China has two major electronic payment providers: AliPay and WeChat. You should set up at least one of these two payment methods, if not both, before arriving in China.

We strongly recommend downloading and setting up both because with a WeChat account, you can also sign in to many Chinese applications with 1 tap. Additionally, some places may only have WeChat Pay but most merchants do support both.

1. Setting Up AliPay

Download on iOS
Download on Android

Requirements:
– Passport (for verification).
– Valid international credit/debit card (Visa, MasterCard, JCB, Discover, or Diner’s Club).

Step-by-Step Guide:
1. Download AliPay: Find and download the AliPay app from the Apple App Store or Google Play.
2. Register with Your Phone Number: Open AliPay, select “Sign Up,” and enter your phone number (Chinese or international).
3. Verify Your Identity: Go to Me > Balance > Verify Now. AliPay will ask for passport details and a photo.
4. Add Your International Card:
– Go to Me > Cards 
– Select Add a Foreign Card and enter your credit or debit card details.
5. Payment Process: To pay, scan the merchant’s QR code, enter the amount (if required), and confirm with your payment password.

2. Setting Up WeChat

Download on iOS
Download on Android

Requirements:
– Passport (for verification).
– Valid international credit/debit card (Visa, MasterCard, JCB).

Step-by-Step Guide:
1. Download WeChat: Find and download WeChat from the Apple App Store or Google Play.
2. Register for a WeChat Account: Sign up using your phone number, then verify with a security code sent to your number.
3. Enable WeChat Wallet:
– Go to Me > WeChat Pay or Wallet.
– For new users, this option may appear automatically after account setup.
4. Link an International Credit/Debit Card:
– Select Cards and then Add Card.
– Enter your credit card information and verify your identity by uploading a passport photo if prompted.
6. Using WeChat Pay:
– To pay, either scan the merchant’s QR code or let them scan your in-app code.

Tips:
– Ensure your card supports international transactions in RMB to avoid issues.
– Customer service can assist if any difficulties arise during setup.