Alipay WeChat Pay Setup Outside China

As of my knowledge cutoff in October 2023, both Alipay and WeChat Pay have made strides to accommodate users outside of mainland China without requiring a Chinese bank account. However, there are important limitations to consider, especially regarding their use outside of China.

Alipay

Tour Pass Feature:

• What It Is: Alipay introduced the "Tour Pass" feature for foreign visitors to China. This allows users to top up a prepaid card within the Alipay app using an international credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard, etc.).
• How to Set Up:
  1. Download the Alipay App: Available on both iOS and Android platforms.
  2. Register with Your Mobile Number: You can use your non-Chinese mobile number.
  3. Access Tour Pass: Within the app, navigate to the Tour Pass section.
  4. Top Up the Prepaid Card: Use your international bank card to add funds.
• Limitations:
  • Balance Limits: There's a maximum balance you can maintain.
  • Validity Period: The prepaid card typically expires after 90 days.
  • Usage Restrictions: Primarily intended for in-China transactions. Functionality outside of China is limited and may not be supported by all merchants.

WeChat Pay

Support for International Cards:

• What It Is: WeChat Pay has begun to allow users to link certain international credit cards directly to their WeChat accounts.
• How to Set Up:
  1. Download WeChat App: Available globally on iOS and Android.
  2. Register with Your Mobile Number: Use your international number.
  3. Attempt to Link a Card: Go to the Wallet section and try adding your international credit card.
• Limitations:
  • Card Acceptance: Not all international cards are accepted. Visa and Mastercard are more likely to be supported.
  • Functionality: Similar to Alipay, the service is primarily designed for use within China. Transactions outside China or with international merchants may not be possible.

Considerations

• Regional Restrictions: Both services are optimized for the Chinese market. Even if you manage to set up an account, using it outside of China may not work as expected.
• Verification Requirements: You may be asked to provide identification documents, and the verification process might be more cumbersome without a Chinese ID or bank account.
• Alternative Solutions:
  • International Versions: Look for international versions or partnerships that Alipay and WeChat Pay may have in your country.
  • Other Payment Platforms: Consider using globally accepted platforms like PayPal or international mobile wallets that operate in your region.

Conclusion

While it's technically possible to set up an Alipay or WeChat Pay account outside of mainland China without a Chinese bank account, the functionality is limited and primarily intended for use within China. If your goal is to make payments to Chinese merchants or prepare for a trip to China, these options may suffice. However, for regular use outside of China, they may not meet your needs.