What are the commonly used payment methods in China？
Bank card ｜ mobile payment ｜ cash ｜ bank account ｜ e-CNY
However, the most convenient and widely used method is mobile payment, primarily Alipay and WeChat Pay
Which App to Choose? Alipay vs. WeChat Pay
Alipay: Highly recommended for foreigners.
It has a fully English interface, better support for international bank cards, and a streamlined verification process specifically designed for foreigners. It offers a better experience in department stores, chain stores, and online platforms like Taobao.
WeChat Pay: Deeply integrated into the WeChat super-app, making it very convenient.
However, its English support for the payment function is incomplete, and the verification process can be more complex. It’s more suitable for small vendors, personal transfers, and interacting with WeChat friends.
Recommendation: Set up both, but prioritize setting up Alipay first, as it will be your primary payment tool.
How to Set Up Alipay
Step 1: Download & Register
Search for “Alipay” in your app store (e.g., App Store or Google Play) or from its offical website and download it.
Open the app, tap “Sign Up”. Use your phone number to receive a verification code to register.
Step 2: Real-Name Verification – The Most Critical Step
1.After logging in, tap “Me” at the bottom right, then tap your profile picture in the top left corner.
2.Select “Verify Your Identity”.
3.For most foreign tourists, choose “Verify Mainland Payment Identity”.
4.Select the document type as “Passport”.
5.Follow the instructions to fill in your personal information (must exactly match your passport) and upload a clear photo of your passport information page. You may be asked to perform a facial scan.
6.After submission, verification is usually completed within minutes.
Step 3: Link an International Credit Card
1.Go back to the “Me” tab, tap “Bank Cards”.
2.Tap “+ Add a Card”.
3.Enter your Visa, Mastercard, JCB, or Discover credit card information (card number, expiry date, CVV).
Note: Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Diners Club, and Discover cards can all beadded to Alipay.
4.Enter the SMS verification code sent by your bank.
5.Successfully linked!
Step 4: Pay by scanning QR code
You can pay by scanning a merchant’s QRcode (method 1)or by having a merchant scan yours(method2）
Method 1: Tap “Scan”,and scan the merchant’s QR code.
Method 2: Tap “Pay/Receive”,and present your QR code to themerchant.
Note: Linked international credit cards are mainly for payments at large merchants and online platforms.
They usually CANNOT be used for person-to-person transfers or scanning individual vendors’ personal QR codes.
In this case, you can use cash or TourCard.
What is Tourcard？
If your credit card fails to link, or you need to transfer to individuals/pay small vendors, you can use Tourcard.
This is a prepaid e-card available as a mini-program within Alipay or WeChat Pay.
You can top it up using a foreign credit card (with a service fee) and use it for almost all payment types, including personal transfers.
Search for “TourCard” within Alipay or WeChat Pay.
Alipay | English Service Hotline: +86-57126886000.
Please dial 0571-26886000 if you are using a Chinese number.
How to Set Up WeChat Pay
Step 1: Ensure You Have a WeChat Account
If you don’t have WeChat, download and register for an account first.
This also requires a foreign phone number.
Step 2: Activate WeChat Pay
Tap “Me” at the bottom right -> “Services” (or “Wallet”). Tap “Wallet”.
You will be prompted to activate WeChat Pay.
Follow the instructions to set up a 6-digit payment password
Step 3: Link an International Credit Card
WeChat Pay | English Service Hotline: +86-571-95017
Please dial 95017 if you are using a Chinese number.
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
Q1: Do I need a Chinese phone number?
A1: No.You can use your home country’s mobile number to register and receive verification codes. Ensure you can receive international SMS in China (enable international roaming).
Q2: Are Alipay and WeChat Pay safe?
A2: Very safe.They both use encryption and require a password or fingerprint/facial recognition for payments. Guard their passwords as you would your bank account PIN.
Q3: Can I keep using these apps after leaving China?
A3: Yes, but with limited functions. You can still view your transaction history. However, the payment function might be suspended if inactive for a long time or if the account is not verified. You can use them at some Chinese merchants abroad or on online platforms that support these payments.
Article Conclusion
While the initial setup might seem complex, taking a few minutes to complete the real-name verification for Alipay and WeChat Pay will bring tremendous convenience to your life and travel in China.
From buying coffee to taking the subway, from dining out to online shopping, everything will be at your fingertips.
Set it up now and enjoy a seamless payment experience.
