AFAIK, there are 2 version. Alipay (for Chinese citizen for use both in China and internationally) and Alipay Plus or Alipay+ (for international users linking to international card)

I think what you people are seeing is Alipay.

You can only use TnG if the merchant scans your QR code

You can buy the tickets manually from the machines

By testing do you mean using the Alipay app in Malaysia stores? It will not work.
But don't worry. Wise card + Alipay will work in China.
Spending more than 200RMB will incur 3% charge.
My best tip - Wise card isn't the best. The best card for foreign spending is none other than TnG Visa.

Work 100%? OG is WeChat Pay China.
Alipay sometime does not work or isn't accepted in remote areas, such as paying for bus fare/tickets in Jiuzhaigou.

Malaysians setting up WeChat Pay CN just need to upload passport scan and wait for verification pass, which is usually quite fast.

I've never used Alipay other than their QR Transport code after using WeChat.
Most of the payment, ordering are all in WeChat.

Anyway, if the merchant or shop uses personal QR, what payment method will not work, unless you buy WeChat/Alipay balance. They don't allow card transactions for personal transfers.
TouchNGo doesn't work if the merchant QR is personal QR. It will say QR code invalid (Similar issue in TH Promptpay).

This post has been edited by Icehart: May 20 2025, 11:42 PM

Noob here. May I know how to reload wechat pay? How bout the fees / exchange rate? Tq

You can attach a card to WeChat and use it. Most merchant will accept it, except personal transfers.
200 RMB and below is free. 200 RMB and above charge 3%.

This 3% is waived for new users, or if you're using UnionPay card until 31st Dec 2025.

Alternatively you can also exchange with any trusted chinese friends/colleagues.

hie I have been loading up my Wise with CNY currency and also signed up to Alipay app connected to my Wise Visa card.

but I just got to know about the rmb200 limit fees.

is there anyway to bypass the fees? is the fee charged by vendor or by wise itself? if this is the case, GXbank would be a better choice? as it has waive on overseas transaction. only bad about gx bank is the small difference in exchange rate as it uses live Mastercard rates.

will gx bank card be more saving?

Hi,

You can bypass the fees by multiple transactions to an Alipay Balance that can accept it. (not everyone's account can accept).. This fees are charged by VISA/MC and Alipay also.

Tried GXBank before but it has high failure rate and just gave up.

Hope it helps.

I split all my payments so that they don't exceed RMB200 or pay directly with card.
The 3% is charged by Alipay

tq for the reply n suggestions. I read that we can requests the vendor/seller to split the billing in rmb200. I think this is good and quite nice by the sellers.

ok will look forward to spending there soon. hope I don't lose too much to fees

Yes but if going for big ticket purchase item will be slow and awkward. Example buying a phone etc.

So far my best option is to use Wise Card withdraw from ATM then deposit to my ICBC account, then use it to reload WeChat balance.
If exceed RM 1,000, just CNY transfer to UnionPay for 1.5% charge.

If anyone has better suggestion feel free to let me know.

we chat pay doesnt have the 200 limit 3% ka?

Got
But they give new users 7 days free, no 3% for 200RMB.
or Unionpay card members (Until 31st Dec)

Means i best only activate wechatpay 1 2 days before travel to china ah?

Used alipay in beijing. The 3% quite a bit esp at airport...

Yes. Best activate there.
If the bill not big, can split payment. Merchant sure understand.

hi,
want to ask,
my niece able to go for music competition at Guangzhou....
but the fees quite high...
and the mother feel dont want waste the chance....
so i want to know...
now go china visa free? mean no need apply visa?
got any cheap hotel around dr.sun yat sen memorial hall?
and the flight ticket cost around how much?
currently only found the ticket cost around 1.5k per pax....

yes visa free. on flight(AA) they will give white card -arrival card for u to fill in.

hotel i dont know but if far a bit also ok coz u take their metro very easy like our lrt. one day pass rmb 20 or 3 days pass rmb50 so cheap. try check cloudy international apartment at trip. many choices of hotel /apartment.

flight cost depend on your month. i bought during free seat around 700 plus tis march. now china southern /china airlines/mas got sale.

someone keep saying above RMB200 transaction the alipay will charge 3% service charge? is this true?

i saw lately wechat pay they say waive rmb1000 daily for a limited time period. so its better use wechat pay + wise / gx bank?

just open a bank of china account and link the union pay debit card with your alipay account, and the 3% service charge will be waived for all transactions using alipay

Bank of China account in Malaysia's debit card ? That would work ?
You have tried ?

UnionPay waive 3% charge until December 31st 2025.

New payment now via Boost App
https://www.lowyat.net/2025/357677/boost-no...ments-in-china/