If you are visiting China for the first time, one of the most common questions is: How can I pay in China if I don't have a Chinese bank account?
The good news is that it is quite simple. Foreign tourists can download WeChat and Alipay, register with their overseas mobile phone number, and link an eligible international bank card. You can then use your phone to make many everyday payments in China.
1. How to Use Alipay in China
Step 1: Download Alipay
Search for Alipay in the Apple App Store or Google Play, then download and install the official app.
Step 2: Create an Account
Open Alipay and register using your international mobile phone number.
Follow the instructions in the app to complete identity verification.
You will generally need:
Your passport
Your mobile phone number
An international bank card
Step 3: Link Your Bank Card
Open the bank card section in Alipay and choose “Bank Cards” or “Add Bank Card.”
Enter your card details, such as:
Card number
Expiration date
Security code (CVV)
Then follow the instructions to complete verification.
Foreign tourists can generally link eligible international bank cards, including cards from networks such as Visa, Mastercard, JCB, and American Express. The exact cards supported may vary.
Step 4: Pay with Alipay
When you want to pay in China, there are two common ways.
Option 1: Scan the merchant's QR code
Open Alipay → Scan → Scan the merchant's QR code → Enter the amount → Confirm the payment.
Option 2: Show your payment QR code
Open Alipay → Pay → Show your payment QR code → Let the merchant scan it.
2. How to Use WeChat Pay in China
Step 1: Download WeChat
Search for WeChat in the Apple App Store or Google Play, then download and install the official app.
Step 2: Create a WeChat Account
Open WeChat and register using your international mobile phone number.
Follow the instructions to complete identity verification.
Make sure you have your passport ready.
Step 3: Link Your Bank Card
Open the payment section in WeChat and find “Wallet” or the bank card management section.
Choose “Add Bank Card” and follow the instructions.
You may need to provide:
Card number
Cardholder information
Expiration date
Security code (CVV)
Once the verification is completed, you can use your linked card for payments.
WeChat Pay also supports eligible international bank cards, including some Visa, Mastercard, JCB, and American Express cards. The exact availability depends on the current payment service requirements.
Step 4: Pay with WeChat
When shopping, dining, or making other payments in China, you can use either of these methods:
Option 1: Scan a QR code
Open WeChat → Scan → Scan the merchant's QR code → Enter the amount → Confirm the payment.
Option 2: Show your payment QR code
Open WeChat → Pay → Show your payment QR code → Let the merchant scan it.
3. What Should Foreign Tourists Prepare Before Traveling to China?
The easiest way is:
① Download Alipay
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② Register and link your international bank card
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③ Download WeChat
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④ Register and link your international bank card
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⑤ Use your phone to make payments in China
We recommend setting up both Alipay and WeChat Pay before your trip. This gives you more flexibility when making payments during your stay in China.