Quick answer
Yes — foreign tourists can use both WeChat Pay and Alipay in China. Both platforms now support international cards and foreign passport holders. You no longer need a Chinese bank account to use either app for most everyday spending.
That said, there are differences in how each platform works for international users, and a few limitations still apply.
WeChat Pay for international visitors
WeChat Pay allows foreign users to link an international Visa, Mastercard, or other supported card directly to the app. Once linked, you can pay at most merchants that accept WeChat Pay — which covers the vast majority of restaurants, shops, transport, and services in Chinese cities.
To set this up, download WeChat, register with your foreign phone number, and add your card in the wallet section. The process typically takes a few minutes.
Alipay for international visitors
Alipay also supports foreign users through its international version. You can link an international card and use the app for payments across China. Alipay also offers a “Tour Pass” feature that may simplify the onboarding process for short-term visitors.
Which should you use?
Both work well. WeChat Pay is often preferred by travelers who are also using WeChat for messaging. Alipay tends to have slightly broader acceptance at smaller merchants in some areas. Setting up both is easy and gives you a useful backup.
Limitations to be aware of
- Some very small vendors may not accept mobile payment at all and prefer cash.
- International cards linked to these apps may have spending limits lower than those for domestic accounts.
- Some features (such as sending money to Chinese contacts) are restricted for international users.
Should you carry cash?
A small amount of cash — around 500–1,000 CNY — is useful as a backup for scenarios where mobile payment is not accepted, such as some rural areas, older transport systems, or very small vendors.
Next step
Before you fly, turn this into a full arrival plan with the payment setup hub and the checklist page.