The convenience and efficiency of China's mobile payment system greatly enhance our daily lives. However, the widespread adoption of mobile payments has led to a reduction in the use of credit cards and cash exchange, which can be baffling for expats who haven't yet gained access to China's mobile payment services.

Here are some tips for expats on how to set up WeChat Pay or Alipay accounts using their overseas credit cards.   

Firstly, let's outline the types of bank cards that are compatible with WeChat Pay and Alipay:

1）Bank cards supported by WeChat Pay:

WeChat Pay is compatible with overseas credit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Diners Club, and Discover. Once linked, your WeChat Pay account can be used for making payments by simply scanning QR codes. However, it's important to note that features like transfers and Red Packets are not available for foreign credit cards.

2）Bank cards supported by Alipay:

Alipay also accepts overseas credit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, Diners Club, and Discover. Once linked with your Alipay account, these cards can be used for daily transactions, though certain features like transfers are not supported.

A helpful tip to keep in mind: The name on your credit card must match the registered name on your WeChat or Alipay account for successful linkage and transactions.

 

Steps of setting up WeChat Pay/Alipay with overseas bank cards:

(1) Download or update your WeChat app to the latest version. Register with your phone number or sign in.

(2) Tap Me -- Service -- Wallet

If you cannot find the options above, you can activate WeChat Pay in one of the following ways.

A. At the bottom, tap Me -- Settings -- General -- Tools -- WeChat Pay.

B. On the top cornor, tap+, then tap Scan to scan the following QR code. Tap Enable.

(3) In Wallet, tap Add a Card. Follow on page prompts to complete the process.

Tips: if you use your passport to verify your identity, you will get a notification asking you to upload a copy of your passport.

 

Steps of WeChat payment

(1) The user selects the payment code to pay, and the path for opening the payment code: WeChat -> Me -> Services -> Money -> Use Payment Code;

(2) The cashier generates a payment order in the merchant system operation, and the user confirms the payment amount;

(3) The cashier scans the user's QR code with a scanning device equipment, and the merchant cashier system submits payment;

(4) For transactions that do not require password verification, the deduction is directly initiated. For transactions that require password verification, a password input box will pop up.

(5) After a successful payment, WeChat will display a success page.

 

Steps of Alipay payment

(1) Download the Alipay App and register;

(2) Login the app and tap "Me" -> Bank Cards -> Add Bank Card, follow on page prompts to complete the process.

(3) Find the payment code on Alipay homepage - Pay/Collect, show the payment code to the merchant, and you can pay, or

(4) the merchants provide two-dimensional code for collection. You need to open your Alipay and scan the code to finish the payment.

 

(Please note that the following information is sourced from public websites, and any future updates or changes should be verified on the official WeChat and Alipay websites, as they reserve the right for the final interpretation.)

FAQs

1. Do I need a Chinese mainland (+86) phone number?

No. You can use your international phone number as long as it can receive SMS verification codes.

2. Is there a transaction limit? How is the exchange rate calculated?

There is a limit of $1,000 for single transactions, and a cumulative limit of $10,000 for yearly transactions. The exchange rate of the card organization and the issuing bank of your international card.

3. Are there any transaction fees?

Yes. However, transaction fees are waived for single transactions under 200 RMB. A 3% transaction fee will be applied for single transactions above 200 RMB. If you request a refund for a transaction, the transaction fee will be reimbursed in proportion to the refunded amount. Please refer to the payment page for details.

 

Sources: City News Service, workinchina.chinadaily.com.cn, b.alipay.com, pay.weixin.qq.com