Short version: China is effectively cashless and runs on QR codes. The fix in 2026: link your Visa or Mastercard to Alipay and/or WeChat Pay — no Chinese bank account needed — before or just after you arrive. Small payments are fee-free. Set up both, and carry a little cash as backup.

Why this matters before you go

Shops, taxis, metro gates, market stalls and even temples expect a phone scan. Foreign contactless cards are accepted in some hotels and big chains, but far from everywhere, so arriving with only a Visa card in your wallet will leave you stuck. The mobile wallets are the answer, and they now welcome foreign travellers.

Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay with a foreign card

As of 2026 you can link an international Visa, Mastercard, JCB or Diners card to both apps using just your passport and a home-country phone number — no Chinese bank account required. Verification takes a few minutes in-app. Transaction limits apply and have been rising; small everyday payments (roughly under ¥200) typically carry no cross-border fee, while larger ones may. Alipay also offers a short-term Tour Pass prepaid wallet if you prefer. Limits and fees change, so confirm the current terms in the app when you set up.

Cash and cards as backup

Keep a few hundred yuan in cash for small vendors, rural spots or the rare wallet glitch, and bring a physical card for hotels and emergencies. International ATMs exist in cities. The golden rule locals will tell you: set up both wallets — when one fails at a particular till, the other usually works.

You’ll need data to use any of this

The wallets, maps and ride-hailing all need a connection — and Google Maps barely works in China. Sort a travel eSIM (which also gets you past the app firewall), then fold all of this into our plan-your-China-trip guide and visa guide.

Plan the rest of your trip →

Payment rules, limits and fees change — confirm the current terms in-app before you rely on them.