Forget Everything You Know About Travel Payments
When most people travel abroad, they get some cash in the local currency and make sure their bank cards work internationally. But China is refreshingly different—and in many ways, much simpler.
You need exactly two things to pay for everything in China: a payment app (AliPay is best, as we'll explain) and a data connection (see our recommended eSIM below). With these two essentials, you can pay for everything from your taxi ride from the airport to your hotel, to a bottle of water at the Great Wall of China.
Our Real Experience
Even small vendors in remote areas are generally more comfortable with an AliPay QR code than they would be with physical cash. In our last three business trips to China, we haven't even seen a single note of physical money.
Street food vendors, mountain-top souvenir shops, and rural bus drivers—they all prefer digital payments. It's that universal.
Why China's Payment System is Different
Your Credit Cards Won't Work
Most places in China simply don't accept international credit cards. Even if they have card readers, they're typically for Chinese bank cards only.
Cash is Increasingly Rare
You'll struggle to pay for anything with cash. Many vendors don't even carry change, and some younger staff have never handled physical money.
Digital is King
China is the world's most digitally advanced payment ecosystem, with adoption rates that dwarf other countries.
Incredibly Convenient
Once set up, it's faster and easier than anywhere else in the world. No fumbling for change or waiting for card authorizations.
Mobile Payment Adoption Rates
Source: eMarketer, yStats
A rare sighting - physical Chinese currency that most tourists will never need to use"
The Two Essentials You Need
Payment App
AliPay (Recommended)
AliPay is the best choice for tourists with reasonable English support, dedicated tourist features, excellent security and universal acceptance.
Set Up & Test AliPayData Connection
eSIM (Essential)
You need reliable internet to generate QR codes and process payments. Airalo remains our choice in 2025 for reliability and cost but you can read our full guide here.
Get Airalo eSIMWhy These Two Work Together
AliPay needs internet to generate QR codes and process payments. Without data connectivity, even a perfectly set up payment app becomes useless. This is why getting both sorted before you travel is critical.
How AliPay Works for Tourists
The QR Code System
Everything revolves around QR codes—those square barcodes you'll see everywhere. There are two ways to pay:
- Scan their code: Point your camera at the merchant's QR code
- Show your code: Display your payment barcode for them to scan
Why It's So Common
- • Instant transactions (2-3 seconds)
- • No cash handling or change needed
- • Automatic receipt and record keeping
- • Works for any amount (even 1 yuan purchases)
- • Reduces theft and counterfeiting risks
How Easy Is It Really?
Once AliPay is set up with your international card, paying is as simple as:
Why AliPay vs WeChat Pay for Tourists
Quick Answer: Both work, but AliPay is significantly easier for tourists to set up and use. Here's why we recommend it as your primary payment method.
AliPay
Tourist-Friendly
WeChat Pay
Social-Focused
Our Recommendation: Start with AliPay as your primary payment method. If you plan to interact socially with locals or stay longer-term, consider setting up WeChat Pay as well. But for most tourists, AliPay alone is sufficient.
Getting Started: The Step-by-Step Process
Important: Set This Up Before You Travel
While it's possible to set up AliPay after arriving in China, it's much easier and less stressful to do it at home with a stable internet connection and familiar environment.
Start AliPay Setup & Testing NowDownload AliPay
Get it from the official Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Make sure it's the genuine app by "Alipay (Hangzhou) Technology Co., Ltd."
Create Your Account
Sign up with your international phone number and set the app language to English. You'll receive an SMS verification code.
Verify Your Identity
Upload clear photos of your passport. This step is mandatory for foreign users and usually completes within a few hours.
Add Your International Card
Link your Visa, Mastercard, or other international credit/debit card. AliPay will verify it with a small temporary charge.
Test Your Setup
Use our testing platform to verify everything works before you travel. This gives you confidence and time to fix any issues.
Test Your AliPay Setup →Real World Payment Scenarios
Here's what paying for things in China actually looks like with AliPay:
Airport to Hotel
Taxi driver shows you their QR code. You scan it, enter the fare amount, and pay. No language barrier, no cash needed.
Tip: Screenshot your destination in Chinese to show the driver
Street Food
Point at what you want, scan the vendor's QR code on their phone or printed sign, confirm the amount, and enjoy your meal.
Tip: Most vendors won't accept cash even if you offer it
Shopping Malls
At checkout, show your AliPay barcode. The cashier scans it, payment processes automatically. Faster than card payments back home.
