How to Use WeChat Pay/Alipay? Is a Chinese bank account required?

1. Is a Chinese Bank Account Required?

1. Basic Requirements
2. WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely used across various consumption scenarios in China (such as shopping, ride-hailing, dining, and purchasing scenic spot tickets), but require a linked bank card to activate payment functions.
3. Foreign tourists can link overseas credit cards (Visa/MasterCard, etc.): Since 2019, Alipay and WeChat Pay have supported linking credit cards issued abroad (with international payment function enabled). However, please note the following points:
   • Some small merchants may not support payments with foreign cards (e.g., street vendors).
   • Certain features may be restricted (such as transfers, red envelopes, and some online services).
4. A Chinese bank account is more convenient: If you plan to use it long-term or need full functionality (such as transfers and withdrawals), it is recommended to open a local Chinese bank card (requires a passport and domestic mobile phone number).

2. Steps to Activate WeChat Pay (for Foreign Tourists)

1. Download and Register
2. Download WeChat (international or Chinese version) from the app store, register an account, and bind a mobile phone number (it is recommended to use a temporary Chinese SIM card, which can be purchased at the airport or convenience stores).
3. Real-name Verification
4. Go to "Me" → "Services" → "Wallet" → "Identity Information" → Select "Passport" and fill in personal information (must match the passport).
5. Link Overseas Credit Card
6. In the "Wallet," select "Bank Cards" → Click "Add Bank Card" → Input overseas credit card details (card number, expiration date, CVV code).
7. Set Payment Password
8. After completing the binding, set up a 6-digit numeric payment password.
9. Usage Scenarios
10. Scan-to-Pay: At merchants, scan the QR code, input the amount, and confirm.
11. Be-Scanned Payment: Show your payment code to the merchant (enable "Small Amount Password-Free Payment" beforehand).

3. Steps to Activate Alipay (for Foreign Tourists)

1. Download and Register
2. Download the Alipay international version (supports English interface), register an account, and bind a mobile phone number (it is recommended to use a Chinese phone number).
3. Real-name Verification
4. Go to "My Profile" → Click on the avatar → Select "Real-name Verification" → Fill in passport information and upload a photo of your passport.
5. Link Overseas Credit Card
6. Enter "My Profile" → "Bank Cards" → Click "Add Bank Card" → Input overseas credit card details.
7. Recharge or Direct Payment
8. You can choose to pay directly using the linked credit card, or use the "TourPass" feature to pre-recharge your e-wallet (limit of 2000 RMB, valid for 90 days).
9. Usage Scenarios
10. Supports scan-to-pay, ride-hailing (Didi), food delivery (Ele.me), hotel bookings, etc.

4. Precautions

1. Transaction Limits
2. The single transaction limit for foreign cards is usually between 200-5000 RMB (policies vary by banks).
3. Fees
4. Some foreign cards may charge cross-border transaction fees (approximately 1-3%).
5. Network and Verification Codes
6. Ensure that your phone number can receive SMS messages (via international roaming or a local Chinese SIM card).
7. Backup Plan
8. Some places still require cash (such as remote areas or small merchants), so it is recommended to carry a small amount of RMB.

5. Alternative Solutions

1. Cash Exchange
2. You can exchange currency at airports, banks, or hotels (passport required).
3. UnionPay Card
4. Some overseas banks issue UnionPay cards that can be used directly in China.
5. Digital RMB (e-CNY)
6. Pilot cities (such as Beijing and Shanghai) allow you to try opening an account, requiring a Chinese bank account.