Alipay vs WeChat Pay for Tourists in China: Which Should You Use?

Why You Need a Mobile Payment App in China

China is a nearly cashless society. While you can use cash and international credit cards in some places, you'll find that many merchants, especially small vendors, street food stalls, and even some taxis, prefer or only accept mobile payments. For tourists, setting up Alipay or WeChat Pay is the key to a smoother travel experience.

Alipay vs WeChat Pay: The Basics

Both Alipay and WeChat Pay are Chinese mobile payment giants. Alipay is part of Ant Group (linked to Alibaba), while WeChat Pay is integrated into the WeChat messaging app. Both offer similar features for tourists, including QR code payments, in-app services, and the ability to link international credit cards.

Alipay for Tourists

Alipay has a dedicated Tourist Pass or the ability to use your international card directly. It's widely accepted across China, from high-end malls to local markets. Alipay also offers an English interface, which is a big plus for non-Chinese speakers.

WeChat Pay for Tourists

WeChat Pay is equally ubiquitous, but it's built into the WeChat app, which is also the primary communication tool in China. If you already use WeChat to chat with contacts, having WeChat Pay means you don't need a separate app. However, setting up WeChat Pay for international cards can be a bit more cumbersome than Alipay.

Setting Up: Which Is Easier?

Both apps allow you to link Visa, Mastercard, and other international cards, but the process differs.

Alipay Setup

1. Download the Alipay app from your app store.
2. Register with your phone number (non-Chinese numbers are fine).
3. Choose 'International' version if prompted.
4. Go to 'Payment' and add your international credit or debit card.
5. Verify your identity (usually via passport).

Alipay's setup is straightforward, and the app guides you through each step in English.

WeChat Pay Setup

1. Download WeChat and register an account.
2. Go to 'Me' > 'Pay' or 'Services'.
3. Follow prompts to add an international card.
4. You may need to verify your identity with your passport.

WeChat Pay's setup can be more complex because the app is primarily in Chinese, and the payment section might be hidden. However, once set up, it works seamlessly.

Fees and Limits

Both apps charge a small transaction fee (around 3% or more) when you pay with an international card. This is worth noting because it can add up. Some tourists prefer to use cash for small purchases to avoid fees, but for larger expenses, the convenience outweighs the cost.

There are also transaction limits. For Alipay, the limit for international card users is typically around $500 per transaction and $1,000 per month, but this can vary. WeChat Pay has similar limits. Always check the latest terms in the app.

Which Is More Accepted?

In reality, both are accepted almost everywhere. However, there are exceptions:

• Alipay is slightly more common in e-commerce and some government services.
• WeChat Pay is more common for in-person small payments, especially in northern China.

To be safe, having both set up ensures you never face a payment issue.

Additional Features for Travelers

Both apps offer more than just payments:

• Alipay has features like a mini-program for ordering food, booking taxis, and even paying for public transportation. It also has a 'Tourist Pass' that offers some discounts.
• WeChat Pay is integrated with WeChat, so you can split bills with friends, send money to contacts, and use mini-programs for various services.

Practical Tips for Using Mobile Payments in China

• Always have a backup payment method, like cash, for places that don't accept mobile payments.
• Keep your phone charged; you'll be using it a lot.
• Learn the Chinese characters for 'scan' (扫) and 'pay' (付) to avoid confusion.
• If you're buying from a street vendor, they'll show you a QR code; you can scan it with either app.

Which Should You Choose?

If you're only going to set up one, Alipay is generally easier for tourists due to its English interface and simpler card linking. However, if you already use WeChat for communication, adding WeChat Pay is convenient.

For the best experience, set up both. It takes a few minutes and gives you flexibility. Remember to verify current fees and limits in the app before you travel.

In summary, both Alipay and WeChat Pay are reliable and widely accepted. Your choice depends on your personal preferences and needs. Enjoy your trip to China!