How to Pay in China as a Tourist

China is close to cashless — street stalls, taxis, village shops, all run on QR codes. But "cashless" doesn't mean "cardless-chaos": with your foreign card linked to Alipay and WeChat Pay, you'll pay like a local. Here's exactly how to set it up before you fly.

Set up Alipay (recommended, first)

Alipay is the most tourist-friendly option and works in Guizhou everywhere, including most scenic areas:

1. Download the Alipay app and choose the international/English version
2. Register with your foreign phone number (or any phone number) — no Chinese bank account needed
3. Link an international card — Visa, Mastercard or American Express from your home bank, in the "Cards" section
4. You can then scan merchant QR codes to pay directly, and show your own QR code for merchants to scan you

Set this up before you arrive — registration is easy but better done on a good connection at home than in an airport queue.

WeChat Pay (second, worth having)

WeChat is how Chinese people talk, and its payment feature covers many of the same places as Alipay. To set it up:

• Download WeChat, register with your number, then open WeChat Pay and link your international Visa/Mastercard in the wallet
• Some merchants accept only WeChat or only Alipay, so having both means you never hit a wall
• WeChat is also your translation app and your contact channel with us — you'll want it anyway

What about cash?

Cash is accepted almost everywhere but not preferred — small shops may struggle with large notes, and drivers often have little change. Practical approach:

• Carry ¥200–500 in small notes for emergencies (tolls, small stalls, tips for porters)
• Get cash at the airport ATM or bank counter with your card (foreign cards work at major bank ATMs)
• Use QR payments for everything else

Cards and hotels

Hotels, especially international-brand chains, accept foreign cards directly. But in villages and guesthouses, QR payment is the norm — this is why having Alipay/WeChat set up matters on a Guizhou trip, where you'll be off the beaten tourist path.

Other things to set up before you fly

Item	Why it matters
WeChat	Messaging, translation, and payment — the single most useful app in China
An eSIM	Mobile data that activates in minutes (Airalo, Nomad work in Guizhou), or a local SIM at the airport
A translation app	Camera-translate menus and signs; offline mode helps in remote villages
Confirmed hotel booking	You'll be asked for it at immigration and hotels register it with police

Your first day, handled

On a private tour we meet you at Guiyang airport, sort out your SIM and payments before your first outing, and make sure the apps are working before you need them. One less thing to figure out in a new country.

Plan My Trip in Guizhou

Alipay and WeChat Pay features for international visitors evolve — check the apps' official help pages for the latest card and fee details.