How to Pay in China as a Foreigner (2026)

Alipay, WeChat Pay, bank cards and cash — the realistic payment setup for a foreign visitor to China in 2026.

Updated 2026-10-15

Mobile wallets are king

Alipay and WeChat Pay cover almost everything — hospitals, taxis, restaurants, hotels. Foreign cards can now be linked to both apps, and a tourist-friendly version lets you pay with international cards without a local bank account.

Cards and cash as backup

Major international cards work at large hospitals, hotels and ATMs, but smaller clinics and taxis may be cash-only. Carry a modest amount of RMB for contingencies.

For medical bills

International departments of tertiary hospitals usually accept foreign cards and provide itemised invoices in English. Our concierge can pre-arrange deposits and explain the billing flow before you arrive.

FAQ

Can I use my foreign card on Alipay?Yes. Alipay supports binding international cards (Visa, Mastercard, JCB) in its tourist version, though some small merchants may not accept foreign-card transactions.

Is cash still useful in China?Increasingly optional, but useful for taxis, markets and rural areas. Keep a small cash buffer.