Set Up Alipay Before You Arrive
China runs almost entirely on digital payments, and Beijing is no exception. More than 90% of transactions happen through mobile apps, with Alipay being the most straightforward for foreign visitors. You can link an international credit or debit card (Visa or Mastercard) before landing, no Chinese bank account needed. Once set up, you'll use it everywhere from subway tickets to noodle stalls to museum entries. This single step eliminates the stress of figuring out cash exchanges or finding places that accept cards.
Tips
- Link your international Visa or Mastercard directly in the app during setup
- If you hit any payment glitches, temporarily disable your VPN and retry
- Once verified, you can pay by scanning QR codes at storefronts or tapping your phone at card readers