Payment Setup Guide
Set up Alipay and WeChat Pay before you arrive. China is a cashless society — you'll need these apps for everything from street food to taxis.
Why Alipay?
Alipay is generally easier for foreigners to set up. It has a built-in English translation feature and supports "TourCard" for prepaid options if your bank blocks transactions.
Download & Sign Up
Download "Alipay" from App Store/Google Play. Sign up with your international phone number. Select "International Version" if prompted.
Add Bank Card
Go to Me > Bank Cards > Add Bank Card. Enter your Visa, Mastercard, or JCB card details. No Chinese bank account needed.
Verify Identity
Upload a photo of your passport information page. Face verification may be required. This unlocks payment limits.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✔Transaction Fees: Payments under ¥200 are fee-free! Over ¥200, a 3% fee applies. Split payments if possible.
- ✔"Scan" vs "Pay": You scan the merchant's QR code vs Merchant scans YOUR QR code (common in convenience stores).
- ✔Transport Code: Search for "Transport" in Alipay to generate QR codes for Metro and Bus.
Common Questions
Do I need a Chinese phone number?
No. You can sign up with an international number. However, getting a Chinese SIM card with data upon arrival is highly recommended for internet access.
Can I withdraw cash?
No. International cards linked to Alipay/WeChat are for consumption only. You cannot withdraw cash or transfer money to friends (Red Packets) with a foreign card.
What if my payment fails?
1. Check if your bank blocked the transaction. 2. Ensure your internet connection is stable (VPNs can sometimes interfere with payments). 3. Try the other app (Alipay if WeChat fails, or vice versa).