What is Wechat pay ?

As stated above, WeChat Pay allows individuals to make electronic payments using their smartphone. A significant number of Chinese citizens use WeChat Pay instead of paper currency, and as a tourist, setting up a WeChat Pay account can make purchasing products, sending money, and paying bills considerably easier. If you choose to make a purchase in China, the app will automatically convert your currency into CNY (and vice-versa for tourists). Once the buyer confirms the deal in the app, the money will be deducted from your home account.

WeChat Pay supports a large number of currencies, which include, but are not limited to USD, CAD, EUR, GBP, AUD, and NZD. Vendors agree to accept these currencies, and if your country’s currency is not supported, transactions can be made in USD.

Setting up a Wechat pay account

Setting up a WeChat Pay account as a tourist is relatively simple, and the process only consists of a few steps. To start using WeChat Pay in China, you must first download the app and link your WeChat wallet to your personal bank account. It is important to note, however, that you must have a Chinese bank account or a credit card from your home country. In the past, only Chinese credit cards where accepted, but the app now allows tourists to use international credit and debit cards in the app.

To set up WeChat Pay account, complete the following steps:

• Open the app and select the “Me” option. After selecting this option, tap “Wallet.”
• Select the “Bank Card” option.
• Choose “Add a Card.”
• Enter your card number into the prompt.
• Enter your passport ID number, name, and phone number.
• Once you have entered your card and personal information, you will be sent a confirmation code via SMS. Enter the code into the prompt.
• Once you enter the code, you will be asked to create a payment passcode. Similar to a PIN number, a passcode will allow you to approve payments.
• Accept the user agreement and begin using WeChat Pay to make transactions.
If you intend to use a foreign credit card in China, you will need to enter your billing information and the security code on the back of the card. You will also be asked to verify the card number. It is important to note, however, that some credit card issues charge foreign transaction fees, which can be up to 2% of the overall purchase price of a product or service. Your card issuer may also initially refuse to allow you to input your information due to fraud suspicions. This issue can usually be solved by contacting the issuer directly.

What is Alipay ?

Alipay is the dominant payment app in China and can be used for purchasing goods and services, direct transfer, paying bills, and other functions. Alipay connects directly to your Chinese bank to make payments and transfers.

Setting up a Alipay account

1. Download the Alipay APP

You can do so by following this link and clicking “立即下载” (or by looking for it in your favorite APP store):

https://m.alipay.com

You can sign up simply with your phone number

2. Open the “Me” section of the APP

3. Enter the “My Account: Cards, Membership” section

4. Tap on the “My Cards – Add Now” button

5. Set a six digit payment password

6. Tap on “My Cards – Add Now” again

7. Add your bank card number after entering the transaction password that you have set during step 5

8. Fill your bank card information

Make sure to enter your name exactly the way it is displayed in your bank statements.

Enter your ID details:

For foreign nationals- Select Passport as ID type
For HK and Taiwan users- Use Home visit Permit as ID type

9. Enter the SMS phone verification confirmation code

Using WeChat or Alipay in China to Pay?

You can also use Alipay and WeChat to pay items for sale in apps that lack traditional payment functionalities. For example, with Ele.me or Meituan you can order takeout at local restaurants and pay using Alipay or WeChat.

In addition to standard transactions, these mobile payment apps have taken the convenience of mobile payment to a higher level by allowing you to pay for bills like cellphone service and Internet with the app. Depending on your area and provider, you may even be able to pay for utilities like electricity and water too.

Mobile payments have made cash almost obsolete in major Chinese cities, with Alipay (known as Zhifubao in Chinese) leading the way as China’s top mobile and online payment service. Here’s how you can set up and use Alipay:

1. Download the Alipay App
   • Visit https://m.alipay.com or your favorite app store to download the latest version.
   • Sign up using your mobile phone number. Alipay will send a confirmation code via SMS for verification. Set a password when prompted.
2. Navigate to the “Me” Section
   • Open the app and tap on “Me” at the bottom right corner.
   • Tap on “My Account”. If you haven’t added a card before, tap “Add Card” next to the “My Cards” section.
3. Set Your Payment Password
   • In the “My Account: Cards, Membership” section, set a six-digit payment password. This password will be used for online payments.
4. Add Your Bank Card
   • Tap “Add Now” under “My Cards”.
   • Enter your Chinese bank card number. Alipay will automatically display your bank’s name.
   • Fill in your name and other required information. For international Visa/Mastercard credit cards, follow the prompts.
5. Verification
   • Verify your identity by entering your personal information exactly as registered with your bank.
   • Alipay will send a confirmation code to your registered phone number. Enter this code to link your bank card to Alipay.
6. Final Steps
   • Your bank card will now be visible under “My Cards”. You can use it to make purchases across China.
   • To pay, simply tap the “Pay” button to generate your personal QR code for scanning by retailers or friends.
7. Complete Setup
   • Enter your transaction password (set during step 3) and fill in any additional required details, including SMS verification.

Best Ways for Travelers to Pay for Things in China

China operates primarily on a cash economy, especially in smaller cities and rural areas. However, in larger coastal cities, alternative payment methods are more widely accepted.

1. Credit and Debit Cards
   • Obtain a UnionPay card when opening a bank account in China for assured acceptance.
   • Major international cards like Visa and MasterCard are accepted in tier-1 cities at hotels, restaurants, shopping malls, and transportation hubs.
   • Contact your card company before travel to ensure international usage compatibility.
2. Travelers’ Cheques
   • Can be cashed at major banks with a valid passport.
   • Recommended to use the main branches of Bank of China in smaller cities for ease.
3. Currency Exchange
   • Exchange foreign currency for yuan at major banks or licensed moneychangers.
   • Accepted currencies typically include USD, EUR, GBP, and JPY; avoid unregistered moneychangers.
4. Online Payments and Mobile Payment Services
   • Alipay is widely used for online and mobile payments; requires a Chinese bank card and some fluency in Mandarin to set up.
   • No English version of the website currently, but detailed instructions are available online.
5. ATM Cash Withdrawal
   • International cards are accepted at ATMs with English language options.
   • Banks may charge a flat fee plus a percentage of the transaction amount.
   • UnionPay cards are widely accepted, but there are transaction limits and potential availability issues, especially for larger withdrawals.

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