Cash is nearly dead in China. Street vendors, canteens, taxis, convenience stores, and even some public restrooms use QR code payments. If you cannot pay with WeChat Pay or Alipay, you will face daily inconvenience. Setting these up should be one of your first priorities after arriving.
WeChat Pay vs Alipay: which one?
Set up both. But start with WeChat Pay because you are already using WeChat for messaging. Most merchants accept both platforms.
| Feature | WeChat Pay | Alipay |
|---|---|---|
| Primary use | Messaging + Payment | Payment + Financial services |
| QR code | In-chat and scan | Standalone app scan |
| Peer-to-peer | Easy (send money in chat) | Available but less social |
| International cards | Supports some | Supports some |
| English interface | Partial | Better English support |
What you need before starting
- Chinese phone number (active SIM card)
- Chinese bank account (linked to the payment app)
- Passport (for identity verification)
- WeChat or Alipay app downloaded and updated
If you have not opened a Chinese bank account yet, read our bank account setup guide first.
Setting up WeChat Pay
Step 1: Open WeChat and go to “Me” > “Services” (or “Wallet”)
If you do not see the “Services” option, your WeChat region settings may need updating. Make sure your WeChat is set to mainland China.
Step 2: Tap “Wallet” and then “Bank Cards”
Step 3: Add your Chinese bank card
- Enter your bank card number
- Enter the name on the card (must match your passport name on the bank account)
- Enter your Chinese phone number (the one linked to your bank account)
- Enter the verification code sent to your phone
Step 4: Identity verification
WeChat requires real-name verification:
- Select “Passport” as your ID type
- Enter your passport number
- You may need to take a selfie for facial recognition
- Wait for verification (usually instant, sometimes 1-2 business days)
Step 5: Set a payment password
Create a 6-digit payment PIN. This is separate from your WeChat login password. You will enter this PIN for every transaction.
Setting up Alipay
Step 1: Download the Alipay app and register
Use your Chinese phone number to register. The app has an English language option in settings.
Step 2: Complete identity verification
- Go to “Me” > “Settings” > “Identity Verification”
- Select “Passport” or “Foreign ID”
- Upload a photo of your passport information page
- Complete facial recognition
- Wait for verification (up to 3 business days)
Step 3: Link your bank card
- Go to “Me” > “Bank Cards” > “Add Card”
- Enter your Chinese bank card number
- Verify with SMS code sent to your phone
Step 4: Set payment password
Create a 6-digit PIN for transactions.
Using international cards (without a Chinese bank account)
In 2023-2024, both WeChat Pay and Alipay added support for international credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard). This means short-term visitors can use mobile payments without a Chinese bank account.
However, for long-term students:
- Transaction limits for international cards are lower
- Some merchants’ systems do not accept international card payments
- Exchange rates include a markup
- Your Chinese bank account is needed for stipend receipt anyway
Bottom line: Link your Chinese bank card for daily use. Keep the international card as a backup.
How to pay with QR codes
There are two payment methods:
Merchant scans you
- Open your payment app (WeChat or Alipay)
- Show your payment QR code (in WeChat: “Me” > “Services” > show code; in Alipay: tap the blue payment bar at the top)
- The merchant scans your code with their scanner
- Enter your payment PIN
- Done
You scan the merchant
- Open your payment app
- Tap the scan button (camera icon)
- Scan the merchant’s QR code poster
- Enter the amount
- Enter your payment PIN
- Done
The first method is more common at shops with counter scanners. The second is common at small vendors and food stalls.
Common problems for international students
Verification rejected. Some international passports have names in formats that do not match the system’s expectations. If rejected, visit a bank branch and ask them to help verify your identity. Or try again with Alipay (which sometimes has better foreign passport support).
Payment failed. Check that your bank card is active and has sufficient balance. Some banks require you to enable “quick payment” (快捷支付) through your banking app before it works with WeChat/Alipay.
Daily or monthly limits. Unverified accounts have low transaction limits. Complete full verification to increase limits.
Cannot receive red packets. WeChat hongbao (red packets) require verified payment. Once set up, you can receive and send cash gifts in group chats, which is a significant social feature.
Daily life tips
- Always have your phone charged. No phone battery = no payment ability.
- Keep 200-500 CNY cash as backup. For the rare situation when your phone dies or the internet is down.
- Check your transaction history regularly. Both apps show all transactions in detail.
- Use mini-programs for services. WeChat mini-programs let you order food delivery, buy train tickets, pay utilities, and more without downloading separate apps.
- Transfer money to friends for group dinners. WeChat Pay makes splitting bills easy with the “Send” feature in any chat.
For accessing services that need a VPN (like banking apps from your home country), check our VPN guide for students in China.
Before setting up WeChat Pay, you need a Chinese phone number. See our SIM card and phone number guide for step-by-step setup. For other apps you will use daily alongside WeChat, check essential Chinese apps for international students.
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