A First-Time Visitor’s Step-by-Step Guide (2026)
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Quick Answer
Yes. Foreign visitors can use both Alipay and WeChat Pay in China.
Before your trip:
- ✅ Install Alipay (our first recommendation)
- ✅ Install WeChat as a backup
- ✅ Link your Visa or Mastercard
- ✅ Complete passport verification
- ✅ Carry RMB200–500 in cash for emergencies
If you do this before you fly, paying in China is usually quick and hassle-free.
At a Glance
| Best app for first-time visitors | Alipay |
| Should you install WeChat too? | ✅ Yes |
| Chinese bank account needed? | ❌ No |
| Foreign Visa & Mastercard accepted? | ✅ Yes |
| Setup time | About 10 minutes |
| Carry cash? | RMB200–500 as backup |
Why This Matters
One of the biggest surprises for first-time visitors is how little cash people use.
In China, almost everything—from cafés and supermarkets to taxis and street food stalls—is paid by scanning a QR code.
Setting up your payment apps before departure is one of the easiest ways to make your trip smoother.
Step-by-Step Setup
Step 1 — Download the Apps
Install:
- Alipay
Both are available from the Apple App Store and Google Play.
Step 2 — Register
Create your account using your mobile number.
Step 3 — Verify Your Identity
Upload your passport and complete the identity verification process.
Do this before leaving home, as it is much easier to resolve any issues while you still have access to your bank and mobile network.
Step 4 — Link Your Credit Card
Most travellers can link:
- Visa
- Mastercard
Follow the prompts inside the app to add your card.
Step 5 — You’re Ready
Once your card is linked, you can use your phone to pay in most shops, restaurants, attractions and taxis across China.
Common Mistakes
❌ Waiting until you arrive in China
Airport Wi-Fi can be unreliable, and solving verification problems after a long flight isn’t fun.
❌ Installing only one app
Most businesses accept both Alipay and WeChat Pay, but having both gives you a useful backup.
❌ Not carrying any cash
Although China is largely cashless, a small amount of cash is helpful if your phone battery dies or you encounter a temporary payment issue.
ChinaTravelBUG Experience
Before our first independent trip to Beijing, we packed plenty of cash because we weren’t sure how well mobile payments would work.
In reality, we hardly used it.
From convenience stores and museums to Didi rides and restaurants, nearly every payment was made by scanning a QR code. After the first day, using Alipay felt as natural as tapping a contactless card back home.
The preparation we did before flying saved us from wasting valuable holiday time trying to set everything up after arrival.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can foreigners use Alipay?
Yes. Overseas visitors can link eligible Visa and Mastercard cards to Alipay for everyday purchases in China.
Which is better: Alipay or WeChat Pay?
For first-time visitors, we recommend Alipay because many travellers find it slightly easier to set up. Install WeChat as well so you always have a backup.
Do I need a Chinese bank account?
No. Most tourists can use eligible overseas credit cards without opening a Chinese bank account.
Can I still use cash?
Yes. Chinese yuan is legal tender and must be accepted, although mobile payment is much more common. Carrying RMB200–500 is usually enough for emergencies.
ChinaTravelBUG Tip
💡 Complete your payment setup a few days before your flight—not the night before.
If your bank needs extra verification or your passport review takes longer than expected, you’ll have time to resolve it before you arrive in China.
Continue Exploring China Made Easy
- Internet in China Made Easy: eSIM, SIM Cards & VPN Explained
- 15 Essential Apps Every Traveller Should Install Before Flying
- Just Landed in China? Here’s Exactly What to Do in Your First 24 Hours
