The biggest culture shock for foreign drivers in China: cash is basically dead.

Street food vendors, gas stations, parking lots and highway toll booths all run on WeChat Pay and Alipay. If you cannot pay by phone, you will struggle. This guide explains how to set it up.

WeChat Pay vs Alipay

They are the two dominant mobile payment apps in China. WeChat Pay lives inside WeChat (the super-app everyone uses for messaging). Alipay started as the Taobao payment tool and now covers everything from utility bills to ride-hailing. Install both — some small vendors only display one QR code.

How to bind your foreign credit card

Since 2023, both WeChat Pay and Alipay accept international credit cards. You do not need a Chinese bank account.

WeChat Pay:

  • Register a WeChat account with your foreign phone number.
  • Me → Services → Wallet → Cards → Add a bank card → Add international credit card.
  • Enter your Visa/Mastercard details and verify with a small temporary charge.

Alipay:

  • Download Alipay app and register with your foreign number.
  • Me → Bank cards → Add card → Bind non-mainland Chinese bank card.
  • Enter your credit card details and verify.

Note: New accounts have daily limits (around 5000 RMB on WeChat, 10000 on Alipay) that rise with use. Some very small vendors have disabled foreign-card acceptance — in that case you need cash.

Paying for fuel

At PetroChina or Sinopec stations in cities, scan the QR code at the pump or in the shop. At small rural stations, you may need cash. Always fill up in county towns — remote stations are rare. Our cars take 92 octane.

Paying highway tolls

Our cars do not have ETC. Take the manned lane: pick up a ticket at entry, hand it back at exit, then either pay cash or scan the QR code at the toll window. No need to get out.

Parking

  • Hotels and shopping malls: pay at the front desk or scan a QR code at the exit.
  • Street parking: either an attendant collects cash, or scan the QR sign by the space.
  • Scenic areas: 10-30 RMB per visit, cash or QR code.

Restaurants and attractions

At restaurants, scan the table QR code to order and pay — no need to call the waiter. At street stalls, the owner shows you a QR code and you enter the amount. Attractions: big sites require advance booking through WeChat mini-programs; smaller ones take QR code or cash at the gate.

Always carry cash

Even if everything works on your phone, keep 2000-3000 RMB in cash. If your phone dies, you have no signal, or a vendor does not accept foreign cards, cash saves you. We keep some cash in the car for you to use and settle at return.

Common questions

  • Can I use Apple Pay or Google Pay? Apple Pay in China only works with Chinese bank cards. Google Pay is blocked. Plan on WeChat/Alipay.
  • What about debit cards? Both apps mainly support credit cards. Some Visa Debit cards work, but credit cards are more reliable.
  • Are there fees? The apps charge no extra fee; your card issuer may add a 1-3% currency conversion fee.

How we help

When you pick up your rental car at the airport, we help you set up WeChat and Alipay in about 10 minutes. We also provide a Chinese SIM card and keep cash in the car. WeChat qxzj7557 / WhatsApp +86 13759155671.