China runs on mobile payment. Walk into almost any shop, restaurant, market stall, or taxi in the country, and the default assumption is that you will pay by scanning a QR code. For anyone arriving without a Chinese bank account, this used to be a real problem. That has changed significantly over the past two years.The short answer is: yes, you can use mobile payment in China. Here is how it actually works.## The Two Apps You Need to KnowThere are two platforms that cover virtually every payment situation in China: Alipay and WeChat Pay. Between them, they are accepted at almost every merchant in the country — from high-end hotels to street food carts. You do not need both, but knowing what each one offers helps you decide which to set up first.Alipay is the more internationally accessible of the two. It has an English-language interface and has been specifically updated to support international bank cards. WeChat Pay is embedded inside WeChat, which is also China's primary messaging app — meaning if you are already using WeChat to communicate, adding payment functionality is straightforward.We recommend setting up Alipay before you arrive. It takes about 15 minutes and can be done from anywhere in the world.## What You Need to Get StartedTo set up either app, you will need:- A smartphone (iOS or Android)- A valid international phone number for registration- An international bank card (Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Discover, or Diners Club)- Your passport, for identity verification on transactions above a certain thresholdNeither app requires a Chinese bank account. This is the key change that has made mobile payment genuinely accessible in recent years.## Setting Up Alipay Step by StepDownload the Alipay app from the App Store or Google Play before you travel. Outside of China, the app defaults to the international version with English as the language.Registration is straightforward: enter your phone number, receive a verification code by SMS, and set a password. Once registered, you can link your international bank card directly in the app. Go to the payment settings, select "Add Card," and enter your card details. The app accepts Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Discover, and Diners Club cards.For transactions above 500 USD, Alipay will ask you to verify your identity with a passport. Completing this verification raises your annual spending limit to 50,000 USD, with individual transactions capped at 5,000 USD. Without verification, you can still spend up to 2,000 USD per year — more than enough for most trips.There is also a feature inside Alipay called TourCard. This is a prepaid option that lets you load up to 10,000 CNY into a temporary virtual account valid for 180 days. It is useful if you prefer to set a budget upfront rather than link a card directly. Note that TourCard charges a 5% service fee on each top-up.## Setting Up WeChat Pay Step by StepIf you are already using WeChat — which many people visiting China end up doing for communication — adding WeChat Pay is simple.Open WeChat, go to "Me," then "Pay," and follow the prompts to add an international card. Accepted cards include Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Diners Club, and JCB issued outside of mainland China.One thing to be aware of: WeChat Pay's international card linking may only activate once you are inside China. We recommend attempting setup before you arrive, but if it does not work until you land, that is normal.## How to Actually PayOnce either app is set up, paying is quick. You have two options at most merchants:- The merchant scans your QR code: open the app, tap "Pay," and show your QR code. The merchant scans it and the amount is charged automatically.- You scan the merchant's QR code: tap "Scan" in the app and point your camera at the merchant's code. You enter the amount and confirm.Most smaller merchants prefer one method over the other. If you are unsure, just open the app and ask — the process is so routine for locals that they will guide you through it in seconds.## What You Cannot DoInternational users have access to the core payment features, but not everything. A few limitations worth knowing:- You cannot send money to or receive money from individual people. Both apps restrict peer-to-peer transfers to users with Chinese bank accounts.- Some niche services within the apps — certain booking functions, domestic financial products — are not available to international accounts.- If your home bank has strict international transaction policies, some payments may be declined. Having a backup card linked is a good precaution.## What If a Merchant Only Takes Cash?This is increasingly rare in cities, but it does still happen — particularly in very local markets, small rural towns, or with older vendors. It is worth carrying a small amount of cash (500–1000 CNY) as a backup.ATMs in major cities reliably accept international cards. Look for Bank of China, ICBC, or HSBC machines, which tend to have the best international card compatibility. Airport ATMs are a reliable first stop.## What We Tell Our ClientsWe send all our clients a setup guide before they travel, and we ask them to have Alipay installed and linked before they land. In our experience, the five minutes spent sorting this out at home saves a lot of friction on the ground.China's payment system is genuinely impressive once you are inside it — fast, reliable, and accepted everywhere. The only real barrier is the setup, and that barrier is lower than it has ever been.If you are traveling with us, our team is available to walk you through any part of the setup before your trip. It is one of the small things that makes a real difference on day one.## Quick Reference- Alipay and WeChat Pay are the two main platforms — both now accept international cards- Set up Alipay before you arrive; it has English support and works from outside China- Accepted cards: Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Discover, Diners Club (Amex on WeChat Pay)- No Chinese bank account required- Carry 500–1000 CNY cash as a backup for rare cash-only situations- Peer-to-peer transfers are not available for international accounts