Tip: Have your payment code ready before reaching the cashier
Public Transport
Generate a transit QR code in AliPay, scan it at metro gates. Works in major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou.
Tip: Set up transit cards in the app before using
DiDi Rides
Book through DiDi app (China's Uber) with AliPay as payment method. Rides automatically charge your linked card.
Tip: Much cheaper and more reliable than regular taxis
Tourist Attractions
Many museums and scenic spots have QR codes for ticket purchases. Skip the lines and buy tickets instantly through AliPay.
Tip: Some attractions offer discounts for mobile payments
Beyond Basic Payments: AliPay's Super-App Features
- Book high-speed rail tickets
- Purchase domestic flights
- Hail DiDi taxis
- Pay utility bills
- Access location-based services
- Order food delivery
AliPay isn't just a payment app—it's a complete ecosystem that makes traveling in China incredibly convenient.
Hidden Gem: Suzhou's Classical Gardens
Escape Shanghai's crowds and discover Suzhou, known as the "Venice of China" for its stunning classical gardens and traditional canals. The UNESCO World Heritage gardens offer a peaceful glimpse into imperial Chinese culture, with intricate rock formations, pavilions, and perfectly manicured landscapes that have inspired poets for centuries. This hidden gem is easily accessible from Shanghai and offers a completely different pace from the bustling metropolis.
What You'll Experience
- Humble Administrator's Garden - largest and most famous garden with 500+ years of history
- Lingering Garden - renowned for architectural beauty and artistic layout
- Traditional canal boat rides through 2,500-year-old historic districts
- Silk museums showcasing over 2,000 years of silk production techniques
- Traditional Suzhou cuisine including sweet and sour mandarin fish
- Shopping for authentic silk products and traditional crafts
Duration
Full day (8-10 hours)
Difficulty
Easy - mostly walking
Best For
Culture enthusiasts, photographers, peaceful experiences
Ready to Explore?
Skip the planning hassle - join our recommended guided tour with high-speed rail transport included
Book Suzhou Gardens TourPayment Tip: Most tour operators and attractions accept AliPay! Make sure to test your setup before you travel.
Travel Tip: Must-Try Beijing Street Food
Skip the touristy Wangfujing street food and head to Guijie (Ghost Street) for authentic Beijing flavors. Try jianbing (Chinese crepes) for breakfast and xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) from local vendors.
Payment Reality: Most street food vendors here are QR-code only and won't accept cash. Having AliPay ready means you can be spontaneous and try anything that catches your eye without worrying about payment methods.
Location: Dongzhimen area, open late night | Must-try: Jianbing (¥8-15), Xiaolongbao (¥20-30), Peking duck wraps (¥30-50)
Don't Forget: eSIM for Reliable Data
Why Data Connection is Critical
AliPay needs internet to generate QR codes, process payments, and sync transactions. Without reliable data, even a perfectly set up payment app becomes useless. This is especially important because:
- • Hotel WiFi can be unreliable or slow
- • Public WiFi often requires Chinese phone verification
- • Roaming data charges can be extremely expensive
- • You need connectivity the moment you land
Airalo eSIM
Our Top Pick
- • Instant activation before travel
- • Competitive pricing for China
- • Reliable 4G/5G coverage
- • Easy top-up options
- • Works on major networks
YeSim eSIM
Alternative Option
- • Good coverage in major cities
- • Flexible data packages
- • Quick customer support
- • Multiple country options
- • Pay-as-you-go available
Complete eSIM Setup Guide
We've tested multiple eSIM providers specifically for China travel. Our comprehensive guide covers setup, pricing comparisons, and real-world performance tests.
Read our complete China eSIM guideTest Everything Before You Travel
Don't Risk Getting Stuck Without Payment Options
If you're worried about arriving in China with nothing but your phone to pay with, you're right to be cautious. That's exactly why we built our testing platform—so you can verify everything works perfectly before you board your flight.
Verify Setup
Test that your AliPay account, identity verification, and card linking all work properly.
Practice Payments
Get familiar with the QR scanning process and payment flow before you need it in real situations.
Fix Issues Early
Identify and resolve any problems while you're at home with time and familiar support options.
Test Your China Payment Setup Now
Our platform simulates real Chinese payment scenarios so you can verify everything works before you travel. It takes 5 minutes and gives you complete confidence.
Start Testing Your SetupReady to Master China's Payment System?
Set up AliPay and get your eSIM sorted before you travel. Your China adventure will be infinitely smoother.