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💳Paying for things
China runs on mobile payments. Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay with your foreign card before you arrive and you'll breeze through almost everywhere.
- Main methods
- Alipay · WeChat Pay
- Foreign cards
- Bind Visa/Mastercard in-app
- Cash
- Accepted but rarely used
- Tipping
- Not customary
Set up mobile pay before you fly
Both Alipay and WeChat Pay let foreign visitors link an overseas Visa/Mastercard. Install the app, verify your passport, and add your card while you still have easy internet access at home.
- Alipay: tap the card/wallet section and add an international card (the 'TourPass' mini-program is an alternative).
- WeChat Pay: Me → Services → Wallet → add an international card.
- Small purchases (under ~¥200) usually have no card surcharge; larger ones may add a small fee.
How you'll actually pay
- Scan the merchant's QR code, or show your own payment QR for the cashier to scan.
- Transit, vending machines, market stalls and taxis nearly all take these QR payments.
- Keep the app updated and your passport details accurate to avoid frozen payments.
Cash and cards as backup
Carry a few hundred RMB in cash for tiny rural vendors, temples, or app glitches. Physical foreign credit cards work only at big hotels, airports and some malls — don't rely on them day to day.
Tipping
Tipping is not expected in restaurants, taxis or hotels. High-end and Western-facing venues may add a service charge; otherwise just pay the listed price.
Planning the trip itself?