How Foreigners Pay in China - A Complete Guide to Mobile Payments

Since the 2010s, fueled by the mobile internet boom, China has gradually transitioned into a cashless society. From upscale restaurants and hotels to street food stalls, almost every transaction can be completed with a mobile phone (no exaggeration — even beggars here use digital apps to receive donations). As a result, people no longer need to carry cash or bank cards when going out. A smartphone is all you need for daily expenses like ride-hailing, buying tickets, entertainment, shopping, and more.

This convenience, however, can create minor challenges for foreigners visiting or doing business in China. Many small shops don’t accept international credit/debit cards, and when you try to pay with cash, vendors often lack sufficient change.Don’t worry — foreigners can enjoy the same cashless experience as locals. Just download one app on your phone, complete a quick registration, and you’re ready to go!

Currently, WeChat Pay and Alipay are the two dominant mobile payment platforms in China, covering nearly every aspect of daily life. Whether it’s grocery shopping, dining out, online purchases, ride-hailing, or paying utility bills, the vast majority of Chinese people use these two apps multiple times a day. With convenient QR code scanning, reliable transaction networks, and robust security measures, mobile payments have become the default payment method in Chinese society.

In short, WeChat Pay and Alipay are no longer just tools — they’ve become essential infrastructure in China’s everyday consumption ecosystem.

So, how can foreigners set up and use WeChat Pay and Alipay? Check out the detailed guides below as needed: