Mobile Payment Apps
Every store in China, from supermarkets and convenience stores to market stalls, accepts WeChat and Alipay as a method of payment. WeChat and Alipay are safe and secure mobile payment apps that allow you to link your bank accounts or debit/credit cards to pay for items using a QR code on your phone. This contactless method of payment eliminates the need to withdraw or exchange cash.
WeChat is also a messaging system usable both in and out of China, connecting users who also have the app. However, WeChat is generally more geared towards locals and some smartphone devices are not compatible with WeChat.
For this reason, we recommend Alipay. Both WeChat and Alipay apps provide the same payment service, so you do not need both.
Before you travel to China
You will need to install and set up either WeChat or Alipay on your smartphone device prior to travelling to China due to internet restrictions within China.
Important: You will need an internet connection when in China to utilise these apps. We recommend checking with your phone provider for international data plans or purchase an eSIM with providers such as Airalo or Holafly.
Please see Keeping in Touch for more information about eSIMs.
How to Download and Use Alipay:
Open your smartphone’s app store (App Store for iOS, Google Play for Android). Search for "Alipay." Download and install.
Once installed, open the app and register with your Australian mobile phone number.
Once you have registered and logged in, you can then add your card details to the app. Go to your 'Account' and select 'Bank Cards'.
You will then be prompted to add a bank card.
Alipay allows you to add a variety of card types. While American Express can be added, it is not widely accepted in China so we recommend that you use a Visa or Mastercard.
Important: Please ensure that you notify your bank that you will be travelling abroad.
You may need to play a game, such as completing a puzzle, shaking your phone, or putting a ball through a hoop. This is Alipay’s version of a CAPTCHA test, so please complete this as per the instructions on the screen.
Finally, also in bank card section, we recommend that you set up Face ID Scanning for easier payments while travelling in China.
An online guide for installing these payment apps can be found here (opens in new window).
Please note this is not a Wendy Wu Tours application therefore we are unable to assist with installation. If you are having any issues, please ask a tech-savvy friend or family member for assistance.
While travelling in China
You will need an internet connection when in China to utilise these apps. We recommend checking with your phone provider for international data plans or purchase an eSIM with providers such as Airalo or Holafly. Please see Keeping in Touch for more information about eSIMs.
To make a payment with your Mobile Payment App while in China, you can either:
1. Scan the merchant's QR code
Source: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/ox5Eb0gBJzSxRpRCtN1vcg
2. Tap "Pay/Receive", and present your QR code to the merchant
Source: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/ox5Eb0gBJzSxRpRCtN1vcg
Then follow the instructions in the app to complete the payment process.
Plan ahead
While mobile payment apps like Alipay and WeChat Pay are becoming widely accepted payment methods in China, you may still encounter issues. We also therefore recommend that you have a small amount of RMB cash for use on arrival and in the event that a facility won't accept an international credit card or cash, please ask your National Escort for assistance.
Be prepared with enough cash in hand for use on arrival and the first few days, in the event you have any troubles with payments via Mobile Payment Apps or credit card.