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Payments·5 min read·
How Foreigners Actually Pay for Things in China in 2025
"Cash is legal. It is also, in practice, almost extinct."
The two apps you must install before landing
Alipay and WeChat Pay both now accept foreign Visa, Mastercard, and Amex cards directly. Install both before you board your flight. Verify your passport in-app while you still have reliable connectivity.
Alipay's 'Tour Card' offers a prepaid balance for short visits; WeChat Pay charges a 3% fee on foreign card transactions over ¥200.
What still requires a Chinese bank account
Long-term rentals, utility bills, salary deposits, and most government fees still require a Chinese bank account tied to your residence permit. ICBC and Bank of China are the most foreigner-friendly.
Opening one typically requires: passport, residence permit (or Z visa + work permit), Chinese phone number, and a local address.
Stuck on something concrete?