How to use Alipay and WeChat Pay in China?

1.China’s Cashless Dilemma: Why Foreign Credit Cards and Cash Don’t Work in Chengdu

You’ve arrived in Chengdu. The air is thick with the scent of chili oil, fermented beans, and simmering broth. You’re ready to dive headfirst into a culinary adventure—think fiery Chuan’r Chuan’r (skewers boiled in spicy stock), sweet, refreshing Bingfen (ice jelly), and the silky texture of Tianshui Mian (sweet water noodles). This street food scene isn’t just a meal; it’s the very heart and soul of the Chengdu experience.

1.1 Obstacle to Your Food Plan: Street Snacks Only Accept Scan-to-Pay

But there’s a catch, and it’s a big one. As you reach for your wallet, you’ll quickly realize that the most authentic, must-try street vendors—the ones with the longest lines and the tastiest snacks—operate almost entirely cash-free. Your stack of crisp US dollars or your trusty foreign credit card? They’re useless here. In China’s modern cities, cash is no longer king; the smartphone rules. Without mobile pay, your culinary dream hits a serious, spicy wall.

1.2 Quick Fix: The Ultimate Mobile Payment Solution for Foreign Tourists

Don’t let a digital hurdle stand between you and a bowl of perfect noodles. We promise you don’t need a Chinese bank account or fluency in Mandarin. This guide cuts through the confusion and provides a simple, direct path. In the next five minutes, we’ll equip you with the exact steps needed to set up mobile payment on your phone, transforming you from a cash-clutching tourist into a seamless, food-snagging local. Get ready to eat like a pro.

2.Mobile Payment Setup: Complete Guide for Foreigners Linking Alipay/WeChat Pay

Before you can pay for that delicious bowl of Dandan Mian, you need to arm yourself digitally. In China, you have two primary options for mobile payment: Alipay and WeChat Pay

2.1 Platform Choice: Why Alipay is Recommended for Foreign Tourists?

Both apps offer similar core payment functionalities, but they have different focuses:

WeChat : Primarily a social messaging platform that happens to have integrated powerful payment features. It’s useful for communicating with any local contacts you might make.
Alipay : Primarily a financial services and lifestyle platform focused heavily on commerce and utility payments.Our Recommendation for First-Timers: We suggest prioritizing Alipay. Historically, the process of foreign tourists successfully linking their international bank cards to Alipay has been more direct and stable than that of WeChat Pay. This is mainly because Alipay originated from e-commerce and financial payments, possessing strong financial attributes. This allowed it to cooperate with international payment networks (such as Visa and Mastercard) earlier and more proactively, giving it a first-mover advantage in strategic focus and technological integration for serving overseas users.
Therefore, the screenshots below all use Alipay as an example to demonstrate registration and usage.

2.2 Step 1:Download, Register, and Enter the Correct International Code

The first step is simple:

- Open your App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android).
- Search for Alipay or WeChat.
- Download and install the app.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to register using your phone number(Pay attention to the international access codes for mobile phone numbers from different countries. For example, the US code is +1, the UK code is +44, Germany code is +49, mainland China code is +86, Hong Kong code is +852, and Japan code is +81.)

2.3 Step 2: Key International Card Linking and Passport Real-Name Verification

This is the most critical step. Get your passport and international bank card ready.

Navigate to the Wallet/Bank Card Section: Once logged in, go to the Pocket section.New users can also see the option to add a credit card on the homepage.
Add Your Card: Select the option to “Add Bank Card.”
The Key to Success: You MUST use an international credit or debit card bearing the logo of Visa, MasterCard, JCB, Diners, ClubDiscover.
Verification: You will be prompted to complete Real-Name Verification. You will be prompted to complete Real-Name Verification. This is mandatory and usually requires you to:
1. Fill in information and select document
2. Upload document photo
3. Facial recognition/selfie verification
4. Submit for review. The process has been significantly simplified for foreign passport holders in the last year, making it much faster!

Please note: The name on the linked bank card must match the name verified on your Alipay account.

2.4 Step 3: Activate International Service (Bypass TourPass for Direct Foreign Card Payment!)

You may have heard of the “TourPass” feature, but modern Alipay and WeChat have made the process even simpler:

The Modern Solution: Today, once your international card is successfully linked in Step 2, the app automatically activates international card payment services.
Automatic Conversion: The best part? The system handles all the currency exchange for you. When you pay, your foreign currency will be automatically converted to RMB, and the charge will appear on your linked card.

