How WeChat & Alipay Really Work for Foreigners (2025 Guide)

You can’t survive China without WeChat or Alipay.

Cash is almost extinct. Foreign credit cards are often rejected. Whether you’re ordering noodles or unlocking a bike, you’ll need one of these apps to pay.

The good news? Foreigners can now use both WeChat Pay and Alipay — even without a Chinese bank account. You just need to follow the right steps.

Why You Absolutely Need These Apps

In China, mobile payments are everywhere:

Street food? Scan to pay.
Subway ticket? Use Alipay.
Friend splits the bill? Use WeChat.

Without these apps, you’ll struggle — especially outside of tourist zones.

How to Set Up WeChat Pay as a Foreigner

Download WeChat (international version)
Available on App Store/Google Play
Register with your mobile number
Use your actual number — it can be non-Chinese
Verify your identity
Go to: Me → Wallet → Cards → Add Card
You’ll be prompted to enter:

- Full name (must match card/passport)
- Passport number
- Nationality
- Billing address

4. Add a foreign card
As of 2024, Visa/MasterCard work for many users.
Some cards may fail — try multiple cards or use Alipay instead.

Bonus Tip: Use WeChat mini-programs (小程序) for taxis, hotel check-ins, translation, and more.

How to Set Up Alipay as a Foreigner

1.Download Alipay (International Version)
Choose “Alipay for Tourists” if available in your region

2. Sign up with phone + passport info
Alipay will ask for:

- Name
- Passport number
- Passport photo (may be required for verification)

3. Link a card

- Foreign Visa/MasterCard now widely supported
- Some users report better success with Alipay than WeChat

4. Enable “Tour Pass” (if available)

- This creates a temporary wallet (valid 90 days)
- You can preload CNY from your foreign card
- Minimum top-up: usually ¥100

App	Card Support	Notes
WeChat	Visa, MasterCard	Works for many, but some banks blocked
Alipay	Visa, MasterCard	More reliable for foreigners
UnionPay	Rarely works abroad	Meant for Chinese banks only

Tips:

Try multiple cards
Don’t rely on just one app
Keep some cash as backup

FAQ

Q1: Can I use Apple Pay or Google Pay in China?

A: No. These don’t work for most transactions unless linked to a Chinese bank card inside WeChat/Alipay.

Q2: What happens after 90 days in Alipay Tour Pass?

A: You may need to renew or verify identity again — or open a real Chinese bank account if you’re staying long-term.

Q3: I’m using a VPN — does it affect the apps?

A: Usually no, but WeChat may flag suspicious logins. Avoid switching regions too fast.

Q4: Can I transfer money to other users?

A: Yes, once you verify your identity. Transfers within China are easy, but international remittance is limited.

Final Tips: Download, Test, and Prepare

Before arriving in China:

Download both apps
Link and test your cards
Add ¥100–¥200 as a trial
Familiarize yourself with QR payments

Need help setting up or want a step-by-step service?
We offer 1-on-1 setup guides and even handle your Chinese SIM card and Alipay top-up if needed.
[Check out our Smart Travel services]