China doesn’t run on cards or cash – it runs on app-based payments. WeChat Pay and Alipay rule, and while you could use both as a tourist before, WeChat is launching a new dedicated payment app for tourists. It’s called TenPayGo and you can pay with it wherever WeChat Pay is accepted.

You download it, set it up with your email address, and you can choose to use Apple Pay, another payment wallet (“nearly 60” international ones are supported), or your card directly through it. Then, every time you make a purchase in China with the app, you are charged by your mobile wallet or your card.

We’re live. Meet TenPayGo 👋

Coming to China for travel?

TenPayGo is a payment app built by Weixin Pay for overseas visitors to China. Pay wherever Weixin Pay is accepted, using Apple Pay, international cards and supported e-wallets.

Sign up with your email and you’re ready to… pic.twitter.com/tVGaBLPVfm

— TenPayGo (@TenPayGo) September 24, 2026

The app can also be used to identify landmarks or objects by taking a photo of them, and it can translate menus for you too. It will soon support tickets for public transport in Shenzhen, as well as easy tax refunds (again, Shenzhen first).