QR wallet payments are a core daily payment pattern in China, used for everything from coffee to taxis.
What People Use in China
Alipay
A major QR wallet used widely for everyday payments, services, and in-app mini services.
WeChat Pay
A major QR payment method tightly integrated into WeChat and widely used for everyday spending.
UnionPay App
A widely used China wallet app for QR payments and card-linked payment flows, with features that overlap with Alipay and WeChat Pay.
Traveler Tips
- ✓Learn the two common modes: you scan a merchant code, or the merchant scans your code.
- ✓Set up at least one wallet app and test a small payment early.
- ✓Keep a backup wallet or cash in case verification or limits block a payment.
Things to Watch Out For
- ⚠Some flows require identity verification.
- ⚠Limits and available features may differ for visitors.