🇨🇳 How to Pay in China

China runs on a parallel digital ecosystem . Google, WhatsApp, and most Western apps are blocked. Download everything before you land, set up WeChat Pay or Alipay with your foreign card, and consider a VPN for accessing apps from home.

Payment & Finance Apps

Alipay

Essential

China's second dominant mobile payment platform, accepted everywhere from street vendors to high-end restaurants. More tourist-friendly setup than WeChat Pay.

Pro tip: Use Alipay's Transport button for metro and bus rides across most major cities . no separate transit card needed.

All apps in China →China Payments guide →