Besides WeChat, the other must-have payment app for trips to mainland China is Alipay. Although its functions overlap with WeChat, some merchants and platforms (such as Taobao, certain vending machines, and government services) only support Alipay, so installing both is the safest bet.
AlipayHK vs. Mainland Alipay: Which One to Choose?
| AlipayHK (Hong Kong Version) | Mainland Alipay | |
|---|---|---|
| Registration | Hong Kong phone number | Mainland phone number |
| Card Linking | Hong Kong credit card / bank account | Mainland bank card (or Hong Kong card with real-name verification) |
| Spending in Mainland | ✅ Supports mainland merchant network | ✅ Full functionality |
| Advanced Mainland Features | Some unavailable | All available (Meituan, Didi, government services) |
| Best For | Weekend trips north, simple purchases | Long-term stays / wanting full features |
AlipayHK Setup Guide (Simplest)
- Download the AlipayHK app and register with a Hong Kong phone number
- Link a Hong Kong credit card / bank account and complete real-name verification (Hong Kong ID)
- Scan to pay at mainland merchants (AlipayHK already supports the mainland merchant network)
- For the Shenzhen Metro, you can use the "EasyGo" code in AlipayHK to scan and enter the gates
Setting Up Mainland Alipay
- Register with a mainland phone number (check out the SIM card guide first)
- Link a mainland bank card (check out the bank account guide first)
- Complete facial recognition real-name verification, then you can scan to pay, use transit codes, and pay utility bills
Practical Tips
- Scanning to pay: Open the app → tap "Pay" on the homepage to show your payment code, or use "Scan" to scan the merchant's QR code
- Transit code: Search for "Transit" or "Shenzhen Tong" in the app, activate it, and you can scan to ride the metro and buses
- Saving money: Alipay frequently offers random discounts and red packet deals — check for coupons before paying
- When using AlipayHK, the exchange rate is set by your bank, so watch out for cross-border fees; using the mainland version with a mainland card avoids exchange rate issues altogether
Got WeChat and Alipay sorted? Next, learn the Amap navigation guide so you never get lost heading north.
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