How to use WeChat Pay and Alipay in China

I. Prerequisites Before Arrival in China

① Install Essential Apps

WeChat (iOS/Android): Download from your app store.
Alipay (iOS/Android): Search “Alipay” or use direct links from official tourism site.
VPN Service: Install before landing (e.g., ExpressVPN/Astrill) to bypass firewall restrictions during setup.

② Identity Verification Prep

Valid passport with at least 6 months’ validity
Functional international debit/credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, or JCB)
Active phone number receiving SMS abroad

II. Step-by-Step: Activating WeChat Pay (2025 Edition)

① Account Setup

Launch WeChat → Tap “Me” → “Services” → “Wallet” .
Select “International User Verification” → Enter passport details and foreign phone number.

② Card Binding

In “Wallet” → Tap “Add Card” .
Input card number, expiry date, and CVV.
Complete SMS verification from your bank.

③ Wallet Region Configuration

Tap “…” in Wallet’s top-right corner → Select “Switch Wallet Region” → “Chinese Mainland” . Funds cannot be transferred between regional wallets¹.

④ First-Use Fee Waiver

¥1,000 waived for initial transactions within 60 days.
Post-waiver: 0% fee for payments <¥200 (≈$28); 3% fee for larger amounts.

III. Step-by-Step: Activating Alipay for Foreigners

① Signup & Verification

Open Alipay → Tap “Me” → “Bank Cards” → “Add International Card” .
Choose “Tour Pass” (prepaid digital card) or “Link Bank Card” (direct payments).
Verify identity with passport photo + live facial scan.

② Fund Loading Options

Tour Pass: Preload funds via Visa/Mastercard (max balance: ¥10,000). Valid for 90 days.
Direct Linking: Connect international card for real-time payments (no preload needed).

③ Language Settings

Alipay → “Me” → “Settings” → “Language” → Select “English” .

IV. Using Payments On-the-Ground (Scenarios)

① QR Code Payments

Merchant Scans Your Code:
WeChat: “Pay/Receive” → Show dynamic QR code.
Alipay: “Pay” → Display code.
You Scan Merchant Code:
Both apps: Open “Scan” → Point at QR sticker → Enter amount → Confirm.

② Public Transport

Subway/Bus: Enable “Transport” cards in:
WeChat: “Services” → “Transport” → Select city (e.g., Beijing, Shanghai).
Alipay: “Transport” → Apply for digital transit pass.

③ Street Vendors & Small Shops

Look for blue (Alipay) or green (WeChat) QR stickers.
Hong Kong Users: Use WeChat Pay HK to scan personal vendor QR codes.

④ Taxis & Ride-Hailing

Didi (in WeChat): “Services” → “Didi” → Book ride → Pay via linked card.
Uber: Book via WeChat mini-program → Pay with WeChat Pay without extra app.

V. Special Cases & Workarounds

① Without Chinese Bank Account

All transactions above must use international cards. Balances cannot be stored/received.
Cannot use: Red packets (红包), peer-to-peer transfers, or merchant refunds to balance.

② Fee-Free Alternatives

Alipay+ Partner Wallets: Pay using 14 supported apps (e.g., HSBC PayMe, Naver Pay) at WeChat Pay merchants.
UnionPay Cards: Use directly at ATMs/merchants with lower fees.

③ Offline Contingency Plan

Carry ¥200–500 cash for:
- Remote areas with poor connectivity (e.g., rural markets)
- Vendors rejecting cards (common at street stalls)
Exchange cash at airport before leaving arrival hall (better rates).

VI. Security & Troubleshooting

① Safety Protocols

WeChat Pay: 7X24-hour monitoring + encrypted transactions.
Alipay: “Security Center” to freeze/lock cards instantly.

② Transaction Limits

Platform	Daily Limit	Single Tx Limit	Monthly Limit
WeChat Pay	¥5,000	¥10,000	¥50,000
Alipay Tour Pass	¥2,000	¥5,000	¥20,000

③ Connectivity Fixes

Buy a China Unicom SIM at airports (supports foreign ID).
Use Airalo eSIM for affordable data without VPN.

④ Customer Support

WeChat: “Me” → “Help Center” → Type “human agent”.
Alipay: “Customer Service” → Use auto-translate for English chat.

VII. Pro Tips for Seamless Experience

Test Payments Pre-Trip: Load apps and do a ¥1 test transaction.
Scan Official Guides: Use QR codes in Chinese airports for bilingual payment handbooks.
Hong Kong Advantage: Residents enjoy wider coverage with WeChat Pay HK across mainland merchants.
Expiry Management: Alipay Tour Pass funds expire in 90 days — spend proactively!