Since the 2010s, with the rise of mobile internet, Chinese society has gradually transitioned to a cashless society. From high-end restaurants and hotels to street vendors, almost all transactions can be completed via mobile payment (it's no exaggeration to say that even beggars here use digital apps to collect donations). So people no longer need to carry cash or bank cards when going out—as long as they have their phones, they can complete daily transactions like hailing rides, buying tickets, entertainment, and shopping.
But this also brings a bit of difficulty for foreigners visiting China for business or travel. Small shops may not support bank card payments. If you want to use cash, merchants may not have enough change. What should you do?
Don't worry. Foreigners only need to download one app on their phones, complete a simple registration, and they can experience the same cashless lifestyle as locals.
Currently, WeChat Pay and Alipay are China's two main mobile payment apps, covering almost all daily life scenarios. From supermarket shopping and restaurant checkout to online shopping, ride-hailing, and utility bill payments, the vast majority of Chinese people use these two platforms every day. They offer convenient QR code payments, stable transaction networks, and strict security mechanisms, making mobile payment the default payment method in Chinese society.
It can be said that WeChat Pay and Alipay are not just tools—they have become indispensable infrastructure in China's daily consumption system.
So how can foreigners register and use WeChat and Alipay? Please check the following specific tutorials as needed: