Mobile Payment: Alipay & WeChat
Surviving China's Cashless Society
Surviving China's Cashless Society
China has largely moved away from cash. Physical credit cards (Visa/Mastercard) are only accepted in high-end hotels and malls. Without mobile payment, daily life—from buying water to taking the subway—is nearly impossible.
Download the international version of Alipay or WeChat. Register using your overseas phone number.
Link your Visa, Mastercard, or JCB card directly in the app's 'Wallet' section. (The complex 'TourCard' is no longer needed—direct binding works well now).
Complete the 'Real-name Authentication' by uploading your passport photo. Do this BEFORE arrival to avoid network issues.