In China, electronic payment has become the primary method for daily consumption. From large shopping malls to street food stalls, almost all merchants support mobile payments. For foreign tourists, understanding and mastering electronic payment methods will greatly facilitate your travel. This article will provide detailed instructions on how to register, bind bank cards, recharge, and use China's two major electronic payment platforms (WeChat Pay and Alipay), helping you easily handle various consumption scenarios in China.
Important Note: Although electronic payments are very popular, it is recommended that you still carry a small amount of cash (Chinese Yuan) as a backup, especially in remote areas or when encountering technical issues. At the same time, ensure your phone has international roaming activated or purchase a local SIM card to maintain network connectivity.
1. Overview of Chinese Electronic Payments
China's electronic payment market is mainly dominated by two major platforms: WeChat Pay and Alipay. These two applications cover almost all consumption scenarios, from convenience store shopping to transportation, from restaurant payments to hotel bookings, all can be easily completed through mobile phones.
WeChat Pay
A payment function integrated into the WeChat social application with a huge user base and extremely high popularity.
- • Advantages: Seamless integration of social networking and payments, widely used
- • Applicable scenarios: Almost all offline merchants, transfers between friends
- • Features: Simple operation, deep integration with WeChat ecosystem
Alipay
A professional payment platform under Alibaba Group with rich functions and complete services.
- • Advantages: Comprehensive financial services, international version supports multiple languages
- • Applicable scenarios: Various consumption, good international business support
- • Features: Many promotional activities, supports more international bank cards
Payment Habit Tip: In China, most small merchants (such as food stalls, convenience stores) may only accept electronic payments and not credit cards or cash. Preparing electronic payment tools in advance can avoid embarrassment when shopping. Additionally, some merchants may require you to actively show your payment code rather than scanning the merchant's QR code.
2. Alipay International Version Guide
Alipay International is more foreigner-friendly, supporting multiple international bank cards and foreign currency recharge. Here are the detailed usage steps:
Registration and Setup
- Search for "Alipay" in the app store and download the application
- Open the app and click "Sign Up" to select international registration
- Register with an international phone number and receive verification code
- Set a login password (must include letters and numbers)
- Complete personal information and upload passport photo (required for some functions)
- Click settings on the "Me" page and switch the language to English
Binding International Bank Cards
- Click "Cards" or "Bank Cards" on the homepage
- Select "Add Card" and enter your international credit card information (Visa, Mastercard, etc.)
- Fill in the cardholder's name (consistent with the card)
- Complete SMS verification (required by some banks)
- Once successfully bound, you can use it for payments and recharges
Using Alipay for Payments
Scan to Pay (Pay to Merchants)
- Click the "Scan" icon on the homepage
- Scan the merchant's Alipay QR code
- Enter the payment amount (in Chinese Yuan)
- Confirm and enter payment password or fingerprint verification
- Payment successful, save transaction record
Show Payment Code (Merchant Scans)
- Click the "Pay" icon on the homepage
- Show your payment code to the merchant
- Merchant scans to complete payment
- Receive payment success notification
3. WeChat Pay Guide
WeChat Pay is a payment function built into WeChat. Although its support for international users is not as comprehensive as Alipay, it remains an important payment tool due to WeChat's widespread use. Here's how to use it:
Activating WeChat Pay
- Download and install the WeChat application
- Register a WeChat account (using an international phone number)
- Complete account verification and security settings
- Go to the "Me" page and click "Wallet"
- Set up a payment password (6 digits) for first-time use
- Agree to user agreement and complete security verification
Binding Bank Cards and Recharging
Binding International Credit Cards
- Click "Bank Cards" on the "Wallet" page
- Select "Add Bank Card"
- Enter cardholder's name (in pinyin, consistent with card)
- Enter card number and expiration date
- Complete SMS verification
Recharge Methods
- Direct payment through bound international credit cards
- Ask Chinese friends to transfer money to your WeChat Wallet
- Recharge at foreign currency exchange points in some airports and tourist areas
- Use "WeChat Pay Cross-Border Service"
Using WeChat Pay
- Click "Pay" on the "Wallet" page
- Select "Pay to Merchant" or "Scan" as needed
- "Pay to Merchant": Show your payment code to the merchant for scanning
- "Scan": Scan the merchant's QR code, enter amount and pay
- Complete payment password verification (required in some cases)
WeChat Pay Limitations: Some international credit cards may not be able to bind to WeChat Pay or may experience payment failures during use. This is because WeChat Pay's support for international cards is relatively limited. If you encounter this issue, it is recommended to prioritize using Alipay or prepare alternative payment methods. Additionally, WeChat Pay does not support direct foreign currency recharge, and all transactions are settled in Chinese Yuan.
