Ever since China began expanding its visa-free travel and 72/144-hour visa-free transit policies to more countries, visitors to Beijing may notice a significant shift in how payments are made. Anyone planning to explore the Chinese capital should be aware that the popularity of mobile payments has surged, making cash and card transactions increasingly rare. This shift can be a little daunting for first-time visitors, but with some straightforward steps, you can smoothly transition to using mobile payment platforms and enjoy a seamless experience in Beijing. This guide will help you navigate mobile payments and make your visit to Beijing hassle-free.
Mobile payments in China are dominated by two major platforms: WeChat and Alipay. These apps are ubiquitous, and most merchants prefer them over cash or card payments. The ease and convenience of these platforms have made them the go-to option for locals and foreigners alike. However, getting started with these services requires a few necessary steps, including downloading the apps, registering an account, and linking your bank card. Let’s dive into the step-by-step guide to set up Alipay and WeChat Pay, so you can enjoy your time in Beijing without any payment-related hiccups.
How to Connect Your Bank Card with Alipay
To begin with Alipay, the first thing you need to do is download the app from the Android or iOS app store. Once you have successfully installed the application on your device, the next step is to complete the registration process. This involves filling out some basic information and verifying your identity. Once registered, navigate to the “Me” section of the app. This is essentially your profile area where you can manage your account settings and linked services.
After accessing your profile, proceed to the “Bank Cards” option. Here, you have the option to “Add bank cards,” and you can link your Visa, Mastercard, or JCB card to your Alipay account. Tap “Add Now” and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process. This usually involves entering your card details and possibly verifying through a code sent to your phone or email. Once you’ve added your card successfully, you are now ready to use Alipay for payments.
For making offline purchases, there are two convenient methods you can use: you can either scan the merchant’s QR code or let the merchant scan your QR code. Both options are available by selecting the “pay/receive” icon in the app. This method is extremely quick and eliminates the hassle of carrying cash or worrying about small change.
How to Connect Your Bank Card with WeChat Pay
WeChat Pay is another popular mobile payment option that you’ll find almost everywhere in Beijing. First, download the WeChat app from the Android or iOS app store. Similar to Alipay, after downloading the app, you need to complete the initial setup and registration process, which includes providing basic personal information and verifying your identity. Once registered, tap on the “Me” section, and then select “WeChat Pay.”
Within the WeChat Pay section, click on the “Wallet” option. Here, you’ll see an option for “Cards.” Select “Add a Card” and you will be prompted to enter your card details. WeChat Pay supports a wide range of cards including Visa, Mastercard, JCB, American Express, Diners Club, and Discover. Follow the on-screen steps to complete the process of linking your card to your WeChat Pay account. After your card is successfully linked, you are ready to make payments using WeChat Pay.
Much like Alipay, WeChat Pay allows you to make offline payments through QR codes. You can either scan the merchant’s QR code or have the merchant scan your QR code by selecting the “pay/receive” icon in the app. This method ensures that you can make quick and seamless payments without worrying about carrying cash or cards.
Alternative Payment Methods: Debit, Credit Cards, and Cash
As China expands its visa-free travel policies, including 72/144-hour visa-free transit options, visitors to Beijing may notice a shift in how payments are made. Mobile payments are now extremely popular in China, making cash and card transactions increasingly rare. For those planning to explore the Chinese capital, it’s essential to understand this shift to ensure a smooth experience. While this change might seem intimidating for first-time visitors, a few simple steps can make transitioning to mobile payment platforms straightforward and seamless.
In China, mobile payments are largely dominated by Alipay and WeChat Pay. These apps are prevalent, and most businesses prefer them over traditional cash or card payments. Their convenience has made them the preferred choice for both locals and tourists. To get started, you’ll need to download these apps, register an account, and link your bank card. This guide will provide a step-by-step process for setting up Alipay and WeChat Pay, reducing any payment-related stress. By following these steps, you can fully enjoy your visit to Beijing without facing any financial barriers.
