Payment

If you’re from the US, Europe, or most of the world, this will sound made up. But it’s real: In China, cash is effectively dead. Street food vendors don’t take it. Taxi drivers don’t carry change. Even temple donation boxes have QR codes. You will pay for everything with your phone. Here’s what you need to understand before you go. What Actually Happens When You Pay in China You finish your meal / buy something The cashier shows you a QR code (or you show yours) You scan it with Alipay or WeChat Done. 3 seconds. No card, no cash, no PIN. The apps are called Alipay and WeChat Pay. Combined, they handle over 95% of all consumer payments in Chinese cities. Credit card terminals are rare. Cash registers that can make change are even rarer. ...

You don’t need a Chinese phone number. You don’t need a Chinese bank account. Here’s how to set everything up before your flight. Before You Leave — 10 Minutes Step 1: Download the Right App Download “Alipay” (blue icon). Not “AlipayHK” — that’s for Hong Kong. App Store / Google Play. Do this on your home WiFi. Step 2: Register with Your Foreign Number Tap “Sign Up” Select your country code Enter your phone number Receive SMS code — make sure your phone can receive international SMS Important: Turn OFF your VPN. Alipay sometimes blocks VPN IPs during registration. ...