Prepare your bank card and phone
Check overseas use, your card’s expiry date, available limit and the way your bank sends verification codes. Make sure you can receive those codes during your trip. Keep the bank’s card-support number saved separately from your wallet.
Install payment apps from the official app store. Use your own account and follow identity checks inside the app. The supported card brands, fees and limits are shown in the payment service; read them before using a card.
Set up Alipay
Create or sign in to your Alipay account with a phone number you can use. Choose the bank-card section, enter your supported card details and complete the bank’s verification. Follow any identity-verification request made by Alipay.
Before paying, look for either Scan or the payment-code option. Scan reads a merchant’s collection code; the payment-code option shows your code for the merchant to scan. Check the amount and currency on screen before approving.
Set up Weixin Pay in WeChat
In WeChat, open Me, then Services and Wallet where available. Add a supported overseas bank card and follow the account, identity and bank checks shown. Menus can vary with the app version and account.
Use Scan or your payment code at participating merchants. Linking an overseas card for purchases does not mean every balance, transfer or person-to-person payment feature is available.
Use bank cards and cash as backups
Look for your card network’s logo at a checkout or ATM and ask before a large purchase. A hotel deposit, international-card payment and mobile-wallet purchase may use different processing arrangements.
Carry renminbi notes in useful small denominations for simpler purchases. Use banks, authorized exchange counters or suitable ATMs for cash, and keep receipts. Avoid exchanging money with strangers.
If a payment fails
Check the app’s transaction record and ask the merchant whether payment arrived before trying again. If the bank shows an authorization but the purchase did not complete, contact the wallet or card issuer with the transaction record.
Try your backup method if the problem cannot be resolved at the counter. Keep card numbers, passwords and verification codes private; staff do not need your account password to explain a payment screen.
Common questions
Do I need a Chinese bank account?
A supported overseas card can be linked for visitor purchases. You do not need to open a Chinese bank account just to try this option.
Can I pay everywhere with an international bank card?
Acceptance varies. Check with the merchant and keep mobile payment and cash options available.