The short answer
- Link an overseas Visa or Mastercard to Alipay or WeChat Pay before you travel.
- Alipay with a foreign card: no fee up to RMB 200 per payment, 3% above that.
- Limits of about US$5,000 per payment and US$50,000 per year on Alipay with a foreign card.
- Carry a little cash as a backup; some small vendors have no change.
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Set up before you fly
- Install Alipay and register with your passport name exactly as printed.
- Link your Visa or Mastercard and tell your bank you are travelling to China.
- Install WeChat as a second option. It also accepts foreign cards and is how many businesses and guides will message you.
- Try a small payment before you rely on it.
Fees and limits
| Alipay with a foreign card | Current rule |
|---|---|
| Payment of RMB 200 or less | No service fee |
| Payment over RMB 200 | 3% service fee on that payment |
| Single payment limit | About US$5,000 |
| Annual limit | About US$50,000 |
Your own bank may also charge foreign transaction fees.
Wallets from home
Some Southeast Asian wallets pay in China through Alipay+. Thai travellers can use TrueMoney Wallet at merchants showing the Alipay+ sign, with baht converted at the daily rate.
Cash
Carry a small amount of cash, for example RMB 500 to 1,000, for small vendors, tips for drivers in rural areas, and the moment your phone battery runs out. Most ATMs at airports and major banks accept foreign cards.
Questions
Can foreigners use Alipay in China?
Yes. Register with your passport and link an overseas Visa or Mastercard. Payments of RMB 200 or less have no service fee; larger payments with a foreign card carry a 3% fee.
Can I use my home e-wallet in China?
Some can. Thai TrueMoney Wallet, for example, pays at Chinese merchants that accept Alipay+ QR codes. Check whether your wallet supports Alipay+ in China.
Do shops in China accept credit cards?
Hotels, large malls and international chains often do. Small shops, restaurants and taxis usually expect a QR payment or cash.
Rules change. We re-check this guide regularly; confirm details before you travel or ship.
