Updated WeChat Pay streamlines transactions for overseas tourists
In an effort to make China more accessible for foreign tourists, several initiatives have been introduced to streamline mobile payments. Two of the most popular mobile payment apps in China, WeChat Pay and Alipay, have made significant strides in accommodating foreign visitors.
WeChat, China's leading social media platform and primary messaging app, has partnered with e-commerce platform JD, and has also forged a partnership with Payments Network Malaysia (PayNet) to support visitors utilizing local e-wallets like GrabPay and Shopee Pay. As of December 2023, Tencent's WeChat Pay and Ant Group-owned Alipay collectively service around 954 million mobile payment users in China.
WeChat Pay is integrated into the WeChat app, offering fast QR code payments. Starting from 12 April 2024, foreigners can register for a WeChat account with an overseas number and activate WeChat Pay using an eligible international card. Verification is no longer required for WeChat Pay users, although users who opt to verify their identity can enjoy an increased transaction limit.
Alipay, on the other hand, offers a more user-friendly experience for travelers. With features like linking foreign cards, multilingual support, and easy top-up options, Alipay is a popular choice among foreign visitors. Alipay users can link international cards to their account, including Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Discover, and Diner's Club. However, Alipay currently does not support American Express cards.
Alipay's "Alipay+-in-China" (A+China) program facilitates interoperability with ten Asian e-wallets, and it has partnered with Payments Network Malaysia (PayNet) to support visitors utilizing local e-wallets like GrabPay and Shopee Pay. Verified Alipay users enjoy comparable transaction limits to WeChat Pay, with annual caps of USD 50,000 and single transaction limits of USD 5,000.
The Chinese government is also making efforts to facilitate payments for foreign visitors, with initiatives such as optimized currency exchange services, e-ticketing for public transport, increased cash acceptance, and easier mobile payments. These measures are part of an overall strategy to revitalize China's tourism sector.
Alipay positions itself as a superapp, offering an open business ecosystem that enables merchants to offer users various mini-program services. In addition to mobile payments, Alipay's services include ticketing, payment portals, wealth management, and integration with Taobao and Tmall.
As of now, around 4 million foreign visitors have utilized mobile payments in China. With these improvements, this number is expected to grow, making transactions in China more convenient and accessible for tourists from around the world.
