Payment Methods

1. No Need to Carry Large Amounts of Cash

In this safe, welcoming, and charming land, almost all dining, transportation, and shopping prioritize electronic payments. You will rarely need to use cash, so carrying a maximum of 500 RMB should be sufficient.

Rest assured, with nearly 900 million people using electronic payments in China, it is very safe and convenient as long as you avoid scanning unknown QR codes on the street or clicking on suspicious SMS links.

China does not have a tipping culture.

Based on the latest information, here is a guide for foreign users on using Alipay and WeChat Pay in China, including supported bank card types and fee policies:

2. Electronic Payment Solutions

Solution A–Alipay

(1) Required Documents

Before registering, prepare the necessary documents such as your passport (submit the basic identity information page and the entry stamp page) or a foreign permanent residence ID card.

(2) Registration and Verification Process

Once you have the necessary documents, follow these steps to register and link your bank card:

Step 1: Download the Alipay App and Register an Account

First, download and install the Alipay app. Click "Register Account" and select the "International Version." You can register using either your phone number or email. Fill in the required information and complete identity verification to successfully register your Alipay account.

Step 2: Link Your Bank Card

After registering your account, link your bank card (Add Bank Card). Alipay supports Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and Diners Club. Click "Add Now" to enter the card linking page and follow the prompts to complete the process. You may need to verify your identity and confirm via SMS. Once linked, you can use Alipay for payments wherever it is accepted.

(3) Usage Guide

There are two ways to use Alipay for payments:

1. Click "Scan" to scan the merchant's payment code and enter the amount to pay.

2. Click "Pay/Receive" to show your QR code, which the merchant can scan to deduct the payment.

(4) Customer Service

For any inquiries, you can call the following numbers during service hours:

International: +86 571 2688 6000

Service Hours: Monday to Sunday, 9:00-24:00

(5) Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do foreigners need to pay fees to use Alipay in China?

After cumulative payments reach $500, you need to upload identity information for verification to continue using the service. Additionally, using foreign card binding services incurs fees. For transactions under 200 RMB, Alipay does not charge fees. For transactions over 200 RMB, a 3% fee is charged.

2. Do foreigners need to recharge Alipay to make payments?

No, you can directly link your bank card, and payments will be deducted from the card.

3. Can foreigners use Alipay for transfers?

Yes. Multiple verified Alipay accounts under the same ID enjoy a 20,000 RMB free transfer limit (including transfers to bank cards and balance withdrawals). Exceeding this limit incurs a 0.1% service fee, with a minimum of 0.1 RMB per transaction. Unverified accounts have no free transfer limit and incur a 0.1% service fee for transfers to cards, with a minimum of 0.1 RMB per transaction.

4. How to set the language in Alipay?

On the "Me" page in Alipay, click the settings icon in the top right corner. Select "General," then "Language," and choose "English" to set Alipay to English.

 5. Why Can't Merchants Scan My Payment Code?
If the bank card you have linked to your payment account is an international card, merchants will not be able to scan your payment code. To make a payment, you will need to actively scan the merchant's payment code instead.

Solution B–WeChat Pay

How to Register a WeChat Account

Prepare your passport and follow these steps to register your WeChat account:

Step 1: Download the WeChat App

First, download the WeChat app. If you already have it, update it to the latest version.

Step 2: Open WeChat and Select "Sign Up"

When you choose "Sign Up," you will have two options: "Sign Up with Mobile" and "Sign Up with Facebook" for Android devices. For iPhone, you can also use "Sign Up with Apple."

It is recommended to choose "Sign Up with Mobile" as it is simpler and still requires phone number verification.

Step 3: Enter Personal Information

Enter your name, region (if not already filled), phone number, and set a password. You must fill in this information to proceed.

Tip:

A phone number can only register one account. You can also choose to add a profile picture (optional).

Check the box next to "I have read and accept the Terms of Service," then click "Accept and Continue."

Step 4: Agree to WeChat's Privacy Policy

Next, review and agree to WeChat's privacy policy. Although you don't need to read it in full, a quick glance is recommended. Check the box next to "I have read and acknowledge the Privacy Policy" then click "Done"

Step 5: Complete Security Verification

To ensure you are a real user (not a robot), WeChat requires a three-part security verification process. Click the "Authenticate" button.

The first part involves dragging a slider to fit a puzzle piece into the missing part of an image.

Upon successful verification, you will automatically proceed to the next step.

Step 6: Verify Your Phone Number

Next, verify your phone number. A 6-digit verification code will be sent to your phone. Enter the code correctly and select "Submit."

Step 7: Some Users May Need Another WeChat User to Scan Your QR Code

Towards the end of the registration process, you may need another WeChat user to scan the QR code on your phone. It is recommended to find an eligible user before starting this process. The user must scan your QR code within 10 minutes to complete the registration.

Step 8: Optionally Enable WeChat Services

You can choose which WeChat services you want to access by toggling each option:

- Channels: WeChat's version of TikTok, where you can share short video content.

- Top Stories: Provides you with selected articles and videos recommended by WeChat's algorithm.

- Search: WeChat's dedicated search engine to find information within the WeChat ecosystem.

- Mini Programs and Games: Lightweight applications embedded within WeChat that offer additional services and content (e.g., online stores) without needing to download separate apps.

After selecting the desired services, click "Done."

Once this is done, you will enter the WeChat "Chats" screen, where you will see a welcome message from WeChat.

How to Verify Your WeChat Account and Enable WeChat Pay

To enable WeChat Wallet, you must complete identity verification by providing detailed identity information. Overseas users can use a passport (submit the basic identity information page and the entry stamp page) or a foreign permanent residence ID card.

To enable WeChat Pay, you also need to prepare a bank card. International users can use an overseas bank card such as Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or Diners Club.

