How to Pay With Your Phone When Traveling to China?

When traveling to China, how to pay is a very practical concern. Mobile payments are the most widely used method in China. You can simply scan a QR code and complete the payment in seconds. At the same time, cash and bank cards are still accepted, so you'll have backup options if needed.

Here, we will walk you through the essentials you need to know about mobile payments in China, including which platforms to use, how to set up your account, and where you can use them during your trip.

Alipay, a mobile payment method in China

Which Mobile Payments to Use in China

Alipay and WeChat Pay are the two most widely used mobile payment apps in China. We recommend you register both: use Alipay as your main payment method and keep WeChat Pay as a backup.

Alipay is generally more user-friendly for foreign tourists, especially for first-time visitors to China. Meanwhile, WeChat's primary function is messaging, and payments follow.

In addition, it's a good idea to carry some bank cards and cash in case mobile payments fail or your phone runs out of battery.

How to Set Up Your Alipay & WeChat Pay

Simple steps to link your bank card on Alipay

Overall, the registration and verification processes for Alipay and WeChat Pay are quite similar. Both platforms support English, and each step comes with clear, detailed instructions.

Step 1: Sign up with your mobile number. Most international mobile numbers are supported, including those from the United States, Canada, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, the United Kingdom, and many other countries.

Step 2: Complete identity verification by uploading your passport.

Step 3: Link your bank card to the platforms. International Visa, Mastercard, JCB, American Express, and Discover cards are supported by both platforms.

A gentle reminder: If you do not verify your passport, you will not be able to make transactions even if you have linked a bank card.

Where to Use Alipay & WeChat Pay in China

A list of mini programs on Alipay

By using the QR code payment features of Alipay and WeChat Pay, you can handle most everyday payment scenarios in China. You can simply scan a QR code to pay at checkout, whether in large shopping malls or small street shops.

Many restaurants and dessert shops allow you to order or make reservations by scanning a QR code with Alipay or WeChat Pay, so you can place and pay for your order online without interacting with a waiter.

Both Alipay and WeChat also have built-in food delivery mini programs, so you can order takeout directly within the apps instead of downloading separate delivery apps.

For transportation, Alipay and WeChat are equally convenient. You can use QR codes to take buses and subways, book taxis through the Didi (Chinese Uber) mini program, or simply scan the driver's payment code to pay directly.

Do Other Mobile Payment Apps Work in China?

If you use popular international mobile payment platforms like Apple Pay, Google Pay, etc., you may wonder whether they will still work when you travel to China. We've put together a quick overview of how several well-known global payment apps perform in China.

Apple Pay: Can Be Added to WeChat Pay

Apple Pay can be used in certain situations in China, but overall it is not widely accepted.

In major cities such as Beijing and Shanghai, some international chains like Starbucks and McDonald's do support Apple Pay. Larger malls and supermarkets also accept Apple Pay.

In addition, you can link Apple Pay as a bank card within WeChat Pay and use it for payments.

PayPal: Scanning WeChat Pay QR Codes to Pay

PayPal is rarely used by local people in China. However, it has partnered with WeChat Pay, allowing PayPal users to scan a merchant's WeChat Pay QR code and pay directly with PayPal.

Touch 'n Go, PayNow & DBS PayLah: Scanning Alipay QR Codes to Pay

Malaysia's Touch 'n Go eWallet and Singapore's PayNow and DBS PayLah have partnered with Alipay. This means users of these platforms can simply scan a merchant's Alipay QR code to complete the transaction, without needing to download the Alipay app. After completing a transaction, you'll see the cost in MYR/SGD and RMB, along with the exchange rate.

Google Pay: Not Accepted Yet

Google Pay does not work in China at all. Other popular payment platforms in the Western countries, such as Zelle and Venmo, are also not supported in China.

FAQs about Digital Payments in China

1. Do Alipay and WeChat Pay have a transaction fee?

Yes. Alipay and WeChat Pay charge transaction fees with the same rate. Payments under RMB 200 per transaction are fee-free, while those over RMB 200 are subject to a 3% fee. Therefore, if you are making a larger payment, we recommend using a bank card instead.

2. Is it safe to use Alipay or WeChat Pay?

Yes, both platforms use strong encryption and identity verification, making them widely trusted for daily transactions. If you pay from an unrecognized device, your account may be temporarily frozen and require verification via SMS to confirm it is you.

3. Can I use Alipay or WeChat Pay without internet?

Yes. Even without an internet connection, you can still show your payment QR code for the merchant to scan. Once your device reconnects to the internet, the transaction details will be synced to your account immediately.

4. Do I need to top up a balance like a prepaid wallet?

Not necessarily. You can pay directly with linked international cards, so topping up is usually not required.

5. Can I get a refund if I pay with Alipay or WeChat Pay?

Yes, you can get a refund. The money will be returned directly to the bank card you used, not to your Alipay or WeChat Pay account. While the timeline depends on your bank, it usually takes 1-2 days for the refund to be processed.

Visit China's Cashless World with Ease

Traveling in China is simple and convenient, especially with mobile payment apps. But your whole trip can be just as easy with the right support. We offer one-stop travel services to help you plan everything, including English-speaking tour guides, hotels, and private car services. Let us take care of the details so you can enjoy a smooth and stress-free trip in China. Contact us or write to trip@odynovotours.com and start to plan your China tour today!