How to Set Up Alipay and WeChat Pay as a Foreign Tourist in China

Why Payments Are Different in China

China has one of the most cashless societies in the world. Over 90% of urban transactions happen via mobile payment — and the two dominant platforms are Alipay (支付宝) and WeChat Pay (微信支付).

As a foreign tourist, this used to be a serious headache. Until 2023, both apps required a Chinese bank account, making them nearly inaccessible to visitors. That has changed.

Since late 2023, both Alipay and WeChat Pay allow foreign Visa, Mastercard, and Amex cards to be linked directly. You no longer need a Chinese bank account. You do, however, need to set this up before you arrive — the process is easier when you have unrestricted internet access.

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Setting Up Alipay as a Foreign Visitor

Step 1: Download Alipay

Download Alipay from the App Store or Google Play. Make sure you're downloading the international version — it has a globe icon and supports English.

Step 2: Create an account with your foreign phone number

Open Alipay and tap Sign Up. Enter your country code and mobile number. You'll receive a verification SMS. You do not need a Chinese phone number.

Step 3: Link your international card

After signing in, go to: Me → Bank Cards → Add Card

Supported cards:

• Visa
• Mastercard
• American Express
• Maestro (some countries)

Enter your card number, expiry date, and CVV. You may be asked to verify via your bank's 3D Secure system. A small temporary hold (refunded immediately) may appear on your statement during verification.

Step 4: Complete identity verification

Alipay requires identity verification for foreign cardholders:

1. Go to Me → Settings → Identity Verification
2. Take a photo of your passport (photo page)
3. Take a selfie holding your passport

This usually completes within a few minutes. Once verified, your spending limit is raised from the default tourist tier.

Step 5: Set up the Tour Pass (optional)

Alipay's Tour Pass feature is designed for short-term visitors. It allows you to top up a prepaid balance from your foreign card, which avoids any per-transaction foreign exchange fees your bank might charge.

Find it at: Home → Tour Pass (or search "Tour Pass" in the app).

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Setting Up WeChat Pay as a Foreign Visitor

WeChat Pay is built into WeChat — China's dominant messaging app. You need WeChat installed regardless, so linking your card to WeChat Pay gives you a second payment option.

Step 1: Download WeChat and create an account

Download WeChat before you arrive. Creating a new account in China can trigger identity verification challenges — it's much smoother to set up while abroad.

Step 2: Link your international card

1. Open WeChat
2. Tap Me → Services → Wallet
3. Tap Cards → Add a Card
4. Select your card type and enter card details

WeChat Pay supports Visa, Mastercard, and JCB for foreign tourists. Amex support varies by region.

Step 3: Set transaction currency

Go to Wallet → Settings and ensure your home currency is selected. WeChat Pay will convert at Mastercard/Visa exchange rates at time of purchase.

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Spending Limits

Both apps impose spending limits on foreign cards. As of 2026:

Platform	Daily limit	Monthly limit
Alipay (unverified)	¥500	¥1,500
Alipay (ID verified)	¥2,000	¥20,000
WeChat Pay (foreign card)	¥3,000	¥30,000

For most tourists, the verified Alipay limit is sufficient. If you're spending more (hotels, large purchases), use a hotel's international card terminal or UnionPay ATM.

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What Still Doesn't Work

A few scenarios where mobile payment won't help:

• Hospital fees and large medical bills — hospitals prefer bank transfer or cash
• Some government services — require Chinese bank accounts
• Older rural businesses or personal sellers — some use a personal collection QR code (个人收款码) rather than a business terminal. These still accept WeChat Pay and Alipay scans normally, but the recipient receives funds into their WeChat Wallet balance (零钱) or Alipay balance rather than a business account. From your side the payment process is identical — just scan and pay.

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Tips for Using Mobile Payments in China

• Scan vs. be scanned: Most cashiers will show you a QR code to scan. At some places, you show your payment QR code for them to scan. Both methods work with either app.
• Save screenshots of your QR codes: If your phone runs out of battery, a screenshot of your Alipay or WeChat payment code (generated while online) can sometimes still be scanned.
• Subway and transit: Many metro systems now accept Alipay or WeChat Pay directly at the gates — no separate transit card needed.

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Setting up payments is one of the most important pre-trip tasks. The ChinaReady app walks you through the full setup with screenshots and links — download the app to get early access.