Traveling to China is now easier than ever for international visitors. One of the biggest changes in recent years is the rapid development of mobile payment.

In cities like Shanghai, digital payment has become a part of everyday life. Restaurants, attractions, taxis, shopping malls, and many local businesses commonly use QR-code payments.

For international visitors, the good news is that you do not necessarily need a Chinese bank account to pay in China. In many cases, you can use popular payment apps such as Alipay and WeChat Pay by registering with your overseas phone number and connecting a supported international bank card.

This guide explains how foreign visitors can prepare mobile payment before traveling to China and how to solve common payment problems.

1. Can Foreign Visitors Pay in China?

Yes. International visitors can use several payment methods during their trip to China.

The most common options include:

Mobile Payment Apps

Alipay (支付宝)

Alipay is one of the most widely used payment platforms in China. It is commonly used for:

• Restaurants
• Attraction tickets
• Transportation
• Shopping
• Travel services

WeChat Pay (微信支付)

WeChat Pay is integrated into the WeChat app and is another popular payment option used throughout China.

International visitors can usually register Alipay or WeChat Pay using their overseas phone number and link supported international bank cards, including major international card networks such as Visa and Mastercard.

Once your payment method is ready, you can usually pay by:

• Scanning a merchant QR code
• Showing your payment QR code
• Completing supported online payments

Preparing mobile payment before your trip can make traveling in China much smoother.

2. Using Alipay in China

For most international visitors, Alipay is one of the easiest ways to prepare mobile payment before arriving in China.

- Step 1: Download Alipay

Download the official Alipay app from your mobile app store.

- Step 2: Register Your Account

Open Alipay and create an account using your overseas mobile phone number.

Follow the instructions provided in the app to complete registration.

- Step 3: Complete Identity Verification

Depending on your account status and payment requirements, Alipay may ask you to complete identity verification.

You may need:

• Passport information
• Personal details
• Additional verification steps

Completing verification can help ensure smoother payment access.

- Step 4: Add Your International Bank Card

In the payment settings, add your supported overseas bank card.

Available card types may vary depending on your country, card issuer, and Alipay’s current requirements.

For a more detailed step-by-step guide, see our guide to setting up Alipay with an international bank card.

- Step 5: Pay Using QR Codes

After setup, you can use Alipay in China by:

• Scanning a merchant’s QR code
• Showing your Alipay payment code for scanning

This payment method is widely accepted in Shanghai and other major Chinese cities.

3. Using WeChat Pay in China

WeChat Pay is another convenient option for international visitors.

- Step 1: Download WeChat

Download the official WeChat app and create an account.

You can register using an overseas mobile phone number.

- Step 2: Activate WeChat Pay

Open the payment section in WeChat and follow the instructions to activate payment functions.

- Step 3: Link Your International Bank Card

Add a supported overseas bank card according to the instructions in the app.

Depending on your country, bank, and account status, available payment functions may vary.

Need more detailed instructions? See our step-by-step guide to registering a WeChat account and setting up WeChat Pay.

- Step 4: Start Paying in China

After setup, you can use WeChat Pay by:

• Scanning QR codes
• Showing your payment code
• Using supported online payment services

WeChat Pay is widely used for daily purchases, restaurants, transportation, and many other services in China.

4. Can I Pay With Credit Cards in China?

Yes, international credit cards are accepted in many places in China, especially:

• International hotels
• Large shopping malls
• Airports
• Major tourist attractions

However, credit cards are not always accepted everywhere.

Many small restaurants, local shops, taxis, and street vendors mainly use QR-code payment.

For a more convenient travel experience, we recommend preparing at least one mobile payment option before arriving in China.

5. Common Payment Problems and Solutions

Even after preparing Alipay or WeChat Pay, some visitors may occasionally experience payment issues.

Here are some common problems and solutions.

Unable to Complete Identity Verification

Possible reasons:

• Passport information does not match registration details
• Verification information is unclear
• Temporary system issues

Try:

• Checking your information carefully
• Uploading clearer documents
• Trying again later

International Bank Card Cannot Be Added

Possible reasons:

• Your card issuer blocks the transaction
• The card type is not supported
• Additional verification is required

Try:

• Using another international card
• Contacting your bank
• Checking the latest requirements inside the payment app

Payment Limit Reached

Some international payment services may have transaction limits depending on:

• Account verification status
• Payment method
• Transaction amount

If you reach a limit, check your payment app settings or try another available payment method.

6. Frequently Asked Questions About Payments in China

Can foreigners use Alipay in China?

Yes. International visitors can generally register for Alipay using an overseas mobile number and link supported international bank cards. Availability may depend on your card issuer, country or region, and account verification status.

Can foreigners use WeChat Pay in China?

Yes. International visitors can use WeChat Pay with supported international bank cards. You may be asked to complete identity verification before accessing certain payment functions.

Do I need a Chinese bank account to use Alipay or WeChat Pay?

Not necessarily. International visitors can link supported overseas bank cards to Alipay or WeChat Pay, so having a Chinese bank account is generally not required for common travel payments.

Should I carry cash when traveling in China?

Mobile payment is widely used in China, especially in major cities such as Shanghai. However, carrying a small amount of RMB cash can still be useful as a backup in case your phone, internet connection, bank card, or payment app is temporarily unavailable.

7. Booking Shanghai Experiences Online With OohMyGuide

Preparing your preferred payment method before arriving in China can make your trip much easier and more convenient.

With Alipay, WeChat Pay, and other mobile payment options, international visitors can easily handle many everyday travel needs in China, including:

• Paying for public transportation and taxis
• Shopping at malls, convenience stores, and local markets
• Dining at restaurants and cafes
• Renting shared bicycles
• Purchasing attraction tickets and other travel services

Once you are ready to use mobile payment in China, you can also conveniently plan and book your Shanghai experiences through OohMyGuide | Things to Do in Shanghai.

From must-see attractions to local experiences, OohMyGuide helps international visitors explore Shanghai with easy online booking, including:

• ERA Acrobatic Show Tickets
• Shanghai Private Tours
• Airport and Train Station Transfers
• Huangpu River Cruise Experiences
• Chinese Dining Experiences

Whether you are visiting Shanghai for the first time or looking for unique local experiences, OohMyGuide makes it easier to discover the city and enjoy a smoother journey.

Start planning your Shanghai experience today.