China runs on QR-code payments. Most travellers set up Alipay or WeChat Pay before departure, link an international Visa or Mastercard, complete passport verification and test a small payment on arrival. Carry a little cash as backup, and do not assume every merchant accepts foreign cards.
This is practical guidance, not legal advice. Entry and payment rules change. We confirm the current rule for your passport and route in writing before you book.
Set it up before you fly
Download Alipay and/or WeChat Pay from the official app store, register with your normal phone number and complete identity verification with your passport. Link your card while you still have reliable access to your bank's SMS or app authentication.
Card linking can fail for reasons that have nothing to do with China: your bank may block the attempt, the name may not match exactly, or the card may not support the required verification. Try a second card and tell your bank you are travelling.
What works, and what does not
Large hotels, international restaurants and airports often accept cards. Small restaurants, taxis, markets and ticket machines may be QR-only. A QR payment is not the same as a card tap: the money moves through the app, and the merchant sees a local payment.
Some foreign cards are declined by individual merchants even when the app is set up. Keep a small amount of renminbi cash for the exceptions, and do not rely on a single card or phone.
Our setup support
Before arrival, we send a short setup checklist and offer a video call if you want help. On the ground, your guide can help with the first payment, a taxi or a ticket machine. We do not ask for your card details and we never take payment through a personal account.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use my normal Visa or Mastercard in China?
At many hotels and larger restaurants, yes. For everyday spending, link the card to Alipay or WeChat Pay. Some merchants still decline foreign cards, so carry a cash backup.
Do I need a Chinese bank account?
Not for most short visits. International travellers can link eligible foreign cards to Alipay or WeChat Pay. A Chinese bank account is generally only needed for longer stays or local employment.
What if my payment fails?
Try a second card, check your bank's travel notification, confirm your passport name matches the card, and use cash for that purchase. Your guide can help you troubleshoot on the ground.
Send us your passport and route.
We will check the current rule and reply in plain English, usually within one working day.
Last updated: 1 November 2026. Rules can change; confirm before you travel.