Alipay vs WeChat Pay vs UnionPay vs Apple Pay: How to Pay in China 2025
China is nearly cashless, but which payment app should you use? We'll compare Alipay, WeChat Pay, UnionPay, and Apple Pay to help you choose the best setup for your trip.
Table of Contents
At a Glance: Comparing the Four Payment Giants
Here's a detailed breakdown of what each platform offers to international visitors. Note that limits and fees can change, but this reflects the latest 2025 policies.
| Feature | Alipay | WeChat Pay | UnionPay QuickPass | Apple Pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Supported Cards | Visa, Mastercard, Amex, JCB, Diners Club | Visa, Mastercard, Amex, JCB | UnionPay, Discover, Diners Club, some Visa/MC | Visa, Mastercard, Amex, UnionPay (via your bank) |
| Currency Settlement | Pays in CNY, charges your card in your home currency | Pays in CNY, charges your card in your home currency | Depends on card network | Depends on card network |
| Transaction Limit | $5,000 single, $50,000 annual (¥65,000) | ¥6,000 single, ¥50,000 monthly, ¥65,000 annual | Set by your bank | Set by your bank and POS terminal |
| Transaction Fee | 3% (waived for transactions under ¥200) | 3% (waived for transactions under ¥200) | Usually 0%, but depends on merchant | 0% |
| App Language | English & other languages | English & other languages | English available | Follows your phone's system language |
| Payment Method | QR Code | QR Code | NFC 'Tap-to-Pay' & QR Code | NFC 'Tap-to-Pay' |
| Refund Time | Instant to 48 hours in-app; 7-14 days to card | Instant to 48 hours in-app; 7-14 days to card | Up to 45 days, processed by bank | 3-5 business days, processed by bank |
| Security Level | High (Payment password, biometrics) | High (Payment password, biometrics) | High (Tokenization) | Very High (Tokenization, device-specific number) |
Data sourced from Alipay, Apple Support, and UnionPay International. Limits and fees are subject to change.
Pro Tip: The Best Payment Strategy
Based on our testing and user feedback, the optimal strategy is to set up Alipay as your primary app (for small payments and QR codes), plus Apple Pay or UnionPay as your fee-free tap-to-pay option (for larger purchases).
Step-by-Step: Getting Your Payment Apps Ready
Setting up is the most important step. Follow these guides carefully before or right after you land in China.
Alipay Setup for Foreigners (6 Steps)
- Download the Alipay app from your App Store (it's not region-locked).
- Sign up using your home phone number. You'll receive an SMS verification code.
- On the home screen, tap "Account" in the bottom right, then "Bank Cards".
- Tap "+ Add Card" and enter your international Visa, Mastercard, etc., details.
- You will be prompted to enter your personal information for verification. This must exactly match your passport.
- Once the card is added, you're ready to pay!
Having Issues?
If you encounter difficulties during setup, our detailed Alipay guide provides troubleshooting and common error solutions.
WeChat Pay Setup for Foreigners (5 Steps)
- Download WeChat and register an account (best to do this before arriving in China).
- Activate WeChat Pay. The easiest way is to have a friend send you a small "red packet" or find a merchant to scan their QR code. This triggers the wallet activation.
- Once activated, go to "Me" > "Services" > "Wallet".
- Tap "Cards" and add your international credit card.
- Complete the identity verification using your passport information. Accuracy is key!
Need a Better Card? Consider using a Wise Card or iFast Global Bank, which are designed for international travel and typically have higher success rates.
UnionPay QuickPass App Setup (4 Steps)
- Download the "UnionPay" (云闪付) app from your app store.
- Register using your phone number and email.
- Navigate to the card management section and add your credit or debit card. UnionPay-branded cards work best.
- Follow the prompts to authorize the card with your bank. You can now use tap-to-pay or QR codes at UnionPay terminals.
Apple Pay Setup (4 Steps)
- Open the "Wallet" app on your iPhone.
- Tap the "+" icon in the top right corner.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to add your credit or debit card. You may need to verify with your bank via their app or SMS.
- Once added, you can use it at any terminal that shows the Apple Pay or contactless payment symbol.
