In China, paying with cash is increasingly rare. Shops, restaurants, taxis, and even street vendors use QR codes. As a tourist, you need to adapt.
Why cash no longer works in China
In 2026, most businesses in major cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen) prefer mobile payment. Many small shops don't have change for large bills. Some simply don't accept cash at all.
The good news: as a tourist you can use Alipay and WeChat Pay with your foreign card.
How to set up Alipay with a foreign card
Step 1: Download Alipay
Download the app from App Store or Google Play. It's available in English.
Step 2: Register
Create an account with your phone number. Verify your identity with your passport.
Step 3: Link your card
Go to "Me" > "Bank Cards" > "Add Card". Visa and Mastercard from international banks are accepted. Some credit cards may have issues; debit cards usually work better.
Step 4: Ready
You can now pay by scanning QR codes at any merchant. You can also pay for DiDi (taxis), restaurants, and buy tickets.
How to set up WeChat Pay
Step 1: Download WeChat
If you don't have it, download it. You need WeChat for almost everything in China.
Step 2: Activate WeChat Pay
Go to "Me" > "Services" > "Wallet". Link your foreign card (Visa or Mastercard).
Step 3: Verify identity
You'll need to upload a photo of your passport. The process takes a few minutes.
Step 4: Ready
You can send and receive money, pay at merchants by scanning QR codes, and pay at restaurants.
What if my card doesn't work
Some cards from smaller banks or countries with restrictions may not work. If that happens:
- Try another card (from a different bank)
- Use an international credit card (Visa/Mastercard)
- Carry cash in Chinese yuan as backup
- Ask TripSim: we can help with payments
Where cash IS accepted
- International hotels
- Large restaurants and chains
- Souvenir shops in tourist areas
- The airport
Where cash is difficult
- Street vendors
- Small local restaurants
- Some taxis
- Vending machines
- Shared bicycles
How much money to carry
Tips
1. Set everything up before traveling
Install Alipay and WeChat, link your cards, and verify your identity before arriving in China. If something goes wrong, it's easier to fix from home.
2. Always have internet
You need internet to pay with your phone. Your TripSim eSIM or SIM keeps you connected at all times.
3. Have two methods
Don't depend on just Alipay or just WeChat. Set up both. If one fails, use the other.
4. Take screenshots
If you have language issues, save screenshots of QR codes or payment confirmations.
Summary
- China is nearly cashless: you need Alipay and/or WeChat Pay
- You can link foreign Visa and Mastercard cards
- Set everything up before traveling
- You need internet to pay: your TripSim SIM covers you
With Alipay and WeChat Pay set up, paying in China is easy and fast. Without them, you'll miss out on many experiences.
Keep planning your China trip
These guides connect this topic with the rest of your trip: