Almost everywhere in China, people pay by scanning a QR code with Alipay or WeChat Pay. Tourists can link their own international cards; there's no need for a third party to pay for you.
- Alipay or WeChat Pay: download the app, register with your phone number, and link a Visa, Mastercard or JCB card.
- Fees: with Alipay, single payments under 200 RMB are usually free; payments over 200 RMB carry about a 3% fee on the full amount. Your bank may add a foreign-currency fee.
- Cash: still bring some yuan (exchange at home or withdraw from an ATM in China) for markets, small stalls, or if the app fails.
- Tell your bank before travelling, link at least two cards, and test a small payment first to avoid blocks.
Beware: "pay on your behalf" or "Alipay top-up" services advertised on social media can take your money and disappear, or charge very poor rates.
Alipay for foreign users does not work in Hong Kong or Macau.