Does Apple Pay Work in China? (2025 Guide)

Technically yes, but practically almost useless.

Apple Pay exists in China but is accepted at so few places that you cannot rely on it. You need Alipay or WeChat Pay for everyday transactions.

Here's the full picture.

The Short Answer

Situation	Apple Pay Works?
Starbucks	Sometimes
McDonald's	Sometimes
Convenience stores	Rarely
Local restaurants	Almost never
Street vendors	Never
Metro tickets	In some cities
Taxis	Rarely
Hotels	International chains only
Online shopping	Very limited

Reality: Maybe 5% of places you'll want to pay accept Apple Pay. The other 95% require Alipay or WeChat Pay.

Why Apple Pay Doesn't Work Well in China

China Has Its Own Ecosystem

China built its own mobile payment systems years before Apple Pay launched:

• Alipay (2004, QR codes from 2011)
• WeChat Pay (2013)
• Apple Pay China (2016)

By the time Apple Pay arrived, QR code payments were already universal. Merchants had no reason to install new Apple Pay terminals.

Different Technology

Apple Pay uses NFC (tap to pay). Chinese payments use QR codes.

NFC requires:

• Special terminal hardware
• Bank partnerships
• Higher fees for merchants

QR codes require:

• Just a printed piece of paper
• Any smartphone
• Lower fees

Most Chinese merchants simply print a QR code. No terminal needed.

Market Dominance

Alipay and WeChat Pay control over 90% of mobile payments in China. Apple Pay has roughly 1% market share.

Where Apple Pay Does Work

Some International Chains

• Apple Stores (obviously)
• Some Starbucks locations
• Some McDonald's locations
• Some international hotel chains
• Duty-free shops
• Some department stores (high-end)

Public Transit (Limited)

Apple Pay with a Chinese bank card can work for:

• Beijing Subway
• Shanghai Metro
• Shenzhen Metro
• Some bus systems

Catch: Usually requires Apple Pay linked to a Chinese bank card or transit card, not your foreign card.

ATMs

Some Bank of China and ICBC ATMs accept Apple Pay for withdrawals.

What You Actually Need

Alipay (支付宝)

The most tourist-friendly option:

• Download app before arrival
• Add international Visa/Mastercard
• Works at 95%+ of merchants
• English interface available

See our Alipay setup guide.

WeChat Pay

Also widely accepted:

• Requires WeChat account
• Can add international cards
• Useful for messaging too
• Sometimes works where Alipay doesn't

Cash (Backup)

Still accepted more than Apple Pay:

• Larger stores accept cash
• Some street vendors prefer cash
• ATMs everywhere
• Good emergency backup

Setting Up Alipay (Quick Version)

1. Download Alipay app
2. Register with phone number
3. Verify identity (passport)
4. Add international Visa/Mastercard
5. Use "Tour Pass" feature for international cards
6. Scan QR codes to pay

Takes 10-15 minutes. Do it before your trip.

Can I Survive Without Alipay/WeChat Pay?

Technically yes, but painful.

You would need to:

• Use cash everywhere (awkward, sometimes refused)
• Only eat at places accepting cards (very limited)
• Skip street food, small shops, taxis
• Struggle with many daily transactions

Not recommended. Just set up Alipay.

Apple Watch in China

Same limitations apply:

• Apple Watch Apple Pay rarely accepted
• Can't scan QR codes
• Alipay has Apple Watch app (works better)
• WeChat also has Watch support

Quick Setup Priority

Before your China trip:

1. Essential: Set up Alipay (do this!)
2. Helpful: Set up WeChat Pay (backup)
3. Optional: Bring cash (emergency)
4. Useless: Rely on Apple Pay (don't)

The Bottom Line

Apple Pay technically works in China but is accepted at so few places that it's not useful for travelers. The 10 minutes to set up Alipay will save you hours of frustration.

China runs on Alipay and WeChat Pay. Join the ecosystem.

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Need help with payments in China? The China Survival Kit includes step-by-step Alipay setup, payment guides, and backup solutions for when things go wrong.