Paying in China: AliPay, WeChat Pay & Cards
Everything foreign visitors need to pay like a local — from digital wallets and QR codes to cash and international cards.
Updated 2026-08-18
The QR-code wallet economy
Cash is almost unwelcome in major cities. Over 95% of payments in China now happen via QR codes scanned from AliPay or WeChat Pay. Linking a foreign Visa/Mastercard or an international mobile number lets you pay in seconds.
- AliPay: Tour Pass or direct card linking for non-Chinese users
- WeChat Pay: activate with a foreign card and passport
- Q-Code (UnionPay): Chinese card holders alternative
International cards: where they work
Visa and Mastercard are accepted at luxury malls, international hotels, and major transport hubs. For street food, taxis and small shops, prepare a digital wallet as your backup.
- ATMs: Bank of China, ICBC & CMB accept foreign cards
Tax refunds & tipping
China does not have a mandatory tipping culture. Tax refunds of up to 11% are available on single receipts above a threshold at airports and designated offshore stores — keep the pink tax refund form and your receipts.
- Tipping: not required in restaurants, taxis or hotels