Inside the wallet apps
Tencent’s July 2023 article lists Visa, American Express, Discover Global Network (with Diners Club), JCB and Mastercard as cards a visitor can link to Weixin Pay. Alipay’s page says it accepts credit or debit cards from major international networks, issued outside the mainland, for daily purchases.
In both cases the card pays the merchant through the app’s QR code, not through the card’s own tap.
At a card terminal
A Shanghai government notice dated 15 Apr 2024 says service centers at local Metro stations now have terminals for overseas cards. It names Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, Diners Club, JCB and UnionPay. The notice does not name the stations.
It tells you the card works in that place, not in every shop. Elsewhere, look for the network logo at the till and ask before you order.
What to check before you go
- Your bank’s fee for foreign transactions and currency conversion.
- That the card is enabled for overseas use in your banking app.
- A second card on another network, so one failure does not strand you.
- Cash for the first taxi or meal.
We could not read the official Visa and Mastercard pages for China while writing this, so the page relies on the providers above.
Compare China eSIM plans
Yesim
CHINA- 1 GB, 30 days
- 5 GB, 30 days: $13.20
- Unlimited, 5 days: $21.60
- Speed may be reduced under the network’s fair-use policy.
Airalo
CHINA- 1 GB, 3 days
- 5 GB, 30 days: $14.50
- Unlimited, 5 days: $19.00
- Throttled to 1 Mbps after 3 GB per day.
Saily
CHINA- 1 GB, 7 days
- 5 GB, 30 days: $15.99
- Unlimited, 5 days: $22.99
- 5 GB per day at full speed, then up to 1 Mbps.
Check eSIM compatibility, carrier unlock, coverage and when validity starts. Buy and install while you have reliable Wi-Fi. Prices in US dollars, from each provider’s China page on the date shown. They change often.
Questions before you go
Do Visa and Mastercard work in China?
Inside Weixin Pay and Alipay, yes, according to the providers. At shop terminals it depends on the terminal.
Is there a fee?
Tencent says fees are waived for single payments of 200 RMB or less. Your own bank may charge foreign transaction fees.
Can I buy a Metro ticket with an overseas card?
The April 2024 Shanghai notice says Metro service centers have terminals for overseas cards.
Sources & review notes
- Tencent: Weixin Pay for overseas visitors, 20 Jul 2023 ↗ · Reviewed
- Alipay+ visitor guide ↗ · Reviewed
- Shanghai government: overseas cards at Metro service centers, 15 Apr 2024 ↗ · Reviewed
Product prices use their own dates. Provider statements are not independent connection tests. Recheck time-sensitive details before booking.