Prepare more than one way to pay

Build a simple payment plan

Official payment guidance covers overseas cards, cash and mobile wallets. Acceptance varies by merchant and card issuer. A foreign card linked inside a wallet does not automatically enable transfers, red packets, balance top-ups or every mini app.

Do the setup before departure

Keep control of your account and only enter financial details into the genuine provider app.

1. Install Alipay and/or WeChat from an official app store and complete the requested registration.
2. Use your real passport details if identity verification is requested, and link an eligible card following the in-app instructions.
3. Check with your issuer about overseas payments, authentication messages, cash access and charges.
4. Make sure you can receive the verification messages your accounts require while abroad.
5. Keep a second payment method and plan a legitimate way to obtain some RMB cash.

Read the payment screen

Check the merchant, amount, currency, funding source and any fee before approving. Keep the receipt or transaction reference. If a payment fails, check whether it was charged before trying again. Confirm a refund through the original order and provider, not through a stranger’s QR code.