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How to Pay with WeChat Pay and Alipay in China

Are you planning a trip to China but unsure which payment apps are must-haves? Look no further! In this article, we will explore the popular payment methods WeChat Pay and Alipay.

WeChat Pay is a digital wallet service provided by Tencent, the parent company of WeChat. It allows users to make payments online and offline using their mobile devices. To add your credit card to WeChat Pay, follow these steps: enter an SMS verification code sent to your registered phone number, tap 'Bank card' and then 'Add new bank card'.

Alipay is a leading online payment service provider in China, owned by Ant Financial Services Group. It also offers digital wallets that allow users to make payments using their mobile devices.

Both WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely accepted in China, making them essential for travelers who want to pay for goods and services without cash.

In addition to their payment capabilities, both apps offer additional features such as search functionality, allowing users to find cinemas, bars, and beauty salons inside the app. Douyin, a popular short-form video app in China, also offers a link to place a delivery order or redeem a coupon for goods and services.

For example, when you see a cheeseburger or slushy on Douyin, you can click on the link to place an order for delivery or redemption.

The importance of payment apps like WeChat Pay and Alipay cannot be overstated. According to ByteDance, the company behind TikTok and Douyin, its primary focus is on social media apps, with most of its $80 billion annual revenue coming from advertising generated by these platforms.

For small business owners like Zhou Meiying, payment apps have been a game-changer. She uses Douyin to stream videos of herself preparing her specialty braised pork knuckles and allows viewers to place orders for delivery through the app. Since the Chinese government shut down Beijing's restaurants to combat Covid-19 last year, Zhou has seen hundreds of orders each day through the app.

In conclusion, WeChat Pay and Alipay are must-have payment apps in China, offering convenience, flexibility, and a range of additional features that make them essential for travelers and locals alike. Whether you're looking to pay for goods and services online or offline, these payment apps have got you covered.

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