Alipay and WeChat on Google phone in china

Question

What's the easier way to set up payment options for 4-5 week trip in China?

Get an international roaming plan and link my credit cards to alipay and WeChat on my current phone, or get a local SIM card once I arrive in China and set up then?

Would these apps work properly on a Google pixel phone in China?

Thank you!

Answer

For a 4–5 week trip to China, setting up mobile payment apps like Alipay and WeChat Pay requires careful planning, especially if you are using a Google Pixel phone. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Options for connectivity and setup:

International roaming plan: You could use your current SIM with roaming, but it is generally expensive and sometimes unreliable in China. Linking your UK credit card to Alipay or WeChat abroad can be limited; some features may not work until you have a Chinese phone number.
Local SIM card upon arrival: This is the recommended option. Getting a Chinese SIM card (China Mobile, China Unicom, or China Telecom) allows you to register Alipay and WeChat Pay properly, which often requires a local phone number for verification.

Compatibility with Google Pixel phones:

Alipay and WeChat Pay apps themselves are compatible with Android phones, including Google Pixel.
However, in China, Google services including the Play Store are blocked. You may need to download the apps via their official websites or app stores that work in China, such as Huawei AppGallery or directly from Alipay/WeChat websites.
Some features might require SMS verification to a Chinese number, making a local SIM almost essential.

Practical setup advice:

Upon arrival, purchase a local SIM with sufficient data. This will allow app registration, SMS verification, and smooth payment usage.
Link your bank cards or top up the apps using the local SIM and bank account if possible. Some foreign cards can also be linked to Alipay international version, but usage may be limited compared to Chinese bank cards.
Ensure your phone is set up to allow Chinese payment apps, and consider offline payment methods or some cash for small vendors that do not accept QR payments.

In summary, while using international roaming is possible, the easiest and most reliable method for Alipay and WeChat Pay during a multi-week trip is to get a local Chinese SIM upon arrival, download and register the apps using that number, and link your bank cards. Google Pixel phones can run these apps, but Google Play Store restrictions in China mean you’ll need alternative app sources.

Alipay and WeChat on Google phone in china

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