Payment Guide for Foreigners

How to pay in China without a Chinese bank account

Alipay TourPass was discontinued in 2023. The current method is direct international card binding.

Alipay — Bind Your Foreign Card

  1. 1 Download Alipay from App Store / Google Play
  2. 2 Sign up with your phone number
  3. 3 Go to Me → Bank Cards → Add Card
  4. 4 Enter your Visa/Mastercard details
  5. 5 Verify your identity with passport photo
  6. 6 Done! You can now scan QR codes to pay

WeChat Pay — Bind Your Foreign Card

  1. 1 Download WeChat from App Store / Google Play
  2. 2 Sign up with your phone number
  3. 3 Go to Me → Services → Wallet → Cards
  4. 4 Add your international credit/debit card
  5. 5 Verify identity with passport
  6. 6 Done! You can pay at stores, restaurants, and online

Pro Tips

  • 💡 Always carry some cash as backup (¥100-500)
  • 💡 Some small vendors only accept WeChat Pay
  • 💡 Notify your bank before traveling to avoid card blocks
  • 💡 Download the apps BEFORE arriving in China