Small Fee Reminder: Be aware that a transaction service fee (usually around 3%) may apply to some transactions; however, many small transactions (usually below 200 RMB) are currently often exempt from this fee!

3.Field Guide: Using Alipay/WeChat Pay at Chengdu Street Stalls

You’ve linked your card. Now, it’s time for the real test: navigating the fast-paced transaction at a bustling Chengdu street vendor. There are two main methods you’ll encounter:

3.1Method A: Scanning the Merchant’s QR Code (Most Common)

This is the scenario you will see 80% of the time, especially at smaller, independent stalls. The vendor will have a large, laminated QR code sticker displayed prominently near their food.

Locate the Code: Walk up to the stall and spot the QR Code (it might be red, blue, or simply black and white).
Open “Scan”: Open your chosen app (Alipay or WeChat) and look for the “Scan” (扫一扫 ) function, usually represented by a small square icon.
Scan the Code: Aim your camera at the vendor’s QR code. The app will immediately link to the merchant’s account.
Enter the Amount: A payment screen will pop up. This is the crucial step: You must manually enter the amount owed.Tip: The price will usually be clearly written on a small sign or board (e.g., “冰粉 (Bīng fěn) – 8元”). Always confirm the price with the vendor if you are unsure.
Confirm Payment: Hit the “Pay” or “Confirm” button. Wait for the vendor to hear the confirmation notification (usually a cheerful voice recording in Chinese). Transaction complete!

3.2Method B: Showing Your Payment Code (The Faster Way)

This method is common at slightly larger street food chains or in stores with dedicated scanners. It’s often the fastest way to pay once you know the process.

Signal Your Intent: Simply tell the vendor you are ready to pay. A simple, friendly gesture will do!
Generate Your Code: Open your payment app and tap the large “Pay” or “Payment Code” icon on the home screen. This generates a unique QR code and barcode on your phone.
The Scanner Does the Work: The vendor will use their handheld scanner or a fixed terminal to scan the code displayed on your screen.

Done! The transaction is automatic, and the correct amount is deducted instantly.Security Note: Your displayed Payment Code is dynamic—it changes every few minutes. This rapid rotation is what makes it extremely secure, preventing unauthorized use if your code is accidentally photographed.

4. Pro Tips & Troubleshooting for Seamless Eating

You’re set! But before you hit the streets, here are a few final pro tips to ensure your mobile payment experience is always smooth:

4.1 Data is Non-Negotiable

The Reality: Mobile payment is entirely dependent on connectivity. Unlike a foreign credit card, these transactions require an internet connection.Pro Tip: Before you even leave the airport, ensure you have secured a local data SIM card or rented a reliable portable Wi-Fi device. A dead zone equals a failed payment—and an empty stomach!

4.2 Don’t Worry About Small Limits (Mostly)

If you successfully linked your international bank card, you might have heard about transaction limits.The Good News: While your card might have a daily or single-transaction spending limit imposed by the app (e.g., ¥50,000 RMB), these limits are usually set so high they won’t affect street food purchases. Worrying about limits on an ¥8 bowl of Bingfen is unnecessary! Just be aware they exist for very large purchases.

4.3 The Essential Chinese Food Phrases

Communication is easy when paying, but knowing these two phrases can expedite the process and earn you a friendly smile:

Phrase	Pinyin	Meaning	When to Use It
扫码	Sao ma	Scan Code	When asking the vendor where to scan their QR code.
付钱	Fu qian	Pay Money	When you are ready to pay and need the vendor’s attention

5. Conclusion: Go Eat!

Congratulations! You have successfully navigated the digital landscape of Chinese payment. That initial anxiety over cash and cards is gone, replaced by the exciting freedom of a local.

You are now fully equipped to conquer the glorious street food scene of Chengdu. No more frantic searches for ATMs, and no more awkward moments holding up the line. Your phone is your new wallet, and the entire city’s menu is open to you.

➡️ What’s Next on Your Chengdu Adventure?

Now that you’ve mastered the payment secret, it’s time to choose where to eat next! Click here to check out our ultimate “Chengdu Travel Guide: Your Ultimate Itinerary Planner !”