Ubiquitous Mobile Payments in China
Mobile payments have seamlessly woven themselves into the fabric of daily life in China. From upscale restaurants to humble street food stalls, paying with WeChat Pay and Alipay is the norm. You'll find QR codes for these apps displayed prominently in shopping malls, convenience stores, and even small family-run shops, ready for a quick scan and payment. Transportation is equally digitized; these apps facilitate payments for subway fares in major cities, bus tickets, and even some taxi and ride-hailing services like Didi. Furthermore, purchasing tickets at tourist attractions, settling utility bills, or making transactions on online marketplaces all offer a smooth, cashless experience thanks to mobile payments.
Setting Up WeChat Pay and Alipay
WeChat Pay
- Download the App: Begin by downloading the WeChat app from your device's app store. It's readily available for both iOS and Android platforms.
- Create an Account: Launch the app and follow the on-screen instructions to create your account. You can register using your phone number or an email address. If you opt for your phone number, you'll need to verify it via a one-time password sent to your mobile device.
Alipay
- Get the Alipay App: Download the Alipay app from the appropriate app store.
- Registration Process: Similar to WeChat Pay, initiate the registration by providing your phone number or email address. You'll be prompted to create a password and complete the necessary verification steps.
Linking Your Payment Methods
WeChat Pay
- Linking a Bank Card: Within the WeChat app, navigate to the "Me" tab, then select "Wallet." Tap on "Bank Cards" and then "Add Bank Card." You'll be required to enter your card details, including the card number, expiration date, and CVV code. Major international credit cards like Visa, MasterCard, and American Express are generally accepted. After entering the information, you may need to verify the card with a one-time password sent to the mobile number associated with your card.
Alipay
- Adding a Card: Open the Alipay app and tap "My" in the bottom-right corner. Next, select "Bank Cards." Tap "Add Card" and input your card information. Alipay also supports a wide range of international cards. Once you've entered the details, follow the verification prompts, which might involve receiving a verification code on your card's registered mobile number.
Alternative Payment Options: Beyond traditional bank cards, both WeChat Pay and Alipay offer other payment methods. You might be able to link prepaid cards or, in some instances, utilize services like Apple Pay or Google Pay if they are integrated with the apps. However, for most international visitors, linking an international credit card remains the most straightforward way to begin using these prevalent mobile payment platforms in China.
Making Payments with WeChat Pay and Alipay
Scanning the Merchant's QR Code
- WeChat Pay: Open the WeChat app. In the top-right corner of the main screen, tap the "+" icon and choose "Scan." Point your phone's camera at the merchant's QR code. Sometimes, the payment amount will be automatically filled if the merchant has preset it. If not, you'll need to manually enter the correct amount. Double-check all the details and then tap "Pay." You'll be asked to enter your payment password or use other pre-configured authentication methods (like fingerprint or facial recognition, if enabled) to finalize the transaction.
- Alipay: On the Alipay home screen, tap the "Scan" button. Aim your camera at the merchant's QR code. After scanning, if the amount isn't pre-filled, enter the correct price. Review the details, including the merchant's name and the amount, and tap "Confirm Payment." Similar to WeChat Pay, you'll need to authenticate the payment, either by entering your password or using biometric verification.
Being Scanned by the Merchant
- WeChat Pay: When you're ready to pay, open the WeChat app. Tap the "+" icon in the top-right corner of the main screen and select "Pay." A QR code and a barcode will appear on your screen. The merchant will then use a scanner to read these codes. Always verify the amount being charged. If you've set up a payment password for added security, you'll need to enter it after the merchant scans your code.
- Alipay: Open the Alipay app. On the home screen, locate and tap the "Pay" option. A QR code and barcode will be displayed, which the merchant can scan. Alipay might prompt you to enter a payment password or use biometric authentication (fingerprint or facial recognition, if set up) to authorize the payment.
Alipay "Tap & Pay" (NFC Required)
- Enable NFC: First, ensure your mobile device has Near Field Communication (NFC) capability and that it's turned on. On Android devices, you can typically find the NFC setting in your device's "Settings" menu, often under "Connected devices" or "More connection settings." On some iOS devices, NFC is automatically enabled for certain apps like Alipay.
- Use "Tap & Pay": Open the Alipay app. Look for the "Tap & Pay" option, usually found on the home screen or within the app's main menu. When you're at a merchant that supports Alipay "Tap & Pay," simply hold your phone near the payment terminal. The app will recognize the terminal, and you may be asked to confirm the payment amount. If you've configured a payment password or biometric authentication, you'll need to complete the verification process to finalize the payment.
Embracing mobile payments like Alipay and WeChat Pay can significantly streamline your transactions in China. By setting up your accounts before or upon arrival, you'll be ready to pay like a local for nearly everything, making your trip more convenient and integrated.