These are commonly used payment tools and systems in China.
1. WeChat (WeChat Pay)
Description: A versatile app used for messaging, social media, and payments.
How to Set Up:
– Download the app from your app store (WeChat).
– Link your account to a Chinese bank card or a compatible international card.
Recently, WeChat started allowing foreign bank cards (Visa, Mastercard, etc.) for payment in certain areas.
If you know you’d like to set up WeChat and WeChatPay, here is a guide to do that: https://docs.google.com/document/d/14Ujq0Xg1ZDWAuGQFWuMSxM86tj5wnrK6zx-71dQ6b2s/edit?usp=sharing
2. Alipay
Description: Another major payment platform widely accepted in China.
How to Set Up:
– Download the Alipay app.
– Register with your phone number and passport.
– Add an international credit card or use the Alipay “Tour Pass” feature to load funds into a temporary digital wallet.
3. Unionpay
Description: The most widely accepted bank card network in China. If you have a UnionPay card, you can use it directly in many stores, ATMs, and apps.
Note: Some American banks issue UnionPay-compatible cards.
Tips for Smooth Transactions
Description: Another major payment platform widely accepted in China.
How to Set Up:
– Download the Alipay app.
– Register with your phone number and passport.
– Add an international credit card or use the Alipay “Tour Pass” feature to load funds into a temporary digital wallet.