Traveling to China today means encountering one of the most advanced societies when it comes to digital payments. Cash has barely been used for over 10 years. Everything is paid for with a mobile phone.
While the yuan in its paper and coin version is still legally required to be accepted, in reality, many businesses no longer have change and it’s common for them to seem uncomfortable with a cash transaction.
It is important that you complete the setup of your phone for mobile payments before you travel.
The Dominance of Alipay and WeChat Pay
The undisputed protagonists are the two major mobile payment platforms: Alipay (支付宝 – Zhīfùbǎo) and WeChat Pay (微信支付 – Wēixìn Zhīfù).
Both are essential and are used to pay for absolutely everything, from a taxi to a filled bun (包子 – bāozi) at a street stall.
As a visitor to China, you can link your international bank cards (Visa, Mastercard, etc.) directly to these apps without needing a local bank account.
Pre-Trip Preparation
It is essential to download and set up both apps (Alipay and WeChat) before arriving in China. This will save you potential connectivity or verification issues. Set aside at least an hour to complete the setup for both, as you will have to follow several steps.
- Download the Apps: Search for the official apps in your app store. WeChat is more than just a payment app; it’s also a popular messaging tool (like WhatsApp).
- Link Your Card: Once registered, look for the “Wallet” section to add international bank cards and follow the verification steps. You will need your passport number.
- Get an eSIM with Internet Connection for your Trip: To pay while traveling in China, it’s essential to have internet access on your phone when making a payment. We recommend purchasing an eSIM with data for China before you travel.
The In-Store Payment Experience
Paying is simple and fast. You will see QR codes everywhere. Codes with a green border belong to the WeChat system. Codes in blue belong to Alipay.
There are several methods for payment:
- Scan the Merchant’s Code: Open the “Scan” function in your app, point it at the seller’s static QR code, and then enter the amount you need to pay and confirm.
- Show Your Payment Code: Open the “Pay” function in your app (which generates a continuously changing QR code for security). The merchant will scan it with their reader after having entered the exact payment amount. Once scanned, you will see the amount to pay on your phone, and you need to confirm the operation.
Pay close attention to the elements available at the payment location. Sometimes you will see a QR code or a payment terminal (similar to a Western POS machine) with a screen and camera.
Sometimes the merchant may also use their mobile phone; all these methods are equivalent and equally secure. If you have any doubts about how to pay, use gestures to confirm whether you should show your QR or scan the one on the counter; you will find the interaction is very simple.
Additional Recommendations
Although mobile payment is the norm, always carry some cash for safety, just in case.
Furthermore, even though it’s now possible in many places, the direct use of international cards in POS terminals remains limited compared to mobile payment, so don’t rely solely on them.
Have two or three family members or friends download WeChat as well and add them as contacts. If you have a problem with the app’s login, WeChat will ask your contacts to verify your identity for security. Do this to avoid getting locked out of the app during your trip. It is highly unlikely but better safe than sorry. You won’t have this problem with Alipay; just store your username and password in a safe place.
Is It Better to Use WeChat or Alipay?
Generally, it doesn’t matter. They are currently independent systems with no payment interoperability, so you should have both apps configured with your cards, as some businesses only accept one of the two.
We recommend having several cards configured on both platforms, as sometimes your Western bank may fail to accept the transaction. This is sporadic but can happen with high-value payments. In that case, it is convenient to select another card from Alipay or WeChat to complete the transaction and try again.
Useful Phrases for Paying in Mandarin
Mastering a few simple phrases will greatly facilitate your interaction at the checkout:
| Mandarin Chinese | Pinyin | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 我用微信支付 | Wǒ yòng Wēixìn Zhīfù | I use WeChat Pay. |
| 我用支付宝 | Wǒ yòng Zhīfùbǎo | I use Alipay. |
| 多少钱？ | Duōshǎo qián? | How much is it? |
| 我扫你 | Wǒ sǎo nǐ | I scan you (your code). |
| 你扫我 | Nǐ sǎo wǒ | You scan me (my code). |
Don’t worry about the language barrier, as paying is very fluid and you will understand each other perfectly with a couple of gestures.
Would you like to travel to China and want us to advise you on your trip? Write to us and design your tailor-made trip with us. The Asiahop team will help you book everything you need to have the best possible trip to China.