China is nearly cashless. You pay for the subway, buses, taxis, shared bikes, and even ferries by scanning a QR code on your phone. If you arrive without the right apps set up, you'll be stuck at the turnstile wondering why nothing works.
This guide covers every app and payment method you need to get around China as a foreign tourist — which ones to download before your flight, how to set them up step by step, and when to use each one. No guesswork, no wasted time at the station.
The 6 Apps You Need (Download Before You Fly)
| App | What It Does | Foreign Card? | Setup Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alipay | Metro, bus, bike, taxi, all payments | ✅ Visa/Mastercard | 5 min |
| Metro QR, DiDi mini-program, payments | ✅ Visa/Mastercard | 5 min | |
| Apple Maps or Amap (Gaode) | Navigation, transit directions | N/A | 2 min |
| Trip.com | Train & flight bookings | ✅ International cards | 3 min |
| DiDi (standalone) | Ride-hailing | ✅ Via Alipay/int'l card | 3 min |
| MetroMan | Offline metro maps for 50+ cities | N/A | 1 min |
The two non-negotiables: Alipay and WeChat. Between them, they handle 95% of all transportation payments in China. Set up both before you land.
Quick Decision: How Should You Pay?
| Situation | Best Method | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Riding the metro | Alipay Transport QR | Fastest, works in 46+ cities, one-tap setup |
| Catching a bus | Alipay Transport QR | Same QR code as metro — no extra setup |
| Hailing a taxi/ride | DiDi via Alipay or standalone DiDi app | English interface, upfront pricing, track route |
| Renting a shared bike | Alipay Scan | Scan any Hellobike, no deposit needed |
| Intercity train | Trip.com | English, international cards, e-tickets |
| Multi-city trip | T-Union transit card | One card, 349+ cities |
| Phone is dead | T-Union card or single-journey token | Physical backup |
Alipay Transport QR: The #1 Payment Method
If you set up only one thing before landing in China, make it this. Alipay's Transport QR code lets you scan through metro gates, tap onto buses, and even unlock shared bikes — all from a single QR code in the Alipay app.
Setup: 4 Steps (2 Minutes)
- Open Alipay → tap "Transport" (出行) on the home page
- Select your city from the dropdown (e.g., Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou)
- Tap "Get now" → "Agree and obtain"
- A blue QR code appears — this is your metro/bus ticket
At the station:
- Entry: Hold QR code to the scanner on the gate → green light → walk through
- Exit: Open Alipay again → same QR → scan at exit gate → fare deducted automatically
Works in 46+ cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Chongqing, Xi'an, Hangzhou, Wuhan, Nanjing, Suzhou, and most tourist destinations.
2026 Update: Foreign Cards Now Work in 42 of 46 Cities
When Alipay Transport QR first launched for foreigners, it only worked in a handful of cities. As of 2026, foreign Visa/Mastercard binding works directly in 42 of 46 supported cities — no need for a separate TourCard or Chinese bank account.
Pro Tips
- Pre-load your QR while on WiFi. If your mobile signal is weak underground, the cached QR still works for up to 24 hours.
- Set up each city when you arrive. The QR is city-specific. When you travel from Beijing to Shanghai, you need to switch your city in the app (takes 10 seconds).
- Metro and bus may require separate activation in some cities. Check that both show "activated" in your Transport tab.
- Check your ride history. Alipay shows every trip's fare and timestamp in the Transport section — useful for expense tracking.
WeChat Metro Mini-Program: The Alternative
WeChat offers the same metro/bus QR payment through its built-in "Ride Code" (乘车码) mini-program. It works in the same cities as Alipay and accepts international cards via WeChat Pay.
Setup: 3 Steps
- Open WeChat → tap the search icon at the top
- Search "乘车码" (Ride Code) or "腾讯乘车码"
- Select your city → agree to terms → QR code generates
At the station: Same as Alipay — scan at entry gate, scan again at exit gate. Fare deducted from your linked payment method.
Alipay vs WeChat: Which Should You Use?
| Alipay Transport QR | WeChat Ride Code | |
|---|---|---|
| Cities supported | 46+ | 46+ (same network) |
| Foreign card binding | ✅ 42 of 46 cities | ✅ Yes (may require Tour Pass in some cities) |
| Setup ease | Slightly easier | Slightly more steps |
| Bike unlocking | ✅ Yes (same QR) | ❌ No (need separate mini-program) |
| DiDi integration | ✅ Yes (Transport tab) | ✅ Yes (Mini-Program) |
| Cached QR offline | ✅ Up to 24 hours | ✅ Limited |
Our recommendation: Set up both. Use Alipay as your primary (better foreign card support, cached QR works longer) and WeChat as backup. If one app crashes or your payment method temporarily fails, you have the other ready.
