Link overseas bank cards with Alipay:

After downloading the Alipay app, signing up, and linking an overseas bank card from a major card network, you can start your mobile payment journey in China and pay like a local.

Get started in 2 steps:

1. Download and register:

Download Alipay App, enter your mobile phone number, and tap “Next”

to register.

2. Add a bank card:

Tap “Add Now” and follow the on-screen prompts to complete the process.

Frequently asked questions:

Q: Where can I pay with overseas bank cards using Alipay?

A: Consumers can add overseas bank cards to their Alipay accounts and

pay for daily purchases anywhere on the Chinese mainland. Overseas

bank cards do not support person-to-person transfers, sending or receiving

red packets, wealth management services, insurance services, or other

financial services.

Q: How do I know the exchange rate of the transactions made with

overseas bank cards on Alipay?

A: The exchange rate for overseas bank cards is provided by the issuing bank

to which your card belongs. Please refer to the billing statement from your bank.

Tips:

In order to facilitate easier use of mobile payment products in China,

Shenzhen is piloting a program that will grant users access to products

within a certain cumulative payment amount without being required to input

identity information. Relevant information can be obtained from the

handling agency.

Customer Service:

If you encounter any payment problems, contact customer service.

China UnionPay: +86-95516

WeChat Pay: +86-57195017

WeChat Pay HK: +85239291666

Alipay: +86-057126886000

Domestic bank card processing & usage:

If necessary, you can also apply for domestic bank cards and pay like a local.

1. How do I apply for domestic bank cards?

Choose a domestic bank and convenient location. Go there to apply for a bank card. Usually, you need to bring valid identity documents such as a valid passport or foreigner permanent residence ID card. You can consult with the bank or the bank’s customer service hotline to find out which documents are required.

2. How do I use domestic bank cards to make payments?

● You can make payments at all merchants equipped with a POS terminal

in China.

● You can add your domestic bank card to UnionPay, WeChat Pay, Alipay,

and other apps to enjoy convenient mobile payments.

● You can also use the domestic bank card to withdraw RMB cash from an

ATM and pay with cash.

Using e-CNY as a payment method:

e-CNY, the digital form of CNY, is a legal currency issued by the People’s Bank of China. It can be used for transportation, retail, shopping, dining, and cultural tourism.

How to use the e-CNY app:

1. Download the e-CNY app:

Search for the keyword “e-CNY” in your app store to download and install

the “e-CNY” app.

2. Open an e-CNY wallet:

A. Open the e-CNY app and tap “Sign up” to register.

B. Tap “Open/Add e-CNY Wallets” and choose your preferred bank to open

your e-CNY wallet.

“Top Up As You Pay” Function:

1. Use features like “Scan” or “Payment QR Code” to pay merchants and

follow the on-page prompts to link an overseas bank card.

2. By linking your wallet to your overseas bank card, you can pay directly

from your wallet without topping up in advance.

3. Enter your wallet payment PIN and complete the payment.

Traveler Wallet:

1. Open a wallet in the e-CNY app.

2. Tap the “Top-up” button, use an overseas bank card to top up the Wallet

and pay with ease.

3. Flip to the back side of the wallet and tap the “Deposit” button to deposit

any unused funds back to your bank account.

Hardware Wallets:

1. Apply for a card hardware wallet at an authorized operator’s branch or

via self-service terminals.

2. Card hardware wallets can also be linked to the e-CNY app for easier

top-up and management.

e-CNY payments:

1. Tap “Scan” to scan a merchant’s QR code.

2. Enter payment amount and choose a wallet.

3. Enter your PIN and complete the payment.

Payment QR code:

1. Tap the “Pay” button or swipe up on the wallet page to activate “Payment

QR code.”

2. Display the “Payment QR code” generated on your phone screen. The

merchant will then scan your code using a QR code scanner.

e-CNY App to Pay for Online Purchases:

1. When using online platforms such as DiDi, Meituan, Ctrip, and Qunar,

you can choose to pay with e-CNY.

2. The online checkout counter will call your e-CNY app, and you can follow

the on-page prompts to complete the payment.

Touch to Pay:

Touch the POS terminal with your card hardware wallet directly to pay.

● 24-hour national unified customer service hotline:+86-10-956196

Editor’s note:

To better serve foreign visitors and expats arriving in Shenzhen, we present “A Foreigner’s Guide to Shenzhen.” This series features guidebook-style videos and articles about work and travel in the city. This is the final part of the payment service guide for overseas users in SZ.