How to Use Alipay & WeChat Pay as a Foreigner (2026)
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Yes, foreigners can use Alipay and WeChat Pay in China. As of 2026, both apps support international Visa, Mastercard, and UnionPay cards, and both allow passport-based identity verification. This guide walks you through the complete setup process, from downloading the app to making your first payment, plus what to do if you don't have a Chinese phone number.
Overview
China is a mobile-first payment society. QR code payments through Alipay and WeChat Pay are accepted everywhere — from street food stalls and wet markets to high-end restaurants and shopping malls. Cash is still accepted but increasingly rare. Having at least one of these apps set up before or immediately after arrival will make your trip significantly smoother.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can foreigners use Alipay / WeChat Pay? | Yes. Both apps support international cards and passport verification. |
| Do I need a Chinese bank account? | No. You can link an international Visa, Mastercard, or UnionPay card. |
| Do I need a Chinese phone number? | No. International numbers are accepted for registration. |
| Is there a transaction fee? | Yes. A 3% fee applies for international card payments above RMB 200 per transaction. |
| Can I use cash as a backup? | Yes. Cash is still accepted in most places, though small vendors may not have change. |
Fee waiver policies are subject to change. WeChat Pay's 3% fee exemption for first-time international card users was confirmed in March 2026 by Beijing municipal authorities. Check in-app for current terms.
Alipay setup (step by step)
Alipay is generally the more foreigner-friendly of the two apps. Its English interface is more complete, and card linking tends to be smoother. Here is how to set it up:
- Download the app: Search for "Alipay" in the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android). Download the international version — it supports English by default.
- Register with your phone number: Enter your international phone number. Alipay will send a verification code via SMS. This works with most foreign numbers.
- Complete identity verification: Go to "Me" → "Account Settings" → "Identity Verification." Select "Foreign Passport" and follow the prompts to upload a photo of your passport bio page and take a selfie. Verification usually takes a few minutes.
- Add your card: Go to "Me" → "Bank Cards" → "Add Card." Enter your Visa, Mastercard, or UnionPay card details. Alipay supports most international cards.
- Set a payment password: You will be prompted to set a 6-digit payment PIN. This is required for all transactions — it is separate from your phone's unlock code.
- Make your first payment: At a store or restaurant, open Alipay and tap "Pay." The merchant will scan your QR code, or you can scan theirs. Enter your payment PIN to confirm.
WeChat Pay setup (step by step)
WeChat Pay is integrated into the WeChat messaging app, which most Chinese people use as their primary communication tool. The setup is similar but has a few extra steps:
- Download the app: Search for "WeChat" in the App Store or Google Play. The app is primarily a messenger, but payments are built in.
- Register with your phone number: Enter your international phone number and verify via SMS. Choose English as your language in the app settings.
- Complete identity verification: Go to "Me" → "Pay" → "Wallet" → "Identity Verification." Upload your passport photo and take a selfie, similar to Alipay. Verification may take up to 24 hours.
- Add your card: Go to "Me" → "Pay" → "Wallet" → "Cards" → "Add Card." Enter your Visa, Mastercard, or UnionPay card details. Note that WeChat Pay may be slightly pickier about which international cards it accepts.
- Set a payment password: Set a 6-digit payment PIN, separate from your phone unlock code.
- Make your first payment: Tap "Me" → "Pay" → "Money" to reveal your QR code, or tap "Scan" to scan a merchant's code. Enter your PIN to confirm.
Alipay vs. WeChat Pay: Which should you use?
| Feature | Alipay | WeChat Pay |
|---|---|---|
| English interface | Excellent | Good (some menus remain Chinese) |
| International card support | Broad (Visa, MC, UnionPay) | Good but may reject some cards |
| Identity verification speed | Usually within minutes | Up to 24 hours |
| Transaction fee | 3% over RMB 200 | 3% over RMB 200 |
| Best for | Payments and financial tools | Payments + messaging with locals |
Recommendation: Set up Alipay first — it is the most foreigner-friendly and has the smoothest setup process. If you plan to interact with locals, add WeChat as a secondary option for both messaging and payments.
Cash and backup options
Despite China's mobile payment dominance, having a backup is essential for visitors:
- Carry cash: Withdraw RMB from ATMs at major banks (Bank of China, ICBC, China Construction Bank). Most ATMs accept international cards. Keep small bills — many vendors cannot break a RMB 100 note.
- Consider a Tour Card: Some Chinese banks offer prepaid "tour cards" that you load with foreign currency and use like a local debit card. These are available at major airports.
- Inform your bank: Before traveling, notify your bank that you will be using your card in China. Some banks block Chinese transactions by default as a fraud prevention measure.
FAQ
Can foreigners use Alipay and WeChat Pay in China?
Yes. As of 2026, foreigners can use both Alipay and WeChat Pay by linking an international Visa, Mastercard, or UnionPay card. Both apps now support passport-based identity verification for foreign users.
Do I need a Chinese phone number to use Alipay or WeChat Pay?
No. Both apps now accept international phone numbers for registration. However, some advanced features like receiving money from other users may require a Chinese phone number. For basic payments and daily use, your home number is sufficient.
What if my Alipay or WeChat Pay payment is declined?
Common reasons include: identity verification not completed, card not supported, or the merchant only accepting domestic Chinese cards. Complete the passport verification step in the app, try a different card, or use cash as a backup. In tourist areas and major cities, cash is still widely accepted.