Alipay vs WeChat Pay in China: Key Differences Explained

Key Takeaways

• Alipay and WeChat Pay are mobile payment platforms widely accepted in China, and are necessary for travellers since not all businesses accept cash or credit cards from international payment providers like Visa and Mastercard.
• You can use Alipay and WeChat Pay to make payments in China with a Singapore number and by linking a Singapore-issued credit card.
• Both Alipay and WeChat Pay charge a 3% fee on transactions over 200 RMB.
• Payments are commonly made by scanning a QR code using the Alipay or WeChat app and confirming the payment amount.

China is now one of the hottest travel destinations for Singaporeans and has also become an almost entirely cashless society that relies heavily on mobile payments, with Alipay and WeChat Pay being the most widely used platforms for day-to-day transactions like transport, restaurants and attractions.

In case you didn’t already know, China is even more cashless than Singapore! Also, not all businesses there accept international credit cards from payment providers Visa, Mastercard, or AMEX.

The good news? Alipay and WeChat Pay now support foreign users, including Singapore-issued cards and mobile numbers, making it much easier for tourists to make cashless payments in China.

This comprehensive Alipay vs WeChat Pay guide will cover everything you need to know about using WeChat Pay vs Alipay in China, including fees and charges, setup instructions, supported cards and more.

Alipay vs WeChat Pay Comparison

What Is Alipay?

Alipay is a Chinese mobile payment platform widely used in China to pay for all sorts of transactions, from restaurant meals to train tickets. Alipay’s Chinese name is 支付宝 (zhīfùbǎo).

It is accepted at virtually every brick-and-mortar or e-commerce merchant in China, and is free to use.

Alipay is not to be confused with Alipay+, which is a payment solution used by businesses, enabling them to accept payments via e-wallets from different countries. If a business accepts Alipay+, it means you can use a supported e-wallet, such as GrabPay, to pay instead of the Alipay app.

The original Alipay app was only available in simplified and traditional Chinese, but now it also comes in English for users outside of Mainland China, available on Android and iOS.

How to Use Alipay in China for Singaporeans?

Travellers can use Alipay in China even if they are not Chinese citizens or permanent residents. You do not need a Chinese bank account, a Chinese bank-issued credit card or a Chinese phone number to make Alipay work for you.

The Alipay international app supports multiple languages, including Chinese, English, Malay, Indonesian, Thai, Korean, Japanese and Vietnamese.

Just so you know, there’s no need to top up your account to use Alipay. Simply link your card, and make payments straight away. Alipay accepts Singapore-issued cards from Visa, Mastercard, AMEX, Diners Club and UnionPay. You can also link JCB and Discover cards to your Alipay account if you have those.

The Alipay+ network is compatible with other e-wallets, so without even creating an Alipay account, you can make payments with other compatible wallets, including GrabPay, OCBC Digital, Changi Pay, EZ-Link Wallet, ShopeePay, Touch ‘n Go eWallet, or Wise.

[Update]: From 16 June 2026, users will no longer be able to register for or link a Liquid Account to Changi Pay for overseas payments.

Additionally, from 1 October 2026, Changi Pay will no longer support overseas payments made via Alipay/Alipay + QR.

What Is WeChat Pay?

WeChat Pay is a payment service in the WeChat app, which enables you to make payments and send money to other users. WeChat Pay in Chinese is 微信支付 (wēixìnzhīfù).

If you already have the WeChat app, you can simply link your credit or debit card to your wallet to begin using WeChat Pay. It is free to sign up for.

WeChat Pay offers multiple services, including money transfers, bill sharing and splitting, bill payment, taxi hailing, train and flight bookings and more. Most businesses in China accept WeChat Pay now, so you can use it for in-store payments anywhere from big shopping malls to small street vendors—ultra convenient.

To download the international version of the app, search for WeChat for Android and Apple, rather than the Chinese version Weixin.

How to Use WeChat Pay for Singaporeans?

As a Singapore visitor, you can simply link your credit card or debit card to your WeChat account using your local Singapore number—it works perfectly fine without a Chinese phone number.

WeChat Pay accepts Singapore and international debit or credit cards by Visa, Mastercard, AMEX, JCB, Diners Club, Discover and UnionPay.

Even without using the WeChat app, when you see Weixin (WeChat) Pay QR codes, you can scan and pay using compatible overseas e-wallets, including LiquidPay, PayPal, Venmo and ShopeePay.

Making Payments: Alipay vs WeChat Pay

Both Alipay and WeChat Pay enable you to make both online and in-store payments.

Online

To make online payments to merchants that accept Alipay or WeChat Pay, you can simply select Alipay or WeChat Pay as your payment method during the checkout process.

The merchant’s website will then display a QR code that you can scan using the Alipay or WeChat app. You then confirm the payment amount and make the payment.

In-Store Payments

If you’re wondering how to use Alipay in China, it’s easy, and the process is similar to using WeChat Pay.

To pay in-store using Alipay or WeChat Pay, the most common option is to scan the QR code provided by the merchant using the Alipay or WeChat app, and then confirm the payment amount. The QR code is sometimes displayed on restaurant tables. If not, the merchant will provide it at the checkout counter.

If you’re unable to scan the QR code for whatever reason, you can generate and present your own QR code in the Alipay or WeChat app, then have the merchant scan it with their own device. You may opt for this method if you’re facing network issues on your phone.

