Why Can't I Pay in China? Alipay & WeChat Pay Issues & How to Fix Them

Being unable to make payments in China is a situation many foreign travelers might encounter, even after linking their Visa or Mastercard to Alipay or WeChat Pay. The cause could stem from the merchant's QR code type, your bank card, payment account, network connection, or the store's own system. Before heading to China, it's a good idea to prepare multiple payment methods so you aren't caught off guard by relying on just one app or card. If a transaction is declined, check the potential causes below to find the right solution.

6 Common Reasons why your Payments might Fail in China

If you're unable to make a payment in China, the issue could stem from your account or the merchant's system. Typically, some of the main reasons include:

💳 Card linked but still declined

Before starting your trip to China, you successfully added your Visa or Mastercard to Alipay/WeChat Pay, but your transactions are still failing? Keep in mind that successfully adding a card doesn't mean every transaction will be accepted.

The causes are quite diverse, but for the most part, they are due to:

• The card-issuing bank has limited international transactions.
• The card has not enabled some necessary payment functions.
• Transaction with unusual value or frequency.
• The store's payment system doesn't support your type of card or account.

If your card works fine elsewhere but is repeatedly declined in China, check both your payment app and the issuing bank to pinpoint the exact cause.

📱 Seller's QR code is not compatible

This is likely the most common reason why many travelers can't make payments in China. A basic thing you need to know before traveling is that QR codes in China don't all work the same way. In particular, personal account QR codes and merchant payment QR codes may process transactions differently.

Therefore, you might encounter issues when paying via QR code at:

• Small stall.
• Local market.
• Street food stall.
• Service provided by an individual.
• Some stores do not have payment systems that accept international customers.

If a payment fails at one shop but works elsewhere, try asking the merchant about alternative payment methods.

🔐 Alipay or WeChat Pay account verification incomplete

Some features or transactions on Alipay or WeChat Pay may require users to complete additional verification steps, but sometimes you might overlook this, leading to payment failures in China.

Some common situations include:

• The application requires identity verification because the passport scan failed.
• The application requires additional account information.
• The application requires authentication before continuing with payment.

An important note: linking your bank card and verifying your account are two completely different processes. If the app asks for verification when you're making a payment, just follow the instructions to complete the process, and then try your transaction again!

💰 Reached Alipay transaction limit

For Alipay accounts linked to foreign cards, transaction limits and payment fees may differ from those of domestic accounts. When a transaction or the total payment value hits the allowed threshold, subsequent transactions may be declined, even if you are paying at a supported merchant.

Some points to keep in mind when paying with Alipay in China:

• Transactions over 200 CNY: A 3% international payment fee applies.
• Daily/monthly limits: May vary depending on verification level and account type.

If you're planning on making large purchases like hotel stays, shopping, or electronics, be sure to check your limits and payment methods beforehand. Also, don't forget to keep an eye on your transaction history in Alipay to avoid any surprises when your account is nearing its limit.

🌐 Unstable Internet connection

Regardless of where you are, QR payments require an Internet connection for the app to exchange data with the payment system. Therefore, an unstable network can cause QR codes to fail to load or transactions to be interrupted.

If this is the reason you can't make a payment in China, you can try the following:

• Switch from Wi-Fi to mobile data.
• Switch to a more stable Wi-Fi network.
• Reopen your payment app.
• Turn off your VPN if you're using one and try again.

🛡️ Transaction flagged as unusual by the system

Alipay, WeChat Pay, and banks all have risk control mechanisms in place. If a transaction shows signs of being unusual, you might be asked to verify it, or it could be temporarily declined.

This can happen when:

• New account set up.
• High-value transaction.
• There have been multiple consecutive failed payment attempts.
• Transaction activity is fluctuating unusually.

If this happens, don't rush to keep hitting the payment button. Just head over to the app and check your notifications to see what the error is. If it's an issue that can't be fixed right away, quickly switch to a backup payment method so you can finish your purchase or grab your meal without a hitch.

