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Payments in China

Making payments using Alipay

Foreigners without a Chinese bank account can still use Alipay to make payments.

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Setting-up WeChat without bank account

Even without a Chinese bank account, foreigners can still use WeChat Pay in China.

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Procedures for transferring money abroad

Transferring money abroad as a foreigner working in China involv

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Making payments with Alipay

 

Foreigners without a Chinese bank account can still use Alipay to make payments by setting up Alipay and binding an overseas bank card to Alipay. Below you can find the detailed steps and the instructions.

 

Download and register Alipay

Download Alipay App: Foreigners can search for “Alipay” in mobile phone application shops (e.g. App Store, Google Play, etc.) and download and install it.

 

Register for an Alipay account

After opening the Alipay app, follow the prompts to select “Register a new account” and then enter your mobile phone number to register. It is important to note that although a mobile phone number is required for registration, it is not mandatory to use a Chinese mobile phone number to bind a bank card or make payments with Alipay.

 

Binding overseas bank cards

Alipay currently supports mainstream overseas bank card organizations issued by bank cards, such as Visa, Mastercard, Diners Club, Discover and so on. Specific supported bank card types can be viewed in Alipay App.

 

Procedure to bind the bank card

In Alipay App, find “My Account”, then click “Bank Card” option. In the bank card management page, select “Add Bank Card”, and then follow the prompts to enter the bank card number, cardholder’s name, ID number (such as passport number) and other information to bind.

 

Using Alipay Payment

At the merchants and shops that support Alipay payment, open Alipay App, select the “Payment” function, and then show the payment code to the merchant for scanning, or scan the merchant’s payment code for payment. When you make the payment, Alipay will automatically deduct the corresponding amount from the bonded overseas bank card.

 

Caution

Ensure that the bound overseas bank card has sufficient balance or credit limit so that the transaction can be completed smoothly when making the payment. If you encounter payment problems or need advice, you can contact Alipay customer service or bank customer service to solve the problem.

 

Real-name authentication

Although a Bank of China account is not required to register for Alipay, Alipay may require users to carry out real-name authentication to improve account security and ease of use. For real-name authentication, you need to provide valid identification documents (e.g. passport) and contact information.

 

Transaction Limit

For Alipay accounts bound to foreign bank cards, there may be restrictions on transaction limits. Specific limits can be viewed in the Alipay App or consult Alipay customer service.

 

Handling Fee

When you use a foreign bank card to make transactions on Alipay, you may incur a certain handling fee. The specific handling fee standard can be viewed in Alipay App or consult the bank’s customer service.

 

Setting-up WeChat without bank account

 

Even without a Chinese bank account, foreigners can still use WeChat Pay in China. Below you can find the detailed steps and the relevant instructions.

 

Download and Register for a WeChat account

First, foreigners need to download and install WeChat app on their mobile phones. After opening the WeChat app, choose to register a new account. You can use a foreign mobile phone number to register, or you can register by other means (such as email), but it is usually more convenient and direct to use a mobile phone number to register.

 

Bind an international bank card

In order to use WeChat Pay in China, foreigners need to bind their international bank cards (e.g. Visa, Mastercard, JCB, etc.) to WeChat. The following are the specific steps.

  • Update the WeChat app: make sure the WeChat app has been updated to the latest version in order to support the latest payment features.

  • Go to Payment Settings: Open WeChat, click on “Me” in the bottom right corner, and then go to the “Payment” option.

  • Add bank card: In the payment interface, select “Wallet”, then click “Bank Card” and select “Add Bank Card”.

  • Enter card information: Follow the prompts to enter the card number, cardholder’s name, ID number (e.g. passport number), and the mobile phone number reserved by the bank (this mobile phone number can be foreign, but it needs to be able to receive SMS verification code).

  • Verify Identity: Enter the SMS verification code sent by the bank to verify the authenticity of the card and identity information.

  • Set a payment password: In order to protect payment security, you need to set a 6-digit payment password.

 

Using WeChat Payment

Once the bank card is successfully bound to WeChat, foreigners can use WeChat Pay in China. Whether it is offline code payment or online shopping, you can use WeChat Pay as conveniently as Chinese users. Open WeChat Pay and then show the payment code to the merchant for scanning, or scan the merchant’s payment code for payment.

 

Precautions

  • Payment Limit: according to WeChat’s regulations, different payment limits may apply to different bank card types and payment methods. The exact limit can be found in the help centre of WeChat Pay.

  • Security: in order to protect the safety of your funds, it is recommended that you remain vigilant when using WeChat Pay and do not transfer money or disclose personal information to strangers.

  • Exchange Rate Issues: if the bank card is a foreign currency card, WeChat Payment will be converted according to the exchange rate of the day.

 

Procedures for transferring money abroad

 

Transferring money abroad as a foreigner working in China involves specific procedures and adherence to China’s financial regulations.

 

Procedures to Transfer Money Abroad

  1. Choose a Transfer Method:

    • Bank Transfer: You can use any Chinese bank such as ICBC, Bank of China, or China Construction Bank.

    • International Money Transfer Services: For example Western Union or MoneyGram.

    • Online Transfer Services: For example, platforms like PayPal or Wise.

  2. Gather Necessary Documents:

    • Proof of Income: Employment contract, salary slips, and tax payment receipts.

    • Identification: Passport, Chinese visa, and work permit.

    • Bank Statements: Recent statements showing your salary deposits.

    • Recipient Details: Recipient’s bank account information, including SWIFT/BIC code and IBAN.

  3. Visit Your Bank or Transfer Service Provider:

    • For banks, you’ll typically need to go in person, especially for your first transfer.

    • For online services, follow their specific procedures.

  4. Complete Transfer Forms:

    • Fill out the international transfer form provided by the bank or transfer service. Include all required information about the recipient and the amount to be transferred.

  5. Currency Exchange:

    • Convert RMB to the destination currency. Banks will handle this and provide the exchange rate.

  6. Submit Documents and Pay Fees:

    • Provide all required documents and pay any associated fees. Fees can include transfer fees and currency conversion fees.

  7. Wait for Transfer Completion:

    • Transfers can take a few days to complete. The bank or service will provide a reference number for tracking.


Limitations and Regulations

  1. Annual Transfer Limit:

    • China imposes an annual limit on the amount of foreign currency that can be transferred abroad by individuals. As of 2025, this limit is USD 50,000 per person per year.

  2. Monthly Transfer Limit:

    • Some banks may have additional monthly limits on the amount that can be transferred abroad.

  3. Documentation Requirements:

    • You must provide proof of the source of funds, such as salary slips and tax receipts, to comply with anti-money laundering regulations.

  4. Tax Compliance:

    • Ensure that taxes on your income have been paid in China. Banks require proof of tax compliance before processing large transfers.

  5. Exchange Control Regulations:

    • Foreign exchange purchases must be registered with the State Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE). Banks handle this registration during the transfer process.

  6. Transaction Fees:

    • Be aware of the transaction fees charged by banks and transfer services, which can vary.

 

Tips for smooth transfers:

  • Be aware of the limits and plan your transfers to avoid delays or issues.

  • Maintain copies of all documents submitted and received for future reference.

  • Ensure you use established and reliable banks or transfer services to avoid potential fraud.

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