Mobile Payments in China
QR payments are common across China. TenPayGo gives international visitors a separate way to pay at merchants that accept Weixin Pay; Alipay and Weixin Pay remain useful alternatives for other services.
Start with TenPayGo
TenPayGo is Tencent’s standalone payment app for international visitors. It can pay at merchants that accept Weixin Pay using an eligible international bank card, Apple Pay, or a supported overseas e-wallet. Available payment methods depend on your country, card issuer, device, and the app’s current support.
Check the supported payment method and any fee shown in the app before confirming each payment. Fees and promotions can differ by method and may change.
1. Choose a payment setup
A separate Tencent app for paying at Weixin Pay merchants. It supports eligible international cards, Apple Pay, and selected overseas wallets.
- Check whether TenPayGo is available in your app store before departure.
- Add a supported payment method and complete any verification the app requests.
- Check the displayed amount and fee before confirming.
A separate payment network with an English interface and additional travel services. Keep it available in case a merchant, transport service, or QR flow does not work with your first option.
- Download official "Alipay" from App Store / Google Play.
- Switch language to English in Settings.
- Go to "Account" ➔ "Bank Cards" ➔ Add Visa/Mastercard.
- Follow the identity checks shown in the app.
Link an eligible international card in WeChat if you also need WeChat messaging, Mini Programs, or services that open inside WeChat. TenPayGo uses the Weixin Pay merchant network, but it does not replace WeChat’s messaging and Mini Program features.
- Download WeChat and register with your overseas mobile number.
- Go to "Me" ➔ "Services" ➔ "Wallet" ➔ "Cards".
- Add an eligible international card and follow the in-app verification steps.
2. Merchant QR Codes vs Personal QR Codes
TenPayGo, Alipay, and international cards linked to Weixin Pay may have different merchant and transaction support. A merchant accepting Weixin Pay does not guarantee every card or wallet will work for every QR code or Mini Program. If a payment is declined, try another payment method or ask whether the merchant has a business payment code.
3. Getting Physical Cash at Foreign ATMs
Do not exchange cash at airport currency exchange kiosks (they charge 10–18% hidden margins). Instead, withdraw cash directly from bank ATMs displaying the VISA, MasterCard, or PLUS/Cirrus logos.