T-Union Card: The National Transit Card
If you prefer a physical card — or want a backup for when your phone dies — the China T-Union Card (交通联合) is the answer. It's a prepaid transportation card that works across 349+ cities in mainland China on metro, bus, tram, ferry, and even the Shanghai Maglev.
What It Covers
| Transport Type | Supported? |
|---|---|
| Metro/subway | ✅ All major cities |
| City buses | ✅ All major cities |
| Trams | ✅ Yes |
| City ferries | ✅ Yes |
| Taxis | ✅ Most cities |
| Shanghai Maglev | ✅ Yes |
| Intercity trains | ❌ No |
Where to Buy
| Pickup Location | Price | Preloaded Credit | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai Hongqiao Airport | ~$8.69 | ¥30/50/100 options | 9 AM–9 PM |
| Beijing Capital Airport | ~$8.69 | ¥30/50/100 options | 8 AM–midnight |
| Beijing Daxing Airport (PKX) | ~$8.69 | ¥30/50/100 options | 8 AM–midnight |
| Suzhou Railway Station | ~$4.15 | None (top up separately) | 9 AM–5 PM |
| Hotel delivery (nationwide) | ~$8.69 | ¥30/50/100 options | 2–4 business days |
Easiest option: Buy online via Klook or KKday before your trip, pick up at the airport when you land. The card is activated and ready to use immediately.
How to Top Up
- At station machines: Most metro stations have e-kiosks that accept cash
- At ticket counters: Station service windows accept cash and sometimes Alipay
- Via SilkPass app: Download SilkPass, use your phone's NFC to top up (requires NFC-enabled phone)
City Discounts
T-Union cards often get small discounts that QR payments don't:
| City | Discount |
|---|---|
| Beijing | 50% off on select lines before 7 AM; free transfers between certain lines within 30 min |
| Shanghai | Free transfers between certain lines within 30 min; ¥1 off bus-to-metro transfers within 120 min |
| Chongqing | 10–15% off on select routes |
| Guangzhou/Foshan | 5% off on buses |
T-Union vs Alipay QR: Which to Choose?
| Alipay Transport QR | T-Union Card | |
|---|---|---|
| Works without phone | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Multi-city | Switch city in app (10 sec) | Works everywhere automatically |
| Setup | 2 min in app | Buy online, pick up at airport |
| Discounts | Some cities | More consistent discounts |
| Risk | Phone dies = no ride | Card can be lost |
| Best for | Short trips, tech-comfortable travelers | Long trips, backup, less tech-savvy travelers |
Our take: Get both. Alipay QR is your primary method; T-Union card is your backup and works when your phone battery dies. At ~$8.69 with ¥30 preloaded, the card pays for itself if you use it for just a few rides.
DiDi: China's Uber (3 Ways to Use It)
DiDi handles 30+ million rides per day across 400+ cities. For foreigners, there are three ways to use it — each with different trade-offs.
Method 1: DiDi Inside Alipay (Recommended for Beginners)
The easiest option. No separate app to download, no Chinese phone number needed.
- Open Alipay → tap "Transport" (出行)
- Tap "DiDi" icon
- Enter destination in English → select ride type → confirm pickup location
- Pay via Alipay (international card linked)
Why it's great: Single payment ecosystem. No separate app. English interface. Drivers see your pickup location pinned on a map.
Method 2: DiDi Inside WeChat
- Open WeChat → search "DiDi" in the Mini-Program search bar
- Open the DiDi Mini-Program → enter destination → book ride
- Pay via WeChat Pay (international card linked)
Why it's great: No separate app. Built-in auto-translation for driver messages. Track ride in real-time.
Method 3: Standalone DiDi App
Download "DiDi" (orange logo, by Beijing Xiaoju Technology) from your app store. Register with your international phone number.
Why it's great: Most features, best ride-type selection, most payment options.
Critical: Download the China version — orange logo with "DiDi 出行." Do NOT download "DiDi Rider" (international version) — it's a different app that doesn't work in mainland China.
DiDi vs Traditional Taxi
| DiDi | Street Taxi | |
|---|---|---|
| English interface | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Upfront pricing | ✅ See fare before booking | ❌ Meter (sometimes "negotiated") |
| Route tracking | ✅ GPS tracked in-app | ❌ No |
| Payment | In-app (Alipay/WeChat) | Cash or Alipay scan |
| Language barrier | Auto-translated messages | Driver speaks Chinese only |
| Availability | 24/7, 400+ cities | Varies by city and time |
| Airport pickup | ✅ Designated pickup zones | ✅ Taxi queue |
Always choose DiDi over hailing a street taxi. You see the fare upfront, the route is tracked, and the English interface eliminates language issues.
Shared Bikes: How to Unlock Them
China's streets are lined with shared bikes — Hellobike (blue), Meituan (yellow), and DiDi (blue-green). You don't need separate apps for most of them.
