚌 Bus
🚕 Taxi
🚲 Shared bicycles
However, transportation systems differ from city to city.
Before traveling, check the latest payment and ticketing options for your destination.
🔋 What If My Phone Dies?
This is one of the biggest reasons to keep a backup payment option.
Imagine:
You're hungry. 🍜
You finish your meal.
You open your phone...
1% battery.
😱
Your payment app won't load.
That's why Fugo recommends:
Always have a backup.
📱 Mobile payment
💳 International card
💴 Some RMB cash
And keep your phone charged whenever possible.
🌐 Do I Need Internet to Pay in China?
Many digital payment services require an internet connection or access to the relevant mobile service.
That's why preparing your connectivity before arriving in China is important.
Consider:
📱 eSIM
📶 Mobile data
🌐 Wi-Fi
🔋 Power bank
Your phone becomes an important travel tool in China — not just a way to make payments.
🔐 Is Mobile Payment Safe?
Mobile payments can be convenient, but you should treat your payment apps like your bank account.
🔒 Protect Your Account
Use:
-
Strong passwords
-
Phone screen locks
-
App security features
-
Biometric authentication when available
⚠️ Be Careful with QR Codes
Don't scan random QR codes from strangers or suspicious sources.
When making a payment, check:
Merchant → Amount → Confirm
before completing the transaction.
💡 10 China Payment Tips for First-Time Visitors
1️⃣ Set Up Your Payment Apps Before Your Trip
Don't wait until you arrive.
2️⃣ Bring a Backup Card
Keep another payment method separate from your main card.
3️⃣ Carry Some RMB
You probably won't need much, but it's useful as a backup.
4️⃣ Keep Your Phone Charged
Your phone is one of your most important travel tools.
5️⃣ Bring a Power Bank 🔋
Especially when spending an entire day sightseeing.
6️⃣ Check Your Bank's Fees
International transaction and ATM fees can add up.
7️⃣ Don't Rely on One Payment Method
Have at least two options.
8️⃣ Learn Basic Chinese Payment Words
For example:
多少钱？
How much?
可以刷卡吗？
Can I pay by card?
可以用支付宝吗？
Can I use Alipay?
9️⃣ Check the Amount Before Paying
Especially when scanning a QR code.
🔟 Keep Your Payment Apps Updated
Payment systems and app features can change.
💳 China Payment Methods at a Glance
| Payment Method | Good for | Recommended? |
|---|---|---|
| 📱 Alipay | Everyday purchases | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| 💬 WeChat Pay | Everyday payments & services | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| 💳 International Cards | Hotels, larger businesses & backup | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| 💴 RMB Cash | Backup & some smaller merchants | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| 🏧 ATMs | Getting cash | ⭐⭐⭐ |
🏆 Fugo's Recommendation
For most international travelers:
📱 Alipay + 💳 International Card + 💴 RMB Cash
is a practical combination.
You can also add WeChat Pay if you expect to use WeChat frequently during your trip.
❓ How to Pay in China FAQ
Can foreigners use Alipay in China?
Yes. International visitors may be able to use Alipay with supported international payment cards, subject to current eligibility and verification requirements.
Can foreigners use WeChat Pay?
Yes. Foreign visitors can use WeChat Pay with supported international payment cards, subject to the current requirements.
Can I use Visa in China?
Visa and other international cards are accepted at many businesses, but acceptance varies. Mobile payment is often more useful for everyday purchases.
Should I bring cash to China?
Yes, but you generally don't need a large amount. A small amount of RMB is a useful backup.
Can I withdraw Chinese yuan from an ATM?
Many international bank cards can be used at participating ATMs, but availability depends on the ATM, card network and your bank.
Is China mostly cashless?
China has a highly digital payment environment, and mobile payments are extremely common. However, cash remains useful as a backup.
What is the best payment method for tourists in China?
For many international travelers, Alipay linked to a supported international card is a convenient option. We recommend also carrying a backup card and some RMB cash.
🇨🇳 Plan Your China Trip with Fugo
Once you understand how payments work, traveling around China becomes much less intimidating.
📱 Set up your mobile payment apps.
💳 Bring a backup card.
💴 Carry some RMB.
🔋 Keep your phone charged.
And then...
Go explore China. ❤️
From the streets of Beijing 🏯 to the skyline of Shanghai 🌃, from Chengdu's food and pandas 🐼 to the mountains of Zhangjiajie ⛰️ — there's a lot to discover.
Not sure what you need before your trip?
Ask Fugo. 💬
We're here to help you plan your China trip with practical advice, useful guides and local travel tips.
🎁 Get Fugo's FREE China Travel Guide
Everything you need to start planning your trip to China.
💬 Ask Fugo on WhatsApp
Your China trip starts here. 🇨🇳
