Set Up Alipay and WeChat Pay (Foreign Cards)
Pay like a local - link a foreign Visa or Mastercard in minutes.
TL;DR: Install Alipay before you fly, add a foreign Visa or Mastercard under 'Bank Cards', and use it for taxis, metro, restaurants and street stalls. Cash is nearly extinct.
Last reviewed2026-08-27
Risk levelMedium · verify time-sensitive rules
Best next stepSave the Starter Kit
Step by step
- Download Alipay (and optionally WeChat) from your app store at home and register with your phone number.
- Open the app, go to Me then Bank Cards then Add, and enter your foreign Visa or Mastercard.
- Complete the one-time identity check with a passport photo - approval is usually instant.
- Add the Transport and Tour Pass mini-programs for metro and bus QR codes.
- Make one small test payment before you travel so you know it works when you land.
FAQ
Can foreigners really use Alipay now?
Yes. Since 2023 both Alipay and WeChat Pay accept foreign Visa and Mastercard directly for most purchases.
Are there fees?
Small transactions are typically fee-free; larger payments may carry a small percentage fee.
Do I still need cash?
Rarely, but carry a little for tiny rural vendors and emergencies.
Next step
Turn this into a trip-ready system
Save the free kit, then upgrade to the full China Travel OS: every current paid city guide, offline cards, route packs, templates and emergency backups.