Using Alipay to Unlock Bikes
- Open Alipay → tap "Scan" (扫一扫)
- Scan the QR code on the bike's rear fender
- The bike unlocks automatically
- Ride to your destination → park in a designated zone (painted lines on sidewalk)
- Lock the bike manually → fare deducted from Alipay
Cost: ¥1.5–3 per ride (about $0.20–$0.40). Charged per 30-minute block.
Which Bikes Work with Alipay Scan?
| Brand | Color | Alipay Scan? | Separate App? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hellobike | Blue | ✅ Yes | Optional |
| Meituan | Yellow | ❌ No | Meituan app required |
| DiDi Bike | Blue-green | ❌ No | DiDi app required |
Tip: Alipay's "Bike" section (inside the Transport tab) shows a real-time map of nearby Hellobikes — faster than scanning random bikes on the street.
Important Rules
- Park in designated zones only. Leaving a bike outside marked areas triggers a ¥5–20 fine.
- Check the bike before riding. Test brakes, check tire inflation, adjust seat height. Some bikes are rough.
- No riding in metro stations or underground. Park bikes outside, walk in.
- Helmets are not provided (and rarely worn in China). Ride carefully.
Navigation Apps: What to Use Instead of Google Maps
Google Maps is blocked in China. Even with a VPN, its data is outdated and has a GPS offset that makes your location inaccurate. Here's what to use instead:
Apple Maps (Best for iPhone Users)
When you're physically in China, Apple Maps automatically switches to Gaode Maps data (China's #1 navigation provider) but keeps everything in English. Metro routes, bus schedules, walking directions, and live traffic are all accurate.
Best for: Turn-by-turn walking and transit directions in English.
Amap / Gaode Maps (Best for Android Users)
Amap launched its full English interface in 2025. It offers real-time traffic, lane guidance, and even traffic light countdowns — a uniquely useful feature for anyone walking or cycling in Chinese cities.
Best for: Precise navigation, real-time traffic, finding specific business locations.
MetroMan (Best for Metro-Only Navigation)
A lightweight, offline-capable app that covers metro systems in 50+ Chinese cities. Shows transfers, exit numbers, and station layouts. No internet required after downloading the city map.
Best for: Planning complex metro routes with multiple transfers, especially when you're underground without signal.
Intercity Travel: Booking Trains & Flights
For getting between cities, you'll need to book high-speed rail or domestic flights. The best app for foreigners is Trip.com.
Trip.com (Recommended)
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| English interface | ✅ Full English |
| Payment | International credit cards, Alipay, WeChat |
| Train tickets | High-speed rail e-tickets (scan passport at station) |
| Flights | 45+ domestic Chinese cities |
| Service fee | Small fee (~¥20–40 per ticket) |
| Customer support | 24/7 English support |
Why Trip.com over 12306: China's official train booking app (12306) requires passport verification that can take up to 24 hours and has a partial English interface. Trip.com charges a small fee but gives you full English, instant booking, and international card payments. For your first trip, the convenience is worth it.
12306 (Official App, Advanced Users)
If you're a frequent traveler or want zero booking fees, download the China Railway 12306 app. Register with your passport number (verification takes up to 24 hours for foreigners), then book tickets at face value with Alipay or WeChat.
Buses: City Bus Payment
City buses in China accept the same Alipay Transport QR you use for the metro. No separate setup needed.
How it works:
1. Board the bus through the front door
2. Scan your Alipay Transport QR on the reader near the driver
3. Hear a beep → fare deducted (usually ¥1–2 flat rate)
4. Exit through the back door (no need to scan again on flat-rate buses)
Distance-based buses (common in some cities): Scan on entry, scan on exit. Same QR, same process.
Ferries & Maglev
Shanghai Maglev
The Shanghai Maglev (magnetic levitation train) connects Pudong International Airport to Longyang Road Station at up to 431 km/h. Takes about 8 minutes.
Payment: T-Union card, Alipay, or buy tickets at the station. One-way: ¥50 (¥40 with same-day flight boarding pass).
City Ferries
Shanghai, Chongqing, Guangzhou, and Wuhan have city ferry services. Payment is via Alipay Transport QR or T-Union card, same as metro.
Payment Flowchart: What to Use When
graph TD
A[Need to get somewhere in China?] --> B{How far?}
B -->|Under 3 km| C[Shared bike via Alipay Scan]
B -->|3-20 km| D{In a rush or carrying luggage?}
B -->|20+ km in city| E[Metro via Alipay QR]
B -->|100+ km between cities| F[Trip.com for train/flight]
D -->|Yes| G[DiDi via Alipay or WeChat]
D -->|No| E
E --> H{Phone working?}
H -->|Yes| I[Alipay Transport QR]
H -->|No / Dead battery| J[T-Union Card]
Common Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
Mistake 1: Not setting up Alipay before arrival
What happens: You land, can't pay for the metro or a taxi, and spend 30 minutes at the airport trying to set up payment while jet-lagged.
