So you’re planning a trip to Chongqing, China? Awesome choice! Now, let’s talk about something super practical: how to pay for things here. Cash isn’t king in China anymore—mobile payments like Alipay or WeChat Pay rule the streets. Here’s what you need to know:
Just a heads-up, cash works too, but some street vendors might not have spare change to give you.
Why Mobile Payments?
Forget fumbling with bills and coins. 99% of daily transactions in China happen through smartphones. Street vendors, taxis, even tiny noodle shops—they all expect you to scan a QR code.
Which App to Choose?
From what I’ve researched:
- Alipay tends to be more foreigner-friendly for setup.
- WeChat Pay requires a WeChat account first (WeChat is China’s everything app—think WhatsApp meets Facebook meets your digital wallet).
How to Get Started:
- Download Alipay or WeChat from your app store.
- Follow the in-app steps to register.
- Link your international credit/debit card (both apps now support this!).
Quick Heads-Up:
I haven’t personally tested this as a non-Chresident, but don’t sweat it—I did a quick search and found some helpful guides out there. Check YouTube or Google for “How to set up Alipay/WeChat Pay as a foreigner”. Pro tip: Look for recent tutorials (2024-2025) as features update often.
Official Resources:
Stuck? Let Me Know!
If you hit snags during setup or notice outdated info in tutorials, drop a comment below. I’ll do my best to help troubleshoot!