Alipay vs WeChat Pay: Fees and Charges

Alipay

Alipay charges a 3% fee for transactions above 200 RMB. However, this fee can be avoided if the merchant allows you to split your bill into several payments under 200 RMB. Alternatively, if you have a Chinese bank account, you can set up Alipay to debit directly from this account, thus escaping the transaction fee.

Now that Alipay+ accepts some e-wallets, they can be a good alternative to avoid transaction fees, but do note that there are some downsides: you may have to top up your account with cash, and the exchange rate varies according to the app.

While we’re on the topic, it’s a fantastic idea to link Alipay with a multi-currency card or wallet on hand, such as YouTrip, Revolut, Instarem Amaze or Wise, as they offer better exchange rates.

Alternatively, you can pair Alipay and WeChat Pay with credit cards offering competitive foreign exchange rates, such as the Mari Credit Card and Trust Cashback Card.

You can also use the Instarem Amaze Card and link it to a separate credit card to earn rewards while saving on foreign exchange fees. The spread is higher than that of the Mari Credit Card or Wise, but still lower than the 3 to 3.25% that credit cards typically charge.

The DBS UnionPay Debit Card offers up to 8% cashback on your RMB spending (current promo) and a waiver of the 3% Alipay transaction fee. However, you should be aware of its 3.25% foreign transaction fee.

WeChat Pay

Like Alipay, WeChat Pay also charges a 3% fee for transactions above 200 RMB. You can check if the merchant will be nice enough to split the payment into more than one transaction to avoid the fee. Alternatively, you can ask someone with a Chinese account to pay the bill for you and reimburse them later.

Like Alipay, WeChat Pay is best paired with multi-currency cards such as YouTrip, Revolut, Mari Credit Card, Trust Cashback Card or Instarem Amaze Card to avoid foreign transaction fees and enjoy competitive foreign exchange rates.

The DBS UnionPay Debit Card waives the 3% WeChat Pay transaction fee and also offers 8% cashback on RMB spending, but charges a 3.25% foreign transaction fee.

How to Set Up Alipay and WeChat Pay in China

Alipay

You can set up Alipay in China or Singapore. You don’t need a Chinese SIM card; you can register with your Singapore mobile number. Here’s how.

1) Download the Alipay app for Android or iOS.

2) Tap [Sign Up].

3) Select [Singapore] and enter your mobile number with the +65 prefix.

4) An SMS will be sent to you with a verification code. Verify your number using the code.

5) Create a password.

6) If you are installing the app outside China, you will automatically have the international version. If you are in China, the Chinese version will be the default, but you can change that by going to Settings and selecting International Version.

While you can use Alipay with a Singapore SIM, you might want to opt for a Chinese eSIM to enjoy affordable data as you travel. Check out our reviews on the best Malaysia eSIMs and Japan eSIMs.

WeChat Pay

WeChat Pay is integrated into the WeChat app, which many Singaporeans already use for instant messaging. You can set up WeChat Pay in China or Singapore. You don’t need a Chinese SIM card; you can register with your Singapore mobile number. Here’s how.

1) Download WeChat for Android and iOS. This is different from the Chinese version Weixin.

2) If you don’t have a WeChat account, create one with your Singapore phone number. Otherwise, simply log in to your account.

How to Top Up Alipay Without a Chinese Bank Account

To use Alipay, simply link your card and have payments be charged directly.

1) Open Alipay and link your Singaporean card by tapping [Me] > [Bank Cards] > [Add Card] and add and save your card details.

2) Verify your identity by tapping [Me] > [Settings] > [Account & Security] > [Identity Verification], and upload your passport and complete the facial recognition check. You don’t have to do this right away, but it will eventually be necessary if you plan to use Alipay for bigger transactions.

How to Top Up WeChat Pay Without a Chinese Bank Account

You can use WeChat Pay by linking your Singapore card. Whenever you pay with WeChat Pay, your card will be charged automatically.

1) Open WeChat and add your Singapore card by tapping [Me] > [Service] > [Wallet] > [Cards] > [Add a card] and add and save your card details.

2) You will be sent a confirmation code via SMS. Verify your card with the code.

3) Set a payment PIN for your card.

Can I Use Alipay and WeChat Pay in Singapore?

So, you might be wondering: now that you’ve gone through all the trouble of setting it up, can I use Alipay in Singapore? Ironically, if you’re using Alipay or WeChat Pay with a Singapore-issued card, such as a credit card or multi-currency card, you won’t be able to make payments in Singapore using these apps.

Singapore merchants who accept Alipay or WeChat Pay are specifically targeting foreigners or tourists in Singapore, particularly Chinese nationals.

Can I Transfer Funds Between Alipay and WeChat Pay?

No, you cannot move funds between the two apps, but you can link the same credit or debit card to both wallets.

Conclusion: Alipay vs WeChat Pay — Which Is Better for Singapore Travellers?

Alipay and WeChat Pay both function very similarly and are easy to use, and many Chinese merchants nowadays accept both. There is little difference in how to use them, or in cost, since they both charge the same 3% transaction fee for transactions over 200 RMB.

However, it is worth noting that you can only link AMEX cards to WeChat Pay. Those who already use WeChat might also prefer to use WeChat Pay simply because it is already integrated into the app.

That said, if you travel frequently to China, we recommend setting up both Alipay and WeChat Pay on your phone. Payments sometimes fail for no reason, and you’ll want an alternative on hand just in case.