Foreigners who wish to use WeChat or Alipay in China need to have a bank card for real-name authentication and to recharge their accounts. To get a bank card, you first need a domestic mobile card. Therefore, the basic logic is: Mobile Card + Bank Card + Binding to WeChat/Alipay.
I. Applying for a Mobile Card in China
- Documents Required:
- Passport (valid for at least six months).
- Visit the service hall in person to queue and apply.
- Process:
- Generally, the mobile card can be obtained on the same day.
Example: Applying for a China Mobile Card:
- Opening a Card: Bring your passport to a China Mobile service hall, take a number, and wait in line. The card can usually be obtained on the same day.
- Suspend Service: If you plan to travel to China frequently, you can suspend your service by calling the customer service hotline at 10086. When you return to China, call 10086 again to reactivate it. Note that a monthly management fee of 5 yuan will be charged for the suspended service.
- Canceling the Card: You need to visit the service hall in person with your passport and mobile card to cancel the account.
II. Applying for a Bank Card
After obtaining a mobile card, you can proceed to apply for a savings or credit card with the following documents:
- A Chinese mobile card.
- Passport (valid for at least six months).
- A residential address (either a domestic address or your overseas ID address).
- Visit the bank in person to queue and apply.
Example: Opening a CNY Savings Account at Standard Chartered Bank in Shenzhen:
- Opening a Card: Bring your passport and mobile card to the bank branch, take a number, and wait in line. The bank card can usually be obtained on the same day.
- Closing the Account: Bring your passport, bank card, and mobile card to the bank branch to close the account.
- Note: Standard Chartered Bank’s ordinary account (i.e., a regular debit card) does not require a fixed deposit or account maintenance fees. If you have a “premium” account, you can call the bank’s customer service hotline to downgrade it to an ordinary account to avoid maintenance fees. If you have investment or financial needs, you can consult with a financial advisor for professional services.
Warm Reminder: Different banks and mobile service halls may have varying requirements for application documents. For example, some banks may allow card opening with a foreign bank card. It is recommended to call the official customer service hotline to verify the requirements before visiting the service hall.
III. Binding WeChat and Alipay
Once you have your mobile and bank cards, you can proceed to bind them to your payment apps.
Binding WeChat:
- Download the WeChat app.
- New users need to register with a mobile number. Existing users who haven’t bound a mobile number need to do so.
- Open the WeChat app, go to Me > Services > Wallet > Real-Name Authentication, and fill in the following information:
- Name
- Gender
- Type of ID (passport)
- ID number
- ID validity period
- Occupation
- Domestic address
- Bind your bank card by adding the card number, verifying via SMS, and setting a payment password.
Binding Alipay:
- Download the Alipay app.
- Go to My > Bank Card > Bind Bank Card.
- Verify via SMS and set a payment password to start using Alipay for payments.
After binding WeChat and Alipay, you can enjoy convenient shopping and payments.
IV. WeChat or Alipay?
Both WeChat Pay and Alipay offer similar functions. When you find one platform accepted, you will often find the other accepted as well. Currently, both WeChat and Alipay support foreign users to bind domestic bank cards for online and offline payments. They accept five types of identification documents: passport, Home Return Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents, Mainland Travel Permit for Taiwan Residents, Hong Kong and Macao Residents’ Permit, and Taiwan Residents’ Permit. The services cover up to 128 banks (source: China Fund Daily).
“WeChat or Alipay?” is a common question in many offline payment scenarios in China. You can choose based on your personal preferences.
With these apps, you can pay for meals, rides, movie tickets, and even bubble tea with just a scan or a tap. No more carrying cash or change! Additionally, sending red packets (hongbao) is a social tradition in China. During festivals or special occasions, sending a red packet can enhance your social status and make you look very considerate.