How to Pay with QR Codes in China

This trips up almost every first-time visitor. When a vendor in China shows you a QR code, you do NOT scan it with your phone's camera app (sometimes it doesn't work). You open Alipay or WeChat and scan from inside the app. That one difference unlocks the entire payment system.

⏱ 5 min read📅 Updated September 2026✅ Works with foreign cards

How to Pay → 📥 Download PDF

🔑 The One Thing to Remember

Open Alipay or WeChat → tap Scan → point at QR code → done.
NOT your camera app. NOT a QR scanner app. Alipay or WeChat only.

How to Scan and Pay (Alipay)

1Open Alipay
2Tap the Scan (扫一扫) icon at the top of the home screen
3Point your camera at the vendor's QR code
4Enter the amount if prompted (or it auto-fills)
5Confirm with your fingerprint, face ID, or 6-digit PIN
6A green ✅ and a success sound confirms payment — show the screen to the vendor

💡 WeChat Pay — Same Process

Open WeChat → tap + (top right) → Scan → point at code → confirm. Identical experience. Use whichever app you prefer — both work everywhere.

When the Vendor Scans YOU

Sometimes (especially at supermarkets and convenience stores) the vendor scans your QR code instead. Here's how:

1Open Alipay → tap Pay/Collect or look for a barcode icon
2A barcode and QR code appear on your screen
3Hold your screen up to the vendor's scanner
4You'll get a notification when the payment goes through

ℹ️ Which Method When?

You scan vendor's QR : (the most of time) Restaurants, market stalls, small shops, taxis, vending machines
Vendor scans your QR : (the most of time) Supermarkets, convenience stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart), pharmacies

Where You'll Use QR Payments

🍜 Restaurants

Scan the table QR → digital menu appears → order and pay in one flow
Or scan the payment QR at the counter
Many restaurants : cash-free — QR or nothing
If you're confused, show staff your Alipay scan screen — they'll guide you

🚇 Transport

Metro: Open Alipay → click "transport" → get QR → scan at gate
Bus: Same as metro — Alipay or WeChat transit QR
Didi: Payment is automatic through the app after your ride (don't pay twice)
Bike sharing: Scan the bike's QR with Alipay to unlock

🛍️ Shopping

Street markets: vendor shows you QR on phone — you scan
Supermarkets: self-checkout with Alipay or vendor scans your barcode
Vending machines: scan the screen's QR with Alipay
Tourist sites: tickets often sold via QR scan + WeChat mini-program

🏪 Convenience Stores

7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Lawson all over China
Open 24/7 — great for snacks, water, phone chargers
Show your Alipay barcode at checkout
English-labeled products available at larger branches

📲 Get the Free QR Payment Cheat Sheet

One-page printable showing exactly how to pay at restaurants, shops, and transport — with screenshots. Keep it on your phone for your first week.

✅ On its way!

No spam. I reply personally.

How to Pay with QR Codes in China

How to Scan and Pay (Alipay)

When the Vendor Scans YOU

Where You'll Use QR Payments

📲 Get the Free QR Payment Cheat Sheet

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