Fix: Set up Alipay and link your international credit card at home, before your flight. Test it by scanning any QR code.
Mistake 2: Using Google Maps for navigation
What happens: Directions are wrong, locations are offset, and you end up 100 meters from where you need to be. Google Maps data in China is years out of date.
Fix: Use Apple Maps (iOS) or Amap (Android). Both are accurate and work without a VPN.
Mistake 3: Downloading the wrong DiDi app
What happens: You download "DiDi Rider" (the international version) and it doesn't work anywhere in mainland China.
Fix: Download "DiDi" with the orange logo by Beijing Xiaoju Technology. Or just use DiDi inside Alipay — no download needed.
Mistake 4: Forgetting to switch cities in Alipay
What happens: You travel from Beijing to Shanghai, try to scan the metro gate, and it says "QR not valid." Your QR is still set to Beijing.
Fix: Open Alipay Transport → change city to Shanghai → new QR generates in 10 seconds.
Mistake 5: Trying to pay cash everywhere
What happens: Some buses and smaller stations no longer accept cash. Taxi drivers may not have change. You waste time finding an ATM.
Fix: Use Alipay or WeChat for everything. Cash is a backup, not a primary method.
Mistake 6: Not having a payment backup
What happens: Your phone dies at 9 PM in an unfamiliar neighborhood. No Alipay, no WeChat, no DiDi. You're stranded.
Fix: Carry a T-Union card (works without a phone) and a small amount of cash (¥100–200 in small bills).
Mistake 7: Booking the wrong train class
What happens: You book a "hard seat" on a regular train for a 10-hour journey. It's crowded, uncomfortable, and there are no power outlets.
Fix: Always book high-speed rail (G/D trains). Use Trip.com and filter by "High-Speed." Second class is perfectly comfortable.
Cost Reference: What You'll Actually Pay
| Transport | Typical Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Metro (short ride, <6 km) | ¥2–3 ($0.28–$0.42) | Distance-based pricing |
| Metro (long ride, 20+ km) | ¥5–7 ($0.70–$1.00) | Airport lines cost more |
| City bus | ¥1–2 ($0.14–$0.28) | Flat rate in most cities |
| DiDi Express (3 km) | ¥12–18 ($1.70–$2.50) | Cheaper than Western Uber |
| DiDi Express (10 km) | ¥25–40 ($3.50–$5.50) | Surge pricing during rush hour |
| Shared bike (30 min) | ¥1.5 ($0.21) | Alipay scan to unlock |
| Shanghai Maglev (one-way) | ¥50 ($7.00) | ¥40 with flight boarding pass |
| High-speed rail (Beijing→Shanghai) | ¥498 ($69) | Second class, ~4.5 hours |
| High-speed rail (Shanghai→Hangzhou) | ¥73 ($10) | Second class, ~1 hour |
FAQ
Do I need a Chinese bank account to pay for transport?
No. Alipay and WeChat both accept international Visa and Mastercard. Link your card in the app before you arrive, and you can pay for everything — metro, bus, DiDi, bikes — without a Chinese bank account.
Can I use my contactless credit card on the metro?
Shanghai Metro accepts Visa/Mastercard contactless (tap-to-pay) on some lines, and Beijing is testing similar systems. However, it usually costs slightly more than Alipay QR and isn't available on all lines yet. Use Alipay as your primary method.
What if my phone dies while I'm out?
Carry a T-Union transit card as backup. It works without a phone. Also keep ¥100–200 in cash for emergencies — some taxi drivers accept cash, and you can buy single-journey tokens at metro station machines.
Does the T-Union card work on high-speed trains?
No. The T-Union card is for local public transport (metro, bus, tram, ferry). For intercity trains, book through Trip.com or 12306.
Is DiDi safe for foreigners?
Yes. All drivers are registered, rides are GPS-tracked, and fares are shown upfront. You can share your ride status with contacts. It's generally safer than hailing a random street taxi.
Can kids ride for free?
Children under 1.2 meters tall (about 3'11") travel free on metro, bus, and high-speed trains. No ticket or QR code needed for them.
What navigation app should I use?
- iPhone: Apple Maps (switches to Gaode data in China, English interface)
- Android: Amap/Gaode Maps (English version available since 2025)
- Metro only: MetroMan (offline, covers 50+ cities)
- Never: Google Maps (blocked, outdated, inaccurate GPS)
Related Guides:
- How to Get Around China: Complete Transportation Guide
- China Metro & Subway: Complete Guide for Tourists
- DiDi: Complete Guide to China's Ride-Hailing App
- China High-Speed Rail Guide
- 12306 App Guide for Foreigners
- China Airport Guide