The Ultimate Guide to Alipay & WeChat Pay for Foreigners (2025)

If you are traveling to China in 2025, leave your cash at home. In Guangzhou, from luxury malls to elderly street vendors selling sweet potatoes, Mobile Payment is King.

For years, this was a headache for foreigners who needed a Chinese bank account. But the rules have changed. Today, you can easily link your international Visa or Mastercard to Alipay and WeChat Pay. Here is how to do it.

💡 Key Update for 2025: You do NOT need a Chinese bank account. You only need your passport and an international credit/debit card.

How to Setup Alipay (Recommended)

Alipay is generally more English-friendly and easier to set up for international travelers.

  1. Download the App: Get the international version of Alipay from the App Store or Google Play.
  2. Sign Up: Register using your foreign mobile phone number. You will receive an SMS verification code.
  3. Add Your Card: Go to "Me" -> "Bank Cards" -> "Add Card". Enter your Visa, Mastercard, JCB, or Diners Club details.
  4. Verify Identity: You will likely be asked to upload a photo of your passport page. This is a standard security procedure required by Chinese law.

How to Setup WeChat Pay

WeChat is the "Super App" of China. You will need it for messaging anyway, so setting up payments is convenient.

  1. Find the Wallet: Open WeChat. Go to "Me" -> "Services" -> "Wallet". (If you don't see "Services", try changing the app language to English).
  2. Add a Card: Click on "Cards" -> "Add a Card".
  3. Follow Prompts: Input your international card details and passport information.
  4. Verification: WeChat may require a small verification charge (which is refunded) or a face scan.

What is "Tour Card"? (The Alternative)

If direct card binding fails (which is rare nowadays), you can search for "Tour Card" inside the Alipay app. This is a mini-program provided by the Bank of Shanghai.

It acts like a prepaid digital card. You "top up" money from your credit card into the Tour Card, and then spend from there. However, direct binding is usually smoother and has better exchange rates.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is it safe to upload my passport?

Yes. Alipay and WeChat are regulated financial giants in China, similar to PayPal or Apple Pay. Your data is encrypted and used for Real-Name Verification required by law.

❓ What if I don't have internet?

You need an internet connection to generate the QR code to pay. We strongly recommend getting an eSIM or a local SIM card upon arrival. In emergencies, Alipay has a "One-time offline code" feature, but it's hit-or-miss.

❓ Are there fees?

Usually, transactions under 200 RMB are free. For single transactions over 200 RMB, a 3% service fee might be charged by the payment provider.

Now that payment is easy...

You are ready to explore the city! Wondering how much it costs to get around?

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