Traveling to China soon? If you want to know how Filipinos can pay in China, preparing your mobile payment setup before your trip is essential. In many parts of China, especially in major cities, mobile payments are widely used in shops, restaurants, tourist spots, transportation services, and other establishments.
For Filipino travelers, two of the most useful apps to set up are WeChat Pay and Alipay. You can link a Philippine-issued debit card, such as your GCash card or MariBank debit card, and pay directly in China using your phone.
Table of Contents
- Why Set Up WeChat Pay and Alipay Before Your China Trip?
- Can Filipinos Use GCash or MariBank to Pay in China?
- How to Add Your Card to WeChat Pay
- How to Pay Using WeChat Pay
- How to Add Your Card to Alipay
- How to Pay Using Alipay
- Important Tips Before You Travel
- Which Is Better: WeChat Pay or Alipay?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Reminder
- Related China Tours and Articles
Guide on How Filipinos Can Pay in China: Setting Up WeChat Pay and Alipay
China is highly cashless, and many merchants are used to accepting QR payments through WeChat Pay and Alipay. While it is still good to bring some cash as backup, having these apps ready can make your trip much more convenient.
With WeChat Pay and Alipay, you can usually pay by either:
- Scanning the merchant’s QR code; or
- Showing your own payment QR code for the merchant to scan.
This is especially helpful for restaurants, convenience stores, local shops, cafés, tourist attractions, and other everyday travel expenses.
How Filipinos Can Pay in China Using GCash or MariBank in China
Filipino travelers may use their GCash card or MariBank debit card by linking it to WeChat Pay or Alipay.
You do not need to keep Chinese yuan in your Philippine account. Just maintain enough balance in Philippine pesos. When you pay in China, the app and/or card network will automatically convert the amount from Chinese yuan to Philippine pesos based on the applicable exchange rate and fees at the time of payment.
You may use either a physical debit card or a virtual card, depending on what is available in your GCash or MariBank app.
As of our latest checking, MariBank usually gives a better yuan-to-peso conversion rate, but rates and fees can change. It is still best to compare before your trip.
Step-by-Step: How Filipinos Can Pay in China Using WeChat Pay
Before your trip, open your WeChat app and try adding your card in advance.
Basic steps:
- Open WeChat.
- Go to Me.
- Tap Pay and Services.
- Go to Wallet.
- Select Bank Cards.
- Tap Add Bank Card.
- Enter your GCash or MariBank card details.
- Follow the verification steps.
Once added, you may be able to use WeChat Pay in China by scanning merchant QR codes or showing your own payment code.
How to Pay Using WeChat Pay
There are two common ways to pay using WeChat Pay:
| Option 1: Scan the Merchant’s QR Code | Option 2: Let the Merchant Scan Your QR Code |
|---|---|
|
|
Setting Up Alipay: How Filipinos Can Pay in China Easily
Alipay is also very useful for travelers in China. It is recommended to install and set it up before departure.
| Basic Steps to Add Your Card in Alipay |
|---|
|
Note: In many cases, the card can be added right away, but verification may vary depending on your card type, app version, and account status.
How to Pay Using Alipay
Alipay works in a similar way to WeChat Pay.
| Option 1: Scan the Merchant’s QR Code | Option 2: Show Your Payment Code |
|---|---|
|
|
Essential Travel Tips on How Filipinos Can Pay in China
Set up both WeChat Pay and Alipay before leaving the Philippines. Do not wait until you are already in China, since you may need SMS verification, stable internet, or extra time to complete the setup.
Keep enough balance in your GCash or MariBank account before paying. Since your balance is in Philippine pesos, the charge will be converted from Chinese yuan to pesos automatically.
It is also best to bring backup payment options. Keep some cash in Chinese yuan, and bring at least one physical debit or credit card in case one app or card does not work at a specific merchant.
Always check the final converted amount, exchange rate, and any applicable fees. Rates may change depending on the bank, card network, app, merchant, and transaction type.
Which Is Better: WeChat Pay or Alipay?
For travelers, it is best to have both installed. Some merchants may prefer WeChat Pay, while others may be easier to pay through Alipay.
WeChat is also widely used in China for messaging and communication, while Alipay is very useful for payments and other travel-related services. Having both gives you more flexibility during your trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Filipinos use GCash to pay in China?
Yes. Filipino travelers may link their GCash card to WeChat Pay or Alipay, then use these apps to pay at participating merchants in China.
Can I use MariBank with WeChat Pay or Alipay in China?
Yes. You may link your MariBank debit card or virtual card to WeChat Pay or Alipay, subject to app and card verification.
Do I need Chinese yuan in my GCash or MariBank account?
No. You may keep your balance in Philippine pesos. When you pay in China, the transaction is converted from Chinese yuan to Philippine pesos based on the applicable exchange rate and fees.
Which is better for China travel, WeChat Pay or Alipay?
It is best to set up both. Some merchants may prefer WeChat Pay, while others may be easier to pay through Alipay. Having both gives you more flexibility during your China trip.
Should I still bring cash to China?
Yes. Even if WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely used, it is still best to bring some Chinese yuan as backup in case a merchant, app, or card transaction does not work.
Final Reminder
Before your China trip, install WeChat and Alipay, link your GCash or MariBank card, test your login access, and make sure your Philippine SIM or roaming setup can receive verification codes if needed.
With the right setup, Filipino travelers can pay more conveniently in China using WeChat Pay and Alipay, while keeping their funds in Philippine pesos.
For more China travel tips, tour arrangements, and travel assistance, follow TripHappy.ph.
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