Quick answer: QR codes are the operating system of daily life in China — you scan to pay, to order food, to read menus, to register at attractions, to rent a shared power bank, and to follow official accounts. For a first-time foreign visitor, the two essential apps are Alipay and WeChat, both of which now support international credit cards and have built-in scan functions. Set them up before your flight and China becomes significantly easier.
Last reviewed: May 2026. App features and compatibility change frequently.
Where You Will Encounter QR Codes as a Traveler
| Situation | What you scan | How it works |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurant ordering | Table QR code | Scan → menu appears on your phone → order and pay in the mini-program. No waiter interaction needed. |
| Paying at shops | Merchant QR code | You scan their code, enter amount, confirm — or they scan your payment code. |
| Metro / bus | QR code in Alipay transport section | Generate a city-specific transit code, scan at the gate. Different cities use different codes. |
| Attraction entry | Booking confirmation QR | Scan at the gate to verify your reservation. |
| Shared power banks | QR on the charging station | Scan to unlock a power bank, return to any station of the same brand. |
| WiFi in some places | QR on a sign | Scan to connect (sometimes requires phone number verification). |
Setting Up Alipay and WeChat for QR Code Scanning
- Download Alipay and WeChat from your app store before departure.
- In Alipay: Go to Me → Settings → Account and Security → Identity Information → verify with your passport. Then add your international credit card in Me → Bank Cards.
- In WeChat: Go to Me → Services → Wallet → Cards → add your international card. Enable WeChat Pay International Visitor Mode if available.
- Test by sending ¥1 to a friend or scanning a random QR code to confirm it works before you leave home.
- Both apps have a built-in “Scan” function — it is usually the first button on the home screen.
Common QR Code Problems and How to Solve Them
| Problem | Likely cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Scan does nothing | Wrong app — WeChat QR needs WeChat scan, Alipay QR needs Alipay scan | Use the correct app for the correct QR code. |
| Payment fails | Card not verified, international transaction blocked by bank | Verify identity in app settings; notify your bank of China travel. |
| Can’t access mini-program | Some mini-programs require Chinese phone number | Ask staff to help — most restaurants will take your order manually if you can’t scan. |
| Transit code not working | Wrong city — each city has its own transit QR in Alipay | Switch to the correct city in the Alipay transport section. |