How to Use Alipay & WeChat Pay in China - Complete Guide for Foreigners

How to Use Alipay & WeChat Pay in China - Complete Guide for Foreigners

Quick Answer

Detailed Answer

1. Why Mobile Payment is Essential

• Street vendors: Most only accept mobile payment
• Bike sharing: Unlock with QR code
• Food delivery: Meituan and Ele.me only support mobile payment
• Ticketing: Train tickets, attractions all support QR payment
• Utility bills: Electricity, water, phone top-up

2. Alipay Setup Guide

Option 1: Bind International Bank Card

• Visa
• Mastercard
• American Express
• JCB
• Diners Club
• Discover

1. Download and open Alipay app
2. Select language (English and others available)
3. Tap "Sign Up" or "注册"
4. Choose "International Phone Registration"
5. Enter phone number (with country code)
6. Receive verification code, set password
7. Complete basic information
8. Tap "Add Card" or "添加银行卡"
9. Enter card number, expiry, CVV
10. Complete card binding

• Per transaction: ~$200-500 USD (varies by bank)
• Daily limit: ~$1,000-2,000 USD
• Monthly limit: ~$5,000-10,000 USD

Option 2: Travel Card (旅行通卡)

• No bank card required
• Preload funds for security
• Higher limits available

1. Search "旅行通卡" on Alipay homepage
2. Follow prompts to apply
3. Select preload amount
4. Load with international card
5. Receive virtual card number

3. WeChat Pay Setup Guide

Option 1: Bind International Bank Card

1. Download WeChat, register account (with international phone)
2. Go to "Me" → "Services" (or "Wallet")
3. Tap "Wallet" → "Bank Cards"
4. Tap "Add Bank Card"
5. Enter card number, expiry, CVV
6. Complete phone verification
7. Set payment password

Option 2: Travel/Prepaid Cards

4. Daily Payment Operations

Scan to Pay

1. Open Alipay/WeChat
2. Tap "Pay" or "Scan"
3. Merchant scans you: Show your payment code
4. You scan merchant: Scan merchant's QR code

Tap to Pay (NFC)

5. Real-World Payment Scenarios

1. Supermarket Shopping

• Large chains (Walmart, Carrefour) accept all payment types
• Small convenience stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart) equally convenient
• Tip: Keep both Alipay and WeChat available

2. Dining

• Chain restaurants: Scan menu, pay directly
• Small eateries: Tell staff "Alipay/WeChat"
• Note: Some restaurants may have minimum spend

3. Taking Taxis/Didi

• Didi: Payment auto-deducted after binding
• Street taxis: Can scan or pay cash
• Tip: Didi more convenient in major cities

4. Attraction Tickets

• Most attractions support online ticket purchase with QR entry
• Some ticket windows accept mobile payment
• Book ahead: Popular attractions recommend advance booking

6. Regional Payment Tips

Zhangjiajie (Hunan)

• Full mobile payment coverage in scenic areas
• Korean-speaking staff familiar with foreign payment habits
• Some shops accept Korean Won directly

Guangzhou/Shenzhen (Guangdong)

• Highest mobile payment coverage
• RMB exchange points accept WeChat/Alipay
• Top up transit cards at convenience stores

Key Points

• Have both apps: Recommend activating both Alipay and WeChat
• Maintain balance: Preload or ensure sufficient card funds
• Internet required: Mobile payment needs network connection
• Save records: Screenshot payment confirmations as receipt

Practical Tips

1. Activate immediately: Set up mobile payment right after arrival
2. Airport services: Some airports have mobile payment service desks
3. Credit over debit: Safer and more convenient
4. Start small: Begin with small purchases to get familiar
5. Support available: Alipay/WeChat customer service available in English

FAQs

Q1: Payment failed?

Q2: Can I use a Chinese friend's account?

Q3: How about refunds?

Q4: No Chinese phone number?

Official Resources

• Alipay International Support: Search "客服" in Alipay app
• WeChat Pay Help Center: WeChat → Pay → Wallet → Help Center
• Visa/Mastercard China websites: Check partner banks and payment limits