Alipay is a universal means of paying for purchases in China. This method of payment is more popular than cash or a bank card. The store may not have change or the payment terminal may be discharged, but the QR code for payment via the app will always be there, and any tourist can use it.
To use Alipay, you must have a passport. Without it, it is impossible to pass verification.
The Alipay app is available in the AppStore and Google Play stores. You can register an account using a Russian phone number. During the verification process, you need to scan your passport and activate the wallet by scanning your face.
There are three options available in the application:
Scan – pay for purchases by scanning a QR code;
Rau – show your personal QR code for payment (usually requested in large stores and cafes);
Collect – a QR code for accepting money, which anyone can use to transfer it to you.
You can top up your Alipay balance using a Chinese bank list of real mobile number database card through an intermediary (linking the card is optional) or by transferring from another wallet. The yuan exchange rate will be slightly higher than at the bank.
The annual Alipay top-up limit is 200,000 yuan.
Via WeChat app Rau
Unlike Alipay, the WeChat Pau app requires linking a bank card, specifically from a Chinese bank.
"However, Chinese banks do not issue plastic cards to ordinary tourists in 90% of cases. To obtain even a simple debit card, you need to prove a longer and more permanent stay: provide a work/student visa, registration at the place of stay, information about the business registered in your name, etc.," said the owner of the Chilaw boutique.
With the help of WeChat application, Rau can pay for purchases in stores, restaurants, hotels, subways, taxis, cinemas, as well as buy tickets for trains, planes, etc.
By Chinese bank card
The Chinese banking system is one of the strictest in the world. Bankers in China, together with the authorities, closely monitor any cross-border payments, as well as ensure that no one opens bank accounts. This is due to strict currency regulation, strict immigration laws, and combating money laundering.
"However, if you permanently reside in China, you have a work or study residence permit, then you will not have problems opening accounts in large banks of the Celestial Empire. You only need to present your passport and a long-term (study or work) visa and clearly communicate with the bank employee. Also, do not forget to take a SIM card from a Chinese operator," said Ilya Dobrynin, a lawyer at Kityr.
In some provinces of China, such as Guangzhou, a certain amount of money must be deposited into an account to issue plastic.