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Debits cards or just Alipay WeChat pay only?

Hi everyone

Planning Beijing trip in September. Just wondering is downloading the AliPay or WeChat pay apps absolutely necessary or can I just pay with Debit Card/Revolut as in the west?

In Beijing, while some international debit or credit cards may work in larger hotels, international airports, and certain high-end restaurants or stores, the reality is that most daily transactions, including local shops, restaurants, street food, taxis, and markets, heavily rely on mobile payment apps like Alipay or WeChat Pay.

Here’s a detailed overview:

  • Debit/Credit Cards: Major international cards such as Visa, Mastercard, and American Express are accepted in international hotels, airports, high-end shopping malls, and some chain restaurants. However, many smaller shops, cafes, and street vendors do not accept cards.
  • Revolut or similar fintech cards: These can work in places that accept contactless Visa or Mastercard, but beware of foreign transaction fees, potential acceptance issues, or card readers not supporting foreign cards. They are generally not usable in markets, street vendors, or smaller local restaurants.
  • Alipay / WeChat Pay: These apps dominate local payments. With them, you can pay almost anywhere, including taxis, markets, convenience stores, restaurants, and even some street food vendors. You can link these apps to a Chinese bank account for full functionality, or use the “Tourist/International” versions that allow linking foreign cards with limited functionality.

Additional notes:

  • Downloading Alipay or WeChat Pay as a tourist is highly recommended for convenience, especially for small payments and public transport (some metro stations accept QR codes from these apps).
  • Without these apps, you may face challenges paying for everyday items and could be forced to carry a lot of cash in RMB.
  • If you rely only on cards, plan ahead for cash withdrawals from ATMs in banks or airports, but these can have fees and limits.

In conclusion, while it is possible to survive with debit or Revolut cards in Beijing, using Alipay or WeChat Pay—even the international versions—will make day-to-day transactions much smoother and save you from carrying large amounts of cash.

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