Go2China
Best Chinese Alternatives to
Setup Guide
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PayPay does not work in China
PayPay is Japan-only. There are no Chinese merchants who accept it. Do not rely on PayPay for any payment in China.
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Set up Alipay before departure
Download Alipay and tap the globe icon (top left) for the International User flow. Verify with your passport and link a Visa or Mastercard.
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Use Tour Pass if card linking fails
Search 'Tour Pass' on the Alipay home screen. Load it with your foreign card once — you then pay from the RMB balance with no per-transaction issues.
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WeChat Pay as backup
Set up WeChat Pay too: WeChat → Me → Services → Wallet → Add Card. Having both Alipay and WeChat Pay covers every merchant.
UI Navigator — Key Buttons Translated
Scan merchant QR to pay
Show your QR for merchant to scan
Your Alipay wallet balance
Send money to a contact
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use PayPay to pay for things in China?
No. PayPay does not work in China at all. Set up Alipay with your international card before you leave Japan so you have a working mobile payment method once you arrive.
Does PayPay work anywhere in mainland China?
No. According to the guide, PayPay does not work in China at all. Travelers from Japan should configure Alipay with an international card before departure to pay in stores and for services.
What is the best replacement for PayPay in China?
Alipay is the recommended replacement. The guide advises setting up Alipay with your international card before leaving Japan, since PayPay does not work in China at all.
Should I bother installing PayPay before a trip to China?
No need for payments in China — PayPay does not work there at all. Install and fund Alipay with your international card before leaving Japan instead, so you can pay smoothly on arrival.
Find the best Chinese alternatives to PayPay