Alipay & WeChat Pay
Complete Setup Guide
Cash is rarely accepted in China. Setting up mobile payment apps is not optional - it's essential. We'll guide you step by step so even foreigners can easily set it up.
Why is Mobile Payment Essential?
- - Most stores in China don't accept cash or don't have change
- - Foreign credit cards are almost never accepted (only at Starbucks, large hotels, etc.)
- - Street food, convenience stores, and taxis all use QR code payments by default
Alipay vs WeChat Pay
We recommend setting up both, but if you can only choose one?
Alipay
Zhifubao
- Easier setup for foreigners - Tour Pass feature
- Supports international cards (Visa, Mastercard)
- Apple Pay and Google Pay integration available
- English interface supported
WeChat Pay
Weixin Zhifu
- Messenger + Payment combined (contact locals)
- Some stores only accept WeChat Pay
- Foreign card linking can be tricky
- Mini Programs for various services
Conclusion: Set up Alipay first, then add WeChat Pay if you have time.
Alipay Setup Guide
Step-by-step setup instructions
Download the App
Search for "Alipay" in the App Store or Play Store and download it.
Create Account (Phone Verification)
Open the app and register with your phone number.
- - Select your country code (e.g., +1 for US, +44 for UK)
- - Enter your phone number
- - Enter the verification code received via SMS
Passport Verification
Search for "Tour Pass" or "Real-name Verification" in the search bar, or click the "Alipay for Foreigners" banner on the main screen.
Verification Process
- 1. Take a photo of your passport or upload it
- 2. Enter your name (exactly as on passport)
- 3. Enter your passport number
- 4. Face recognition (selfie)
- 5. Verification complete (usually takes 1-3 minutes)
Link Your Card
After verification, register the card you'll use for payments.
Supported Cards
- - Visa credit/debit cards
- - Mastercard credit/debit cards
- - JCB cards (some)
- - Diners Club (some)
Important Notes
- - Enable international transactions on your card (check your bank app)
- - Transaction fee of approximately 3% applies (varies by card issuer)
- - Some small vendors may refuse foreign card-linked Alipay
Test Your Payment
After setup, you can make QR payments using the "Scan" or "Pay" button on the main screen.
Payment Methods
- Scan: Scan the merchant's QR code, enter amount, and pay
- Pay: Show your QR code and let the merchant scan it
Apple Pay / Google Pay (Easier Option!)
If you already use Apple Pay or Google Pay
China now accepts Apple Pay and Google Pay at many locations that support UnionPay or Alipay QR codes. This can be a simpler alternative if your card is already set up.
Check Your Card
Ensure your card supports international transactions
Look for Contactless Terminals
Major stores, restaurants, and transportation accept contactless
Tap to Pay
Double-click and authenticate, then tap the terminal
Note: Not all locations accept Apple Pay/Google Pay. Having Alipay as a backup is strongly recommended.
WeChat Pay Setup Guide
Step-by-step setup for WeChat Pay
Create Account
Register with your phone number. Note that an existing WeChat user may need to verify you.
Note: WeChat may require an existing user to scan a QR code to verify new accounts for security. If you know someone in China, ask them for help, or try signing up before your trip.
Activate WeChat Pay
Go to WeChat app - Me - Services - Wallet.
- 1. Select "Enable WeChat Pay"
- 2. Enter passport information (real-name verification)
- 3. Complete face recognition
- 4. Set a 6-digit payment password
Link Your Card
Go to Wallet - Cards - Add a Card to register your international card.
Tip: Visa and Mastercard can be linked, but the failure rate may be higher than Alipay. Try different cards if one doesn't work.
Common Issues & Solutions
Card linking failed
- - Check that international transactions are enabled in your bank app
- - Verify card expiration date and credit limit
- - Enter card details (name, number) exactly as shown, in UPPERCASE
- - Try a different card (debit cards sometimes work better)
Real-name verification failed
- - Make sure passport photo is clear (avoid glare and blur)
- - Enter your name exactly as on passport (including spaces)
- - Take face recognition photo in good lighting, facing forward
- - Ensure passport has more than 6 months validity
Payment was rejected
- - Some small vendors may refuse foreign card-linked Alipay
- - In this case, use cash or try another app
- - Large chains, convenience stores, and franchises usually work fine
- - Check if you've exceeded your card limit
WeChat requires verification to sign up
- - Ask a friend in China to scan the QR code to verify you
- - Or try signing up before your trip (sometimes works without verification after a few days)
- - Alipay alone is sufficient for most payments, so WeChat Pay is optional
Pre-Departure Checklist
- Alipay app downloaded
- Alipay passport verification completed
- Alipay card linked (Visa/Mastercard)
- International transactions enabled on card
- (Optional) WeChat app installed and registered
- (Optional) Small amount of cash (emergency Yuan)