How to Use WeChat Pay/Alipay? Is a Chinese Bank Account Required?

I. WeChat Pay (WeChat Pay) User Guide

1. Download and Registration
2. Download the international version of WeChat (such as WeChat or its overseas edition) and register using your phone number (some international numbers are supported).

3. After registration, go to "Me" → "Services" → "Wallet" and follow the prompts to bind a payment method.

4. Binding Payment Method

5. No Chinese bank account required: WeChat Pay now supports binding Visa, MasterCard, and other international credit cards (for some merchants).
6. Fees and Limits: A single transaction may incur a 3% fee, with a daily limit of approximately 6000 RMB (subject to bank policies).

7. Alternative Solution: You can receive transfers from Chinese friends or recharge through hotel front desks (real-name authentication required).

8. Real Name Authentication

9. Upload passport information to complete real-name authentication; otherwise, payment functions will be restricted (e.g., single transactions not exceeding 200 RMB).

10. Usage Scenarios

11. Scan-to-Pay: Scan the merchant's QR code, input the amount, and confirm.
12. Show Payment Code: Merchants scan your payment code (payment password needs to be set beforehand).

II. Alipay (Alipay) User Guide

1. Download and Registration
2. Download the international version of Alipay (such as Alipay+ or "Tour Pass" feature), and register using an international phone number or email.

3. We recommend using the "Tour Pass" feature: pre-recharge a certain amount into a virtual electronic card (valid for 90 days).

4. Binding Payment Method

5. No Chinese bank account required: Supports binding Visa, MasterCard, JCB, and other international credit cards (covers most chain merchants).
6. Fees: Some banks may charge cross-border transaction fees; it’s best to consult with your issuing bank in advance.

7. Recharge Limit: Tour Pass allows a single recharge of up to 2000 RMB, and multiple recharges are possible.

8. Real Name Authentication

9. Complete real-name authentication via passport information; otherwise, payment limits will apply.

10. Usage Scenarios

11. Scan-to-Pay: Supports both merchant QR codes and "Payment Code" function.
12. Transportation: Can directly bind Alipay for subway and bus rides (in some cities like Shanghai and Beijing).

III. Alternative Solutions Without a Chinese Bank Account

1. Cash Exchange
2. It is recommended to carry a small amount of cash (RMB) and exchange it at airports, banks, or hotels.

3. Some scenic spots and small merchants may only accept cash payments.

4. Prepaid Cards and Travel Cards

5. Alipay's "Tour Pass" and WeChat's "Foreign Card Service" are designed for short-term tourists and do not require a local bank account.

6. Third-Party Platforms

7. Use international platforms like Trip.com or Klook to book tickets/hotels and settle payments in foreign currencies.

IV. Notes to Consider

1. Merchant Compatibility

2. Large malls, chain stores, and tourist attractions generally support international card bindings for payments, but small merchants may only accept locally issued bank cards.

3. Network Requirements

4. Ensure that your mobile phone has international roaming enabled or purchase a local SIM card in China (such as China Mobile/Unicom) to ensure smooth payment processes.

5. Language Settings

6. Both Alipay and WeChat can switch to English interfaces (Alipay: click "My" → Top-right corner settings → Language).

7. Backup Payment Methods

8. It is recommended to carry cash and 1-2 international credit cards simultaneously to handle emergencies.