Payments & Alipay Guide

Last updated: October 2026

✅ Full Access — All 15 Scenarios Unlocked

✈️ Before You Fly (出发前)

Prepare these before you leave.

💳 Prepare a Card

✅ Visa / MC / Amex / JCB

💡 Wise/Revolut usually work

📲 Download Apps

✅ Alipay & WeChat

✅ Google Translate

🌐 Activate Roaming

✅ Keep your number
✅ Receive SMS codes

📖 Step-by-Step Details (Before You Fly)

💳 Prepare a Visa/Mastercard +

To use Alipay or WeChat Pay, you must bind a verified credit or debit card.

  • ✅ Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Diners Club, Amex, Discover.
  • 💡 Wise/Revolut usually work.
CVV Security Code
⚠️ Warning: Avoid unverified prepaid or gift cards — they usually fail to bind.
📱 Download Apps Before You Fly +

Download these before departure. Airport WiFi can be too slow for large downloads.

  • Alipay: For payments and transit.
  • WeChat: For messaging and payments.
  • Translation App: Google Translate (download offline Chinese pack at home).
💡 Note: Google Translate text & camera work offline; voice mode does not.
🌐 Activate International Roaming +

You will need to receive SMS verification codes to register for Alipay and WeChat.

  • Contact your home carrier to ensure your phone will work in China.
  • Keep your original SIM card active to receive SMS codes.
💡 Tip: If your home number won't roam, buy a physical SIM at the airport for SMS. eSIM/portable WiFi are data-only and cannot receive codes.
⚠️ Inform Your Bank +

Banks often block transactions from foreign countries for security reasons.

  • Log into your banking app or call customer service to add a travel notice for China.

🛬 Just Landed (刚落地)

Get online and pay immediately.

🛒 Airport Shops

✅ Use Alipay
✅ Cash as backup

💱 Exchange & ATMs

✅ Official counters
❌ Avoid DCC fees

🚕 Taxi Payment

✅ Scan driver's QR
✅ Use service desk

📖 Step-by-Step Details (Just Landed)

🛒 How to Pay at Airport Shops +

If the shop only shows a QR code and you have no Chinese SIM:

  • 1. Connect to free airport WiFi.
  • 2. Open Alipay (English interface) and register with email.
  • 3. Verify identity with passport, bind Visa/Mastercard.
  • 4. Tap "Pay/Receive" and scan their QR code.
⚠️ Backup: If payment fails, use cash (ask for small bills). Convenience stores and airport restaurants accept cash.
💱 Currency Exchange & ATMs +
  • Exchange Counters: Look for official bank signs (Bank of China) or Travelex. Exchange 200-500 RMB for immediate needs. (Note: Fixed fee usually applies, ¥30-80).
  • ATM Withdrawal: Look for Visa/Mastercard logos. Rate is better. Single limit usually ¥2,500–¥5,000 (daily max ¥10,000).
⚠️ Critical Warning: When asked "Convert to your home currency?" (DCC), ALWAYS CHOOSE NO. Choose to be charged in Chinese Yuan (RMB).
🚕 What if the Taxi Driver Refuses Cash? +

Some drivers may say they only accept WeChat/Alipay. (Note: By law, they must accept cash).

  • Solution 1: Use your bound Alipay/WeChat to scan the driver's personal QR code.
  • Solution 2 (Guaranteed): Walk to the Airport Taxi Service Desk. Tell staff: "The driver refuses cash." They will call a licensed taxi and instruct the driver.
  • Solution 3 (If stuck): If the driver insists, call transport hotline 12328 for help.
📱 Paying without a Chinese SIM Card +

You don't need a Chinese SIM to pay. You can register Alipay/WeChat with your overseas phone number.

  • Register with your +1, +44, etc. number.
  • Keep your home SIM active for SMS (or buy a physical SIM at the airport).
  • Bind your foreign card and scan to pay.
⚠️ Critical: Data-only eSIMs and portable WiFi cannot receive SMS codes for registration.
🚨 Emergency: No SIM, No Signal, No WiFi +

If your phone has no network at all, you can still pay using offline methods.

  • Offline Payment Code: Before losing connection, open Alipay/WeChat "Pay" code. The merchant can scan it offline. (Note: Emergency only. High amounts or multiple uses require reconnecting).
  • Alipay 'Tap & Pay': If your phone supports NFC, tap your phone on the merchant's NFC terminal.
⚠️ Ultimate Fallback: Always carry 200-500 RMB in cash (small bills) for extreme cases where no scanners or networks are available.

🚄 During Your Trip (旅途中)

Daily use, troubleshooting, and scam prevention.

🤔 Scan Direction

✅ You scan merchant ✅ Merchant scans you

🚫 QR Scams

✅ Verify payee name ❌ Never scan stickers

💸 Refunds

✅ Instant cancel ✅ P2P return

📖 Step-by-Step Details (During Your Trip)

🤔 Who Scans Whom? Payment Direction Guide +

Both methods work for any purchase, but one is usually faster.

  • Method 1: You Scan Merchant. Open app → Tap "Scan" → Point at their QR code → Verify amount → Pay.
  • Method 2: Merchant Scans You. Open app → Tap "Pay/Receive" to show your code → Cashier scans it.
💡 Tip: Having the merchant scan you is generally faster and safer, as it avoids scanning fake stickers.
🚫 Fake QR Code Scam Prevention +

Scammers sometimes stick their own QR codes over the official ones at stores or on the street.

  • Check the placement: Official codes are usually fixed and clear, without small paper stickers over them.
  • Verify the Payee: DO NOT PAY if the name shown on your screen is a personal name instead of the store's name.
⚠️ Warning: Never scan QR codes sent by strangers via messages or social media. If you already paid a scammer, immediately contact Alipay (95188) or WeChat (95017).
💸 Overpayment & Refund Process +

Accidents happen. Here is how to get your money back based on the situation:

  • In shop (not checked out yet): Ask the merchant to cancel the transaction and pay the correct amount.
  • P2P Transfer (Pending): Open transfer details → Tap "Return Now" (WeChat) or "Cancel Transfer" (Alipay).
  • P2P Transfer (Completed): Contact the recipient and ask for a refund. If they refuse, use the platform's complaint feature: WeChat ("Questions about this order") or Alipay ("Complaint").
💡 Tip: Always read the amount aloud before confirming payment to avoid extra zeros!
😭 Payment Success, But Merchant Says Not Received +

If your app shows "Transaction Successful", you have paid. The merchant's system might just be experiencing a network delay.

  • Show your bill: Go to "My Transactions" and show the merchant the "Successful" status.
  • Wait a few minutes: Network delays can take 1-5 minutes. Ask them to refresh their system.
💡 Proof: Always screenshot the "Payment successful" prompt on your phone before leaving the store.
🚫 Account Risk-Controlled / Restricted +

Your account might get temporarily restricted due to unusual activity or network changes.

  • Self-Service Unblock: Alipay: Me → Settings → Account & Security → Security Center → "Remove Restrictions".
  • Call Support: Alipay (95188) / WeChat Pay (95017). Overseas: +86 571 95188 (Alipay) / +86 571 95017 (WeChat).
⚠️ Prevention: Keep your overseas number active, stick to one device, and start with small purchases after unblocking.
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