China is one of the most cashless societies on earth. With a 10-minute setup before you fly, almost every transaction — from a cup of tea to a high-speed rail ticket — can be paid with a tap.
Why a working mobile wallet changes everything.
Alipay and WeChat Pay together process the vast majority of in-person transactions in China — from street-food vendors and temple stalls to high-end restaurants and 5-star hotels. Cash still works, but it is increasingly accepted with a polite pause.
Credit cards from international networks (Visa, Mastercard) are accepted in international hotels, large restaurants and airport stores. Everywhere else, a mobile wallet is the difference between a smooth day and a frustrating one.
Pick the one that fits how you travel.
The simplest option for most international guests. Link your Visa / Mastercard to the Alipay app, complete a 5-minute ID upload, and pay any QR code in China. Daily limits apply but lift after a few days of use.
Equivalent coverage. Slightly steeper setup but pairs naturally if you already use WeChat. Linking a non-Chinese bank card is now supported in most regions.
Withdraw RMB from any major bank ATM (Bank of China, ICBC) using a foreign debit card. Withdraw modest amounts; a 1000 RMB note is usually the largest you will need.
Tipping is not customary in mainland China. Offering a tip in a casual restaurant can cause confusion. High-end restaurants may include a 10–15% service charge.
A 10-minute setup that pays for itself.
Download Alipay, complete the tourist verification, and link one Visa or Mastercard. Top up nothing — the card is charged directly. WeChat Pay follows a similar flow. The setup can be done from anywhere in the world.
On arrival, a single QR-code scan opens the wallet. From a 6 RMB bottle of water to a 600 RMB spa session, the wallet is accepted almost universally. The few places that do not accept it are the places that still accept cash — you are covered either way.
We will include an Alipay setup guide with your booking — or help you in person on arrival.