Fees & Real Cost Comparison
Fees can be confusing. Alipay and WeChat Pay now charge a 3% fee on transactions over ¥200. While this seems high, it's often comparable to the exchange rate markups from your home bank. Apple Pay and UnionPay don't add extra fees, but your bank might. Here's how a few sample purchases would compare:
| Purchase Amount | Alipay / WeChat Pay Cost | Apple Pay / UnionPay Cost |
|---|---|---|
| ¥500 (Dinner for two) | ¥500 + (¥300 × 3% fee) = ¥509 | ¥500 (plus any bank conversion fees) |
| ¥2,000 (Shopping) | ¥2,000 + (¥1800 × 3% fee) = ¥2,054 | ¥2,000 (plus any bank conversion fees) |
| ¥10,000 (Hotel Bill) | ¥10,000 + (¥9800 × 3% fee) = ¥10,294 | ¥10,000 (plus any bank conversion fees) |
*Note: The fee for Alipay/WeChat Pay only applies to the amount exceeding the ¥200 waiver. Your bank may still charge its own foreign transaction fees on top of this.
Which App for Which Scenario?
- For Everything Small (Coffee, Taxis, Street Food): Use Alipay or WeChat Pay. Their QR codes are everywhere, and payments under ¥200 are fee-free. Acceptance is nearly 100%.
- For Large Purchases (Malls, Hotels, Restaurants): Use Apple Pay or UnionPay QuickPass if the terminal supports it. You'll avoid the 3% app fee. Alipay is the best QR code backup for these larger payments.
- For Online Shopping & Transportation (Taobao, Subway, Didi): Alipay is king. It's the native payment system for most Chinese e-commerce platforms and transportation.
- The Bottom Line: Set up Alipay first as your primary QR app. Then, set up Apple Pay or UnionPay as your fee-free tap-to-pay option for larger stores. This two-app strategy covers 99% of situations.
Bank Recommendations
For the best experience, consider using bank accounts designed for international travel:
FAQ: Common Questions from Travelers
Q1: What should I do if my foreign card gets declined?
First, check our error code database. The most common reasons are: your bank blocking the transaction (call them to pre-authorize China payments), a name mismatch between your passport and bank records, or the specific merchant not accepting foreign cards.
Trying a different app (e.g., if WeChat Pay fails, try Alipay) often works.
Q2: Can I use these apps to withdraw cash?
No, you cannot use your linked foreign card in Alipay or WeChat Pay to withdraw cash from ATMs. These apps are for point-of-sale payments only. You will need to use your physical bank card at an ATM that accepts Visa/Mastercard.
Q3: Can I really use Apple Pay with my foreign card in China?
Yes, absolutely. As long as your card is added to your Apple Wallet, it will work at any terminal in China that has the contactless payment symbol (looks like a sideways Wi-Fi symbol).
The transaction is processed by your home bank, just as if you tapped your physical card.
Q4: Which is better, Apple Pay or UnionPay QuickPass?
For most tourists with an iPhone, Apple Pay is better due to its seamless integration and user-friendly interface.
UnionPay QuickPass is an excellent alternative, especially if you have a UnionPay-branded card or an Android phone, as its acceptance for tap-and-pay is also widespread.
Q5: Are there alternatives that don't need a Chinese phone number?
Alipay, WeChat Pay, and the UnionPay app all allow you to sign up with your international phone number. You do not need a Chinese SIM card to get started, though having one for data is highly recommended.
Having reliable data connectivity will enhance your payment experience in China.
Q6: Are there any new payment policies for foreigners in 2025?
Yes, the biggest change is the increased transaction limits for tourists on both Alipay and WeChat Pay, moving from ~$5,000 to over ~$50,000 annually for Alipay and ¥65,000 annually for WeChat Pay.
The fee waiver for small transactions (under ¥200) is also a continued government-led initiative to improve the travel experience. The payment landscape is constantly improving for foreigners!
Conclusion: Your 2025 China Payment Strategy
Paying in China as a tourist has never been easier. The combination of QR codes and tap-to-pay gives you complete coverage.
Your Action Plan:
- Primary App: Set up Alipay with your best travel credit card. It has the highest acceptance rate.
- Fee-Free Backup: Set up Apple Pay (or UnionPay) for larger purchases at modern terminals to save on fees.
- Before You Go: Notify your bank of your travel dates to prevent your card from being blocked.
- Pro Tip: Consider getting a travel-designed Wise Card for better exchange rates and fewer declines.
With this setup, you'll be ready to pay like a local. For a deeper dive, explore our guides to using Revolut in China and fixing common payment errors.