No cash or Credit Card in China - Pay in this way

1. WeChat Pay – Almost Everyone Use It

WeChat is China’s most popular app. People use it every day, not only for chatting, but also for:

• Paying in stores or restaurants

• Ordering food or ride

• Booking tickets

• Sending red envelopes (lucky money)

• Chatting, sharing moments (like Instagram)

Almost every Chinese has WeChat, and WeChat Pay is part of the app. You just link your card and you can scan the QR code to pay, or let others scan your code.

  As an expat, you can also use your Visa or Mastercard to top-up your WeChat Pay now.

2.  Alipay – Super Useful for Travelers

Alipay is another very famous payment app. It works similar to WeChat Pay, but also has more services, like:

• Tour Pass – For travelers to use temporary e-wallet

• Hotel and ticket booking

• Public transportation (bus, subway, taxi)

• Paying bills

• Shopping online (Taobao, etc.)

Alipay is especially friendly to overseas users, because the Tour Pass is easy to activate with passport and foreign card.