Alipay vs WeChat Pay: Which is Best for UK Tourists in China?

TL;DR: For UK tourists in China, Alipay generally offers a better experience with more travel-friendly features, a wider range of accepted cards (including Discover and Corporate Amex), and an easier identity check process. Both apps charge a 3% fee for payments over CNY 200. Alipay allows up to CNY 5,000 per use and CNY 50,000 per year. WeChat Pay allows up to CNY 6,500 per use, CNY 50,000 per month, and CNY 65,000 per year. It is highly recommended to download and set up both apps before you travel, using your UK phone number, to ensure you can always pay easily and stay connected.

Imagine arriving in China, ready to explore, only to find that your usual credit cards and cash aren’t widely accepted. This is a common challenge for many visitors. In China, most daily payments happen through mobile apps like Alipay and WeChat Pay. These apps are essential for everything from buying snacks from a street vendor to booking a train ticket. Deciding which one to use, or if you need both, is a key step in planning your trip, especially if you want to keep your home phone number active and stay easily reachable.

What Are Alipay and WeChat Pay, and How Do They Differ for Foreigners?

Alipay and WeChat Pay are the two most popular payment apps in China. Both allow you to make payments using QR codes, but they have some important differences, especially for people visiting from other countries like the UK. Understanding these differences can help you decide which app might work better for your travel needs, making sure you can pay without problems and stay connected.

The table below shows a quick comparison of the main features you’ll find in Alipay and WeChat Pay.

Feature	WeChat Pay	Alipay
Main Use	Social app with a built-in digital wallet	Main focus is on payments and services
Accepted Cards	Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Diner’s Card	Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Discover, Diners Club, Corporate Amex
Transaction Fees	Free for payments under CNY 200. 3% for over CNY 200.	Free for payments under CNY 200. 3% for over CNY 200.
Key Functions	Messaging, social features	Travel services like booking transport, hotels, and attractions
Payment Limits	CNY 6,500 per payment. CNY 50,000 monthly, CNY 65,000 yearly.	CNY 5,000 per payment. CNY 50,000 yearly.
Send Money to Friends	Only with a Chinese bank account	Only with a Chinese bank account
How to Pay	QR codes	QR codes

Alipay started as an online payment tool and has grown into a powerful payment and lifestyle hub. It’s often seen as more geared towards various services. WeChat Pay, on the other hand, is part of the popular WeChat social media app, so it combines messaging with payment features. Both apps primarily use QR codes, which means you either scan a code from a seller or they scan a code from your phone to complete a payment.

How Can UK Tourists Set Up Payment Apps in China?

Setting up a mobile payment app like Alipay or WeChat Pay is a key step for any UK tourist planning to visit China. These apps are almost essential for daily life there. Both apps allow people from other countries to sign up, but their setup processes are slightly different. It’s a good idea to understand these steps beforehand to make your trip smoother and ensure you can easily manage your money while away. You might also want to read our guide on whether to use cash or card in China.

Linking UK Cards

Both Alipay and WeChat Pay let you link a bank card from the UK. This is very helpful because it means you do not need to open a Chinese bank account to use the apps. You can connect your existing credit or debit cards to your account.

Using Alipay for foreigners in China has become quite straightforward. The app accepts many international card types. These include Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Diner’s Club International, and Discover cards. It also works with Corporate Amex cards.

WeChat Pay has a slightly more limited range of accepted cards. However, it still widely supports major international cards. You can link your Visa, Mastercard, JCB, and Diner’s Club International cards to your WeChat Pay account, according to the Beijing Gov. This means most UK visitors will be able to connect their primary cards to either app.

Identity Verification and Passport Scanning

To use the apps for larger payments, you need to verify your identity. This usually involves scanning your passport. The process for this is different for Alipay and WeChat Pay.

For Alipay, verifying your identity is generally a simpler process. The app will ask you to enter your personal details. You then submit these details for review directly through the Alipay app. The system accepts UK passports or other official international ID documents. Your details should be checked and approved within 72 hours or sometimes even faster, according to China Guidelines.

For WeChat Pay, the process can sometimes be a bit more complicated. WeChat Pay is closely linked to China’s national ID system. Because of this, verifying a foreign passport can sometimes have issues or take a longer time to be approved. You will still need to upload a scan of your passport. You also have to provide important information such as your full name, home address, and what you do for work, as stated by WeChat.

The Risk of Account Blocks

Because WeChat Pay is so closely tied to the national system in China, it is more likely to block user accounts. This can happen if the app detects something it considers “suspicious activity.” For example, making a very large payment while also using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) could cause your WeChat Pay account to be blocked. Alipay is generally more forgiving when it comes to such activities, meaning you might face fewer interruptions with that app.

Registering with a UK Phone Number

You do not need a Chinese SIM card or a Chinese phone number to sign up for Alipay or WeChat Pay. You can use your existing UK phone number to register. However, you will need to receive a text message (SMS) to confirm your account during the setup process. This means your UK phone needs to be able to receive international texts. Make sure to include the UK’s international dialing code, which is +44, when you enter your number.

It is much easier to complete this registration process before you leave the UK. Setting up your entire account before you travel to China is highly recommended. This ensures that you have everything ready and tested, so you can start making payments as soon as you arrive. This also helps if you are planning on keeping your UK number working abroad for other important uses, like banking or staying in touch with family. If you’re planning a big move, our checklist for moving abroad can help you prepare.

