Landing in Hangzhou, many travelers quickly realize one thing: cash is no longer the main way people pay. From taxis to tea shops, even small street vendors often prefer mobile payment. The good news is—you don't need a Chinese bank card to get by. With Alipay and WeChat Pay, you can easily pay for almost everything in the city using your international credit card. Once set up correctly, it becomes just as simple as tapping your phone anywhere in Hangzhou. This guide will show you exactly how to set it up step by step, and how to avoid the common issues most foreign visitors run into on their first trip.
Can You Use Cash, Cards, or Mobile Payment in Hangzhou?
1. Cash (RMB)：Legally required to be accepted by all businesses. Carry a small amount as backup, as some small vendors may not have change. Do not rely on cash as your primary payment method.
2. Mobile Payment (Mainstream Method)：Alipay (recommended as your main method) and WeChat Pay (backup) are accepted at almost all restaurants, taxis, shops, and public transport.
3. International Credit Cards：Accepted at shopping malls, chain stores, mid-to-high-end restaurants, and hotels. Not reliable for small vendors or local markets.
What Foreigners Need to Know
· Transaction Fees: Payments under ￥200 are typically free for international cards. Payments over ￥200 incur an approximate 3% processing fee.
· Spending Limits: You may encounter per-transaction and daily spending limits, which are determined by your account verification level and your card issuer's policies. Review these limits when setting up your account.
Step-by-Step: How to Set Up Alipay Without a Chinese Bank Card
Alipay is the most stable and widely supported option for foreign travelers:
1. Sign Up: Register using your international phone number.
2. Link Your Card: Navigate to the "Cards" section and add your Visa or Mastercard credit card.
3. Verify Your Identity:
· Upload clear, unobscured photos of your passport information page, Chinese visa page, and entry stamp. Screenshots, blurry, or reflective images will be rejected.
· Basic verification is usually completed instantly, but may take 1–24 hours during peak travel seasons.
4. Enable Payments: Once verified, you can scan merchant QR codes or show your payment code to make purchases.
Step-by-Step: How to Set Up WeChat Pay
WeChat Pay functions identically to Alipay but has slightly lower compatibility for international cards:
1. Register with your international phone number.
2. Link your Visa or Mastercard credit card.
3. Complete identity verification using your passport, visa, and entry stamp.
We strongly recommend using Alipay as your primary app and WeChat Pay exclusively as a backup.
How to Make Payments in Hangzhou
There are two standard payment methods, plus one non-negotiable rule:
Most Important Rule: Only merchant dynamic QR codes or aggregate payment codes support international cards. Personal static QR codes (used by many small vendors) will always fail for foreign card payments. If you scan a code and receive a transaction error, immediately ask the vendor to show their official merchant payment code.
1. Scan the Vendor's QR Code
- Open Alipay or WeChat Pay.
- Tap "Scan" and point your camera at the merchant's code.
- Enter the exact payment amount and confirm.
2. Show Your Payment Code
- Open your personal payment QR code in the app.
- The vendor will scan your code to complete the transaction automatically.
3. Automatic In-App Payments
For ride-hailing, food delivery, and online orders, payments are deducted directly from your linked card once you confirm the order.
Critical Pre-Departure Preparation
Complete these steps 3 days before your trip to avoid delays upon arrival:
1. Contact your card issuer to enable overseas card-not-present payments and 3D Secure verification for your Visa or Mastercard credit card. Most international debit cards cannot be linked to Alipay or WeChat Pay.
2. Download the Alipay app (and WeChat Pay for backup) from your device's app store.
Do You Still Need Cash in Hangzhou?
Yes—but mainly as backup.
· Cash is legal and accepted
· Businesses cannot refuse it
However:
· Mobile payment is more widely used
· Some places may prefer digital
Best approach:
Carry some cash, but expect to use your phone most of the time.
What Foreigners Usually Get Wrong About Payment in China
Avoid these common mistakes:
- Thinking credit cards work everywhere
- Setting up apps after arriving
- Not verifying identity
- Not preparing mobile data/internet
- Relying on only one payment method
Fix this by:
- Setting up apps before arrival
- Having backup options
What If Alipay or WeChat Pay Doesn't Work?
· Use cash (RMB) – all businesses are legally required to accept it.
· Switch to your backup mobile payment app (Alipay → WeChat Pay or vice versa).
· Pay with your international credit card at larger stores, hotels, or restaurants.
· Ask a local staff member or fellow traveler for assistance if needed.
Quick Setup Checklist (Before You Arrive in Hangzhou)
1. Download Alipay
2. Link your bank card
3. Verify identity
4. Check fees and limits
5. Install WeChat Pay (backup)
6. Prepare some cash
Conclusion
By setting up Alipay before your trip, linking a supported credit card, and following the guidelines above, you will be able to pay smoothly almost anywhere in Hangzhou. Keep a small amount of cash and WeChat Pay as backups, and you will be prepared for any payment situation during your visit.
