Online Payment and Credit Cards

In China, online payments and QR-code scanning are the dominant ways to pay (cash still works, of course). The two leading mobile-payment apps are Alipay and WeChat Pay. Because WeChat requires another user to help you activate an account, I recommend newcomers start with Alipay instead.

International credit cards—such as Visa and MasterCard—are accepted at major global chains like Starbucks, McDonald’s, and Louis Vuitton. Most other shops, however, are far less likely to support them.

YouTube Video Guides

Below are some YouTube guides I’ve collected for you:

• Recommended – Step-by-step Alipay setup for foreigners without a Chinese bank card:
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xEM6Hkn_EY
• WeChat account creation guide:
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ms_nnkSEDFY
• Activating WeChat Pay without a Chinese bank card:
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fc3RFiMI_jo