BEFORE YOU GO · PAYMENTS
China payment methods for travelers
Start with the three payment methods international visitors actually need to compare: mobile payment, overseas bank cards, and RMB cash. These eight practical guides cover setup, checkout, card use, and fallback planning before your first coffee or ride.
9 guides
PaymentsHow to Pay in China in 2026: Alipay & WeChat Pay
For most foreign visitors, the safest setup is Alipay as your first mobile wallet, WeChat Pay as a second option, at least one physical international card, and a small amount of RMB cash.Last updated
PaymentsSet Up Alipay for China in 2026: Foreigner Guide
Use the official Alipay app, register with a reachable foreign number, verify your passport, and link a supported overseas card.Reviewed
PaymentsHow to Pay With Alipay in China (2026 Guide)
Use both merchant checkout methods, avoid personal-transfer flows, and troubleshoot failed or pending Alipay purchases.Reviewed
PaymentsWeChat Pay for Foreigners in China (2026 Guide)
Set up WeChat Pay with a foreign passport, fix verification or card-linking failures, and understand payment limits.Reviewed
PaymentsVisa & Mastercard in China for Travelers (2026)
Where international cards are commonly accepted, and why mobile payment remains useful.Last updated
PaymentsUsing Cash in China: Do You Still Need It?
Why a small cash backup can still help, without making cash your main plan.Reviewed
PaymentsMobile Payments in China: What Your Phone Can Pay For
See the everyday places where your phone can become your wallet.Last updated
PaymentsYour First 24 Hours in China: Payment Checklist
A simple checklist for the payment moments you may meet after landing.Reviewed- Payments
Personal Cross‑Border Transfers to & From China (2026) — WeChat Pay / Alipay / Bank.
How foreigners send money into China, and how Chinese residents send money abroad – with the latest rules, fees, and reliable channels.Last updated