🚀 Say Goodbye to Cash Worries: TourPal Decodes China's Digital Payment Revolution

By: The TourPal Custom Travel Experts Team | Published: October 29, 2025

Hello, travelers!

Welcome to TourPal! As your exclusive bespoke travel partner, we understand that one of the biggest challenges facing first-time visitors to China is adapting to the country’s "cashless society."

You’ve likely heard that in China, your mobile phone is your wallet. Over 80% of daily transactions—from street food to taxis to high-speed rail tickets—are completed by scanning a QR code. While this was historically complicated for foreign travelers, the good news is that recent policy optimizations have made using mobile payment systems easier and more convenient than ever before!

This guide provides the latest step-by-step instructions. We assure you: with your private TourPal Cultural Interpreter by your side, you will be able to pay effortlessly like a local.

I. Pre-Trip Prep: Downloading and Registering the Two Super Apps

In China, the two "Super Apps"—

Alipay and WeChat — dominate nearly all payment scenarios. We strongly recommend completing the following steps before you depart so you can start spending the moment you land.

Know Your Digital Wallets

• Alipay: Focuses on finance and lifestyle services, making it a robust payment tool like PayPal.
• WeChat: Primarily an instant messaging app (China’s equivalent of WhatsApp), it also includes a critical payment function. Setting it up allows you to communicate instantly with your TourPal guide and friends.

Account Registration: Your International Phone Number Works!
【Crucial Policy Update!】

You do not need a mainland Chinese mobile number (+86 number)! All you need is a working international mobile number that can receive SMS verification codes.

How to Register:

• Open the downloaded App and select "Sign Up."
• When prompted for a phone number, select your international country code and enter your mobile number.
• Receive and enter the SMS verification code to complete the account setup.

🌟 TourPal Insider Tip:

During the registration process, the App will typically recognize your location and automatically switch to the "International Version" (defaulting to English), ensuring a smoother user experience.

II. The Key Step: Linking Your International Bank Card

This is the essential process that allows you to leave cash behind. You no longer need to open a Chinese bank account; you can directly link your international credit or debit card for payment.

Required Documents

Please have your valid passport and an international bank card ready (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, JCB, etc. are all supported).

Step-by-Step Linking Process (Applicable to both Alipay and WeChat Pay)

• Identity Verification (KYC): Navigate to "Identity Verification" within the App. Follow the prompts to upload a photo of your passport and fill in the required personal details (name, passport number, etc.). This step is mandatory for binding your card.
• Add International Bank Card:
• Alipay: Navigate to "Me" → "Bank Cards" → "Add Now."
• WeChat Pay: Navigate to "Me" → "Services" → "Wallet" → "Bank Cards."
• Enter Card Information: Input your card number, expiration date, CVV code, and billing address details.
• Set Payment Password: The system will require you to create a 6-digit numeric payment password. This password is required for every mobile transaction.

🌟 TourPal Zero-Worry Assurance: Instant Debit

Once linked, your purchases will be debited instantly from your international card—no pre-loading required. Transaction limits for foreign travelers have been substantially raised to $5,000 USD per single transaction, with an annual cumulative limit of $50,000 USD, easily covering all your travel expenses in China.

III. Payment Scenarios: Spending Like a Local

With the setup complete, your phone becomes your wallet and key to local services. Just remember the two core payment methods:

Scan to Pay (Active Scanning)

• Scenario: Street vendors, small restaurants, small convenience stores.
• How: Open your App, select the "Scan" function, and scan the QR code displayed by the merchant. You enter the amount, confirm, and the payment is instantly debited.

Code to Pay (Passive Scanning)

• Scenario: Large supermarket checkouts, taxis, department stores.
• How: Open your App and display your "Payment Code." The cashier uses their scanner gun to scan the code on your screen, completing the transaction automatically.

Public Transport & Ride-Hailing

You can use mini-programs within the Apps to activate city transit codes, allowing you to scan and ride the subway and buses effortlessly. Ride-hailing services (like Didi) are also fully integrated with mobile payments.

🤝 TourPal "Cultural Interpreter" Value: On-Site Assistance

Should you encounter any technical issue or language barrier—such as a small vendor whose equipment hasn't been fully updated—your private TourPal guide will immediately step in to handle the payment, communication, and logistics in Chinese. We ensure your itinerary remains seamless and completely worry-free.

IV. Other Payment Methods

If you're still hesitant to use mobile payments, don't worry:

Cash:

• Currency exchange is available at most international airports, upscale hotels, and banks
• You can exchange cash with your passport at local banks
• Note: Some taxis may not have enough change, so it's better to carry small bills

Credit/Debit Cards:

• UnionPay, Visa, Mastercard are accepted in larger supermarkets and major cities
• Less common in smaller stores, but still a viable option

Useful Tips for Travelers

1. Transportation: Both WeChat Pay and Alipay can be used for buses, subways, taxis, and bike sharing in most cities including Hong Kong and Macau
2. Tourist Services: You can book train tickets, hotel rooms, and attraction tickets directly through these apps
3. Customer Support: Both apps offer English customer service for international users
4. Security: All transactions are protected by encryption, and you can set up fingerprint or facial recognition for added security
5. Small Amount of Cash: Keep a modest amount of Chinese Yuan for remote areas or vendors who exclusively use cash. You can exchange currency at international airports or hotels using your passport.
6. Carry Physical Cards: For large international hotels, high-end shopping centers, or places with standard POS terminals, you can still use your physical Visa/Mastercard to swipe or tap for payment.

Now you're ready to enjoy the convenience of mobile payments in China! Whether you choose WeChat Pay, Alipay, or your existing overseas wallet, you'll find that paying in China has never been easier.

After helping over 10,000 tourists navigate China's payment system, we've discovered the single tool that eliminates 90% of travel headaches:

—— TourPal Travel Phone

What is TourPal Travel Phone?

TourPal provides tourists with a local Chinese phone number and high-speed mobile data in a convenient SIM card package. It's specifically designed to solve the payment and connectivity problems foreign travelers face.

In Conclusion:

TourPal is dedicated to making your journey through China an experience of seamless local life. Get your phone ready, bring your passport, and prepare to explore this vibrant, digitally advanced country!

If you have any questions about mobile payments or your personalized itinerary, please contact us. We look forward to meeting you in beautiful China!