How to Use Alipay and WeChat Pay as a Foreign Tourist (2026 Update)

Alex

Many first-timers don't realize that China is nearly cashless. Street food stalls, subway tickets, even some temples expect mobile payments. Here's how to set things up.

Alipay (我的 go-to recommendation)
- Download the app (search "Alipay" in your app store)
- Choose "Sign up with international phone number"
- Select "Passport" as ID type
- Upload passport photo and take a selfie for verification
- Add your international credit card (Visa/Mastercard work best)
- Verification takes 1-24 hours

WeChat Pay (more common but trickier)
- Need a WeChat account first (requires a Chinese-speaking friend to "verify" you)
- Can be difficult for first-time visitors
- I suggest sticking with Alipay unless you have local help

What you can pay with Alipay:
- Street food and restaurants (95% accept it)
- Subway and buses (scan QR code at gate)
- Museums and attractions (many no longer take cash)
- Didi (Chinese Uber) – within the Alipay mini-app

Pro tip:*Get 50-200 RMB in cash as backup. Bank of China ATMs accept foreign cards.

Any other payment tips? Share your experience below!