Language and currency
Payments & Apps
Alipay, WeChat Pay, eSIMs and the apps that make daily life in China work.
13 guides · Page 1 of 2
Alipay for Foreigners 2026: Link a Visa or Mastercard Before You Fly
Foreigners can use Alipay in China in 2026: link a Visa or Mastercard, finish passport check at home, then scan a shop QR. WeChat Pay is the backup wallet.
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eSIM and SIM in China for Foreigners 2026: What Works on Landing
eSIM before you fly versus a China Unicom or China Telecom tourist SIM at PVG, PEK, or CAN. What a foreign passport can register, what to check on your phone, and how to be online before Maps or Alipay.
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Set Up WeChat Pay and Alipay With a Foreign Card (2026)
Yes, foreigners can use WeChat Pay and Alipay with a passport and a Visa or Mastercard. Do Alipay first; WeChat Pay's check takes 1–3 business days.
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WeChat for Foreigners 2026: Register Before You Fly
A calm, step-by-step setup guide for first-time visitors who want a working WeChat account before they land in China.
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Money for Hong Kong, Macau and Mainland China: HKD, MOP and RMB 2026
How HKD, MOP and RMB work across Hong Kong SAR, Macau SAR and mainland China: legal tender, where each currency is accepted, cash declaration thresholds, ATMs and cards — with links to Alipay setup. No exchange-rate table, no prices.
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WeChat Pay for Foreigners 2026: Yes — After the Passport Check
Yes. Foreigners can use WeChat Pay in China in 2026 with a Visa or Mastercard. Passport real-name check required. Alipay is the faster first wallet.
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Google Maps in China 2026: What Works and What to Use
Google Maps is not a reliable navigation plan in mainland China, so set up an alternative app before you fly.
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TenPayGo for Foreigners 2026: Pay in China Without a Weixin Account
TenPayGo for foreigners in 2026 — Tencent’s inbound payment app. Link an overseas card, Apple Pay, or e-wallet and pay at Weixin Pay merchants without a Chinese phone number or Weixin account.
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Octopus, AlipayHK and WeChat Pay HK for Visitors 2026
How visitors pay in Hong Kong SAR and Macau SAR: Tourist Octopus options, why AlipayHK and WeChat Pay HK need a Hong Kong mobile number, Macau Pass basics, and how these differ from mainland Alipay and WeChat Pay.
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Alipay vs WeChat Pay for Foreigners 2026: Which App First
Alipay first for foreigners in 2026. WeChat Pay is the backup for stalls that only take the green QR. Same Visa or Mastercard, a fee the payment screen shows, different setup time.
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PayPal in China 2026: US App, Weixin Pay QR, Balance Only
US PayPal users can pay in mainland China stores at Weixin Pay merchants. Scan or show a QR. Balance only. Not a replacement for Alipay.
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UnionPay for Foreigners 2026: Useful Backup, Not the Main Wallet
UnionPay is a backup in China, not a replacement for Alipay. What a foreign card can and cannot do in 2026, and when a tourist UnionPay card is worth it.
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