🏦 The card-issuing bank blocked the transaction

Your bank might temporarily decline cross-border transactions if their system detects any unusual activity.

Therefore, our advice is to check the following before your trip to China:

• Card validity.
• International transaction function.
• Online payment or mobile payment.
• Transaction limit.
• Security alerts related to your card.

If you've checked and the transaction still fails, please contact your bank to get to the root of the issue.

🧾 The store's payment system is experiencing an error

Not every failed payment is your fault. Sometimes, the QR code provided by the shop might be faulty, the POS machine could be glitching, or the store's payment system might be temporarily down. You'll easily spot this if you notice others having trouble paying at the same location too.

If you find yourself in this situation, you can ask the shop to:

• Regenerate QR code.
• Try a different POS terminal.
• Switch to a different payment method.
• Pay with cash if possible.

What to do if you can't make a Payment in China?

It's natural to feel a bit anxious when you can't make a payment in China, but instead of trying over and over, you can calmly check the following steps:

Step 1: Check the error message

Check if Alipay or WeChat Pay requires verification, a change in payment method, or additional information.

Step 2: Check your Internet connection

Switch Wi-Fi networks, switch to mobile data, or turn off your VPN if you're using one.

Step 3: Identify where the error is coming from

Try paying at a different shop or ask the merchant if the QR code is working properly.

Step 4: Check the card

Review your limits, card status, and international transaction capabilities on your banking app.

Step 5: Change payment method

If Alipay isn't working, try WeChat Pay, an international card, or cash—generally, you'll need to be flexible depending on the situation.

Step 6: Contact your bank or support team

If your transactions are repeatedly declined at multiple locations, the issue might be with your bank or payment account. Since this can be tricky to resolve quickly, you might want to use cash if you need to make a payment right away and the amount isn't too large.

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Where are you most likely to encounter payment issues in China?

Source: Canva

Payment capabilities in China can vary depending on the system used by each merchant. If you're a tourist, you should keep in mind certain locations like local markets, small stalls, or taxis hailed directly, as their payment methods might be limited:

Conversely, shopping malls, hotels, and large businesses are usually more convenient for international travelers thanks to a wider range of payment options. At these locations, you can prioritize using your Visa/Mastercard, Alipay, or WeChat Pay, depending on what is accepted.

What should travelers use to pay when visiting China?

As you can see, there is no single payment method that works for every situation when traveling in China. The safest approach is to combine multiple options so you aren't caught off guard when making payments.

Can MoMo and ZaloPay be used for payments in China?

Besides Alipay and WeChat Pay, travelers can also use MoMo and ZaloPay to make payments in China by scanning international QR codes. This is a pretty convenient option if you're already used to using these e-wallets back in Australia.

What do you need to prepare for smooth payments in China?

To ensure smooth payments in China, you should prepare your payment methods, bank cards, and internet connection in advance. A few small steps before your trip will help minimize declined transactions and prevent any disruptions to your dining, shopping, or travel plans.

• Set up your payment methods: Download and register for Alipay or WeChat Pay, then link your international card if applicable. It's also a good idea to complete any necessary verification steps while you're still in Australia so you can use them as soon as you arrive in China.
• Check your Visa/Mastercard: Before you set off, check with your bank about international transaction capabilities, payment limits, and any restrictions on online or mobile payments. If possible, it's a good idea to bring an extra card from a different bank as a backup.
• Prepare a stable internet connection: Payment apps require an internet connection to generate and process transactions. You can purchase a China eSIM on Trip.com before your trip to stay connected the moment you land, making it convenient to use Alipay, WeChat Pay, look up maps, and hail rides without relying on hotel Wi-Fi.
• Carry some CNY cash: Even though electronic payments are very popular in China, cash is still useful when apps glitch, your phone runs out of battery, the network is spotty, or a store doesn't support your payment method.
• Prepare at least two payment methods: You can use Alipay or WeChat Pay as your primary method, carry a Visa/Mastercard or another e-wallet as a backup, and keep a small amount of CNY cash for emergencies. This approach makes it easy to switch to another option if a transaction unexpectedly fails.