China for Dummies: How to Understand Alipay and WeChat Apps

A trip to China in 2026 without a smartphone is like trying to buy bread with seashells. Theoretically possible (if you're very lucky), but in practice, you'll stay hungry.

China made a “digital leap”, skipping the bank card stage, and immediately switched to QR codes. Plastic Visa or Mastercard cards are only accepted in expensive hotels here, and cash causes panic among taxi drivers (they simply don't have change).

To prevent you from feeling like a helpless alien, we've put together a simple guide to the two main apps in the Middle Kingdom: Alipay and WeChat.

Who's Who?

• Alipay (Чжифубао / 支付宝) – “The Blue App”. This is primarily a wallet. For tourists, it's the most important and convenient tool. The interface is translated into English (and in some places, Russian), registration is simple, and it works more stably.
• WeChat (Вэйсинь / 微信) – “The Green App”. It's “all-in-one”: a messenger (like WhatsApp), a social network, and a wallet. It's needed to communicate with Chinese people, but paying through it is a bit more difficult for foreigners due to strict security checks.

Download both, but for payments, rely on Alipay.

Preparation

Don't try to set this up at Beijing airport via slow Wi-Fi. Do everything at home.

Setting up Alipay

Download the app. Available on App Store and Google Play.

Registration. You can register with a Russian number (+7...). The SMS arrives quickly.

Verification. The app will ask for a scan of your international passport and a selfie. Don't worry, it's safe and mandatory. You cannot pay without it.

Card linking:

• If you have a foreign bank card (Kazakhstan, Belarus, Europe): Visa or Mastercard link without issues.
• If you have Russian cards: Mir, Visa, and MC cards from Russian banks do not work. Your salvation is a UnionPay card (from non-sanctioned banks, e.g., ATB, PrimSotsBank, etc., the situation changes, check the current list before departure). Link it.

Test. Make sure the card appears in the Bank Cards section.

Setting up WeChat

Download the app and register. WeChat often requires an existing user (Chinese or foreigner with an old account) to scan your QR code for verification. If you don't have such acquaintances, this can be a problem.

• Life hack: sometimes support skips registration without a friend if you try at different times of the day, but there are no guarantees.

Wallet activation. Section Me -> Services -> Wallet. You can also link a UnionPay card here.

How to pay?

There are two ways to use a QR code in China. If you mix them up, the seller will stare at you with confusion for a long time.

Scenario 1: “You scan” (small shops, markets)

You'll see a piece of paper with a QR code stuck on the cash register or wall.

1. Open Alipay.
2. Tap the Scan button (top left).
3. Point the camera at the seller's code.
4. Enter the purchase amount (in yuan) yourself.
5. Confirm with a password (6 digits, create it in advance).
6. Show the seller the screen with a checkmark (“Successful”).

Scenario 2: “You are scanned” (supermarkets, metro, Starbucks)

The seller has a scanner gun or a special box with a camera.

1. Open Alipay.
2. Tap the Pay / Receive button (at the top, barcode icon).
3. YOUR personal QR code will appear on the screen.
4. Hold your phone screen to the seller's scanner.
5. The money will be debited automatically. No need to enter the amount.

Useful 'features' within Alipay

Alipay is a super-app. Hundreds of other services (mini-programs) live within it. Here are the ones that will save your life:

Transport. Right in Alipay, you can get a QR code for travel on the metro and buses in almost any city in China. No need to buy tokens from machines!

• Where to find: Transport button on the main screen -> Select city (e.g., Beijing) -> Get code -> Tap on the turnstile.

DiDi (Taxi). China's Uber is built right into Alipay.

• Plus: English interface, you can link a destination on the map (no need to explain to the driver in Chinese). Payment will be automatically debited from the linked card.

Translation. Built-in translator within the app. You can take a photo of a restaurant menu, and Alipay will translate the hieroglyphs.

Important tips for 'dummies'

• Internet – a necessity. Alipay and WeChat only work with internet. Buy an eSIM or set up roaming in advance. Without connectivity, you won't be able to pay even for water.
• Always carry cash. Technology fails. A UnionPay card might 'not go through' at a specific terminal. Always carry 500-1000 yuan in cash for emergencies.
• Battery. QR codes 'drain' the battery. If your phone dies, you'll be without money and a taxi. Carry a power bank.

China only seems complicated for the first 2 hours. Once you make your first QR code payment and buy a can of cola without saying a word, you'll understand how convenient it is.

Planning to put these technologies to the test? If you decide to buy tickets to Beijing on Kupi.com or Shanghai, I can tell you which airlines currently offer the best prices and convenient connections.