4. Practical Payment Scenario Guide
During your travels in China, you will encounter various payment scenarios. Here is a guide to electronic payments for common scenarios:
Dining
- Restaurants usually have QR codes for payment via "Scan"
- Some small restaurants may require you to show your payment code
- Food delivery apps (Meituan, Ele.me) also support electronic payments
- Confirm if service charge is included before paying
Shopping
- Large shopping malls support both payment methods
- Small shops usually have fixed QR codes
- Confirm the final amount after bargaining before paying
- Keep payment receipts for returns or exchanges
Transportation
- Subway: Scan code payment available at ticket machines
- Bus: Some cities support code scanning for rides
- Taxi: Drivers usually have payment QR codes
- Ride-hailing (Didi): Pay directly within the app
5. Recharge and Withdrawal Guide
Understanding how to recharge and withdraw from your e-wallet will help you better manage your funds in China:
| Operation Type | Alipay International | WeChat Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Recharge Methods |
Direct payment with international credit card Alipay balance recharge Cross-border remittance |
Payment with bound international credit card Transfers from others Offline recharge points |
| Withdrawal Methods |
Can withdraw to international bank cards Service fee (approximately 1.2%) Processing time 1-7 business days |
Difficult for international users to withdraw Recommended to spend balance completely Or transfer to Chinese friends |
| Currency Conversion |
Automatic conversion at real-time exchange rate Shows exchange rate |
Automatic conversion at real-time exchange rate Rate may be slightly higher than banks |
Fund Management Tip: It is recommended to recharge an appropriate amount according to your daily budget and avoid recharging too much at once. Alipay International's withdrawal function is relatively complete, while WeChat Pay has more restrictions on international users' withdrawals. Before the end of your trip, try to spend all your balance or apply for withdrawal a few days in advance to ensure funds return to your international account in time.
6. Common Problems and Solutions
You may encounter some problems when using electronic payments. Here are common issues and their solutions:
Payment Failure Issues
- Problem: Credit card binding failed
Solution: Confirm if the card type is supported and check if the name spelling matches the card (using pinyin) - Problem: "Transaction restricted" prompt during payment
Solution: May be amount limit, try paying in multiple installments or change payment method - Problem: Network connection failure
Solution: Switch networks, use mobile data or connect to merchant's WiFi
Account and Security Issues
- Problem: Forgot payment password
Solution: Retrieve via registered phone number, reset password - Problem: Abnormal account login
Solution: Immediately change password, enable two-factor authentication, contact customer service - Problem: Did not receive goods/services after payment
Solution: Keep payment receipt, contact merchant or platform customer service
7. Recommendations for Safe Use of Electronic Payments
Although electronic payments are convenient, safety issues should also be noted. Here are suggestions to protect your account security:
Account Security Settings
- Set complex login passwords and payment passwords
- Enable two-factor authentication (such as SMS verification)
- Do not disclose payment passwords or verification codes to anyone
- Regularly check transaction records and handle abnormalities promptly
- Bind commonly used phone numbers to ensure receiving verification codes
Usage Environment Security
- Avoid making large payments on public WiFi
- Do not scan QR codes from unknown sources
- Download official applications, avoid third-party platforms
- Pay attention to covering when entering passwords to prevent others from seeing
- Immediately freeze your account if your phone is lost
Conclusion
Mastering electronic payment methods will greatly enhance the convenience of your travel in China. Although the initial setup may be somewhat complicated, once completed, you will experience the convenience brought by cashless payments. Alipay International is more foreigner-friendly and recommended for priority use. At the same time, maintain necessary vigilance and pay attention to account security. If you have any questions, staff at most shopping malls and hotels can provide assistance. Wish you a pleasant journey in China!