Verification and Enabling WeChat Pay Process:

Step 1: Find the WeChat Pay Entry

Find the WeChat Pay entry by clicking [Me]→[Services]→[Wallet]

If you cannot find the WeChat Pay entry, you can enable it as follows:

- In WeChat, select [Me]→[Settings]→[General]→[Tools]→[Enable WeChat Pay];

- Or scan the QR code within WeChat to enable it.

Step 2: Fill in Identity Information and Link Bank Card

In [Wallet], click [Add Bank Card] to enter the identity information and link the foreign card process. Users need to review the "WeChat Pay User Service Agreement and Privacy Policy" and click "Agree" to proceed. Follow the on-screen instructions to fill in or check the identity information, then click "Next" to add the foreign card. Follow the prompts to complete the setup.

How to Use WeChat Wallet for Payments

WeChat Pay can be used at almost any consumption venue in China. You can use a foreign card for payments as follows:

Tip:

Using a foreign card with WeChat Pay has certain limits: a single transaction limit of 6,000 RMB, a monthly cumulative limit of 50,000 RMB, and an annual cumulative limit of 60,000 RMB. The exchange rate for payments will be calculated based on the card organization and issuing bank's exchange rate.

How to Use WeChat for Receiving Payments

Open WeChat, click the [+] in the top right corner, select "Money," choose "Receive Money," set the amount, and click "Confirm." A QR code will appear, which the payer can scan to make the payment.

(a) WeChat Transfer Process

WeChat transfers currently include transferring to individuals, transferring within groups, and transferring to bank cards. Here is the process for transferring to a personal WeChat account linked to a Chinese mainland bank card:

(1) Transfer to an Individual WeChat Account

- Open the chat interface with the WeChat friend.

- Click the [+] icon next to the smiley face to view functions.

- Click the transfer icon to initiate a transfer.

- Enter the transfer amount and, if necessary, add a transfer note.

- Click "Transfer."

- You may need to enter your WeChat Pay password to complete the transfer.

(2) Transfer to an Individual in a WeChat Group

Wechat allows you to transfer to a specified friend within a group.

- Open the group, then click [+]. "Transfer" will appear below.

- Click "Transfer," select the person you want to transfer to from the group member list, enter the amount and transfer note, and complete the transfer.

- The group will notify the recipient to accept the payment. If others in the group transfer but not to you, it will notify you that "you do not need to accept payment."

(3) Transfer to a Bank Card

- Log in to WeChat, click the [+] in the top right corner, and select [Money].

- Choose [Transfer to Bank Card or Mobile Number].

- Select [Transfer to Bank Card].

- Enter the payee name, bank card number, and select the bank and transfer time . Confirm the details and click [Next].

- Enter the transfer amount, confirm the details, and click [Transfer].

- Choose the payment method and enter the password to complete the transfer.

Note:

You can also click the three dots in the top right corner to view personal WeChat transfer records. If you want to transfer again to someone you have previously transferred to, click the clock button next to the recipient to save time.

(b) WeChat Transfer Limits

Using "Balance" for transfers has a daily limit of 200,000 RMB. If a digital certificate is installed, it is only subject to the account payment limit. Using a bank card for transfers also has a daily limit of 200,000 RMB with no monthly limit. However, WeChat Pay may impose transaction limits based on bank rules, payment scenarios, and transaction risk levels. Therefore, the specific limit is subject to the actual payment. Additionally, each bank card or credit card has single, daily, and monthly payment limits. If the limit is exceeded, you need to use the balance or switch to another bank card to continue the transfer.

(c) WeChat Transfer Fees

Transfers between friends on WeChat are free of charge. However, transferring to a bank card incurs a 0.1% fee for the sender.

(d) Can WeChat Transfers Be Reversed?

Once a WeChat transfer is successfully completed, it cannot be reversed. To return the funds, you must negotiate with the recipient to initiate a "Refund" operation to return the funds to the original route. If negotiations fail, legal action may be required. Therefore, be sure to carefully confirm the recipient's information before making a transfer to avoid mistakes or fraud.

(e) Differences Between WeChat Transfer and WeChat Red Packet

WeChat Transfer refers to the function where friends can transfer money to each other using the "Balance" in their WeChat Wallet or a linked bank card. This includes personal transfers, face-to-face QR code transfers, and transfers to bank cards or phone numbers.

WeChat Red Packet, on the other hand, is a feature that allows users to send money to friends or within group chats in the form of red packets. There are various types of red packets, such as regular red packets, group red packets, and face-to-face red packets.

The maximum amount for a single WeChat transfer is 200,000 RMB, while the maximum amount for a single WeChat red packet is 200 RMB, with a daily limit of 100 red packets.

How to Withdraw Money from WeChat

1. Open WeChat and find the bottom menu, then click "Me"

2. Click "Pay and services" to enter the secure payment page. At the top, there is a "Wallet" option.

3. Click "Wallet" to see how much money you have in your WeChat account. Click "Balance" to enter the recharge or withdrawal page. If you haven't linked a bank card, you need to link one first.

4. Click "Withdraw" to enter the balance withdrawal page and proceed to the next step.

5. Choose the bank card to which you want to withdraw the money and set the withdrawal amount. Then click "Next" to complete the process.

WeChat Withdrawal Fees

WeChat no longer charges fees for the transfer function, but it does charge fees for the balance withdrawal function for personal users.

Fee Structure: A fee of 0.1% of the withdrawal amount is charged, with a minimum fee of 0.1 RMB per transaction. Each user is granted a 1,000 RMB fee-free withdrawal limit. The fees for balance withdrawals are not for WeChat Pay's revenue but to cover the fees charged by banks.

Finally, we recommend installing both Alipay and WeChat. As the Chinese saying goes, "Better safe than sorry!"