How to Make Payments in China with Alipay and WeChat

Both Alipay and WeChat Pay use a very similar system for payments, based on QR codes. This means that whether you are a tourist buying something or a vendor selling goods, you can complete transactions quickly by scanning a code with your phone. However, the specific ways you might use these apps can differ slightly depending on where and what you are paying for.

Large Retailers vs. Street Vendors

Both WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely accepted across China, from big stores to small stalls. If you are shopping in a large department store in a city like Shanghai, or grabbing fast food in Beijing, both apps will be recognized and used by locals and tourists alike. They are the standard payment methods in these places.

But these apps are not just for big businesses. Even small street vendors, market stalls, and independent shops use WeChat Pay and Alipay. So, whether you are buying handicrafts in a Chengdu market or a souvenir from a small shop, you can easily use either app to pay. This means you can rely on these payment methods almost everywhere you go.

Taxis and Trains

Both Alipay and WeChat Pay include features for transportation. This means you can book tickets and pay for different types of public transport, such as trains, taxis, and buses, directly through the apps. This can be very convenient for getting around China. You can also pay in person by scanning the usual QR codes when you get into a taxi or bus.

However, Alipay generally has more features and a stronger focus on travel services. It often includes a more complete transport hub, which allows you to explore and book various travel options more easily within the app. This integrated system can make Alipay a bit more convenient if you frequently use public transport or need to book tickets. If you plan to travel a lot within the country, understanding how Alipay International works might be helpful.

Paying for Food

When you go out to eat at a restaurant, both Alipay and WeChat Pay are commonly used payment methods. Most restaurants in China will expect customers to pay using one of these apps.

In some cases, WeChat Pay might have a slight advantage in restaurants. Many dining places, especially smaller ones, have QR codes placed directly on your table for payment. Customers scan this code with their WeChat Pay app to complete the bill. While Alipay also works, this particular way of paying is very common with WeChat Pay in many eateries.

International Limits and Fees for UK Cardholders

While Alipay and WeChat Pay are extremely useful for visitors from the UK, it’s important to know that there are certain limits and fees that apply to international cardholders. If you plan to use either WeChat Pay for foreigners or Alipay for foreigners, understanding these rules will help you manage your spending and avoid any surprises.

Limits for Verified Users

Both WeChat Pay and Alipay have limits on how much money you can spend or transfer. If your account is not fully verified, these limits will be much lower. To be able to use the apps for larger amounts of money, you must upload your personal details and provide an ID, such as your passport. Once your identity is confirmed, the apps allow higher transaction limits. For example, Alipay allows up to CNY 5,000 per transaction and CNY 50,000 annually, while WeChat Pay allows up to CNY 6,500 per transaction, CNY 50,000 per month, and CNY 65,000 per year.

Fees for International Cards

When you use an international card, such as one from the UK, to make payments through Alipay or WeChat Pay, you will likely encounter fees. For both Alipay and WeChat Pay, users will be charged a flat fee of 3% for any transactions that are over CNY 200. This means if you spend more than 200 Chinese Yuan in a single payment, an extra 3% of that amount will be added as a fee. This is stated by Stripe for Alipay and WeChat for WeChat Pay. Payments under CNY 200 are typically free of this specific transaction fee.

Verdict: Is Alipay or WeChat Pay Better for UK Tourists?

Choosing which payment app to use as a UK visitor in China depends on your preferences and how you plan to travel. However, Alipay often provides a slightly better experience for tourists. It offers more features specifically designed for travel, such as options to book attractions, transport, and hotels directly within the app. Alipay also accepts a wider range of international cards and its interface is often found to be more user-friendly for foreigners.

Despite Alipay’s advantages, it is still a good idea to download and set up both apps before your trip. WeChat Pay can serve as a useful backup if, for some reason, an Alipay payment is declined. Also, in certain situations, like paying at some local restaurants, WeChat Pay might be the more commonly used or even the only option available. Having both apps ready ensures you are prepared for almost any payment situation in China. Our guide to moving to China from the UK can help you with other preparations.

FAQs about Alipay and WeChat Pay for Tourists

Many UK tourists have questions about using Alipay and WeChat Pay in China. Here are answers to some of the most common questions to help you prepare for your trip.

Do I need a Chinese SIM card to use Alipay or WeChat Pay?

No, you do not need a Chinese SIM card or a Chinese phone number to use these apps. Both Alipay and WeChat Pay allow UK nationals to download the apps and register an account using their existing UK phone number. Just make sure your phone can receive international text messages for verification during setup.

Can I use WeChat Pay or Alipay without an internet connection in China?

Because both Alipay and WeChat Pay rely on QR code systems to process payments, they largely require an internet connection to work properly. You will need mobile data or Wi-Fi to scan codes, link cards, and complete most transactions. While some limited offline features might exist for specific scenarios, a steady internet connection is generally necessary for full use.

Can foreigners send money to friends on WeChat or Alipay?

No, foreigners generally cannot send money to friends or family directly through WeChat Pay or Alipay if they are using an international bank card. The ability to send money to other users on these platforms usually requires you to link your profile to a Chinese bank account. Without a local Chinese bank account, this feature is typically not available for international visitors.

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