Paying with Alipay, WeChat Pay or UnionPay as a foreigner

You can pay by phone in China without a Chinese bank account. Install an app, register, link an international bank card, then scan or show a QR code.

Set up

1. Download WeChat, Alipay or UnionPay Cloud QuickPass (云闪付).
2. Register by following the app. A foreign or a Chinese phone number both work.
3. Link a bank card.

Cards that can be linked

The official guide names cards with the Visa, Mastercard, UnionPay, American Express, JCB, Diners Club or Discover mark. The card issuer has to verify the card during linking. If linking fails, ask the app's customer service or your bank.

Paying

Open the app, then either scan the shop's QR code or show your own payment QR code to be scanned.

Limits and fees

Which card brands are supported, the payment limits and the fees differ between apps. The page inside each app and its service agreement decide, so read them before you rely on one app. This guide gives no limits or fees.

Other options

In the UnionPay Cloud QuickPass app you can apply for a Travel Pass card, top it up and use it for everyday spending. Users of some foreign e-wallets, among them AlipayHK, Kakao Pay, Touch'n Go eWallet and GCash, can scan and pay directly in China with those wallets.

Cash

Bank branches change foreign cash into small yuan notes at the counter or at self-service machines. At most CNY 20,000 in yuan cash may be carried in or out per person per trip.

The source is listed below with the date it was opened.