QR code payment solution for transferring money in China
Alipay QR Payment is a ubiquitous method of payment in China. Alipay allows you to make seamless and secure payments in China.
Whether you want to collect money from customers or complete a transaction with a merchant, Alipay QR code payment solution can help you out.
As an Alipay user, you have multiple payment options; you can initiate payments at various merchants, rent scooters, bikes, power banks, and more, and even access government services like public transportation.
The process of getting and paying through Alipay is fairly simple. A friend transferred me some money through the Alipay QR code payments program.
They just scanned my QR code, added the amount they wanted to send, and the money ended up in my Alipay ‘Balance’ almost immediately.
Once the amount was in my Balance on Alipay, all I had to do to make a payment was use the QR code, choose to pay through my Balance, and voila!
This helped me make secure purchases all across China.
How to set up Alipay system to make QR Code Payments
Setting up the Alipay payment process is really easy. All you have to do is to install the Alipay app on your mobile phone.
Once installed, create an account by providing the necessary details and linking a preferred payment method.
You can choose between two payment types; a Chinese bank account or an international credit card.
For security reasons, you can only link a Chinese bank account to Alipay directly. So if you are travelling to China from other parts of the world then choose the international credit card option.
Once set up, you can store funds in your Alipay Balance and complete QR code payments through it.
I Just installed AliPay, how can I make QR payment with it in China?
There are two ways to pay someone using the Alipay payment method. Let the vendor scan you, or you can scan the vendor.
Merchant Scans Your QR Code
Most stores will scan your QR code and the payment will automatically transfer from your account to the vendors’.
This payment option requires you to present your QR code to the vendor.
To make a payment through this option you need to choose the ‘Scan’ option on the Alipay app.
You Scan a Static Barcode
The other way is usually applicable for smaller shops. These shops have a static barcode that can be scanned to make payments.
All you have to do to make the payment is scan the QR code, type in the total transaction amount, and send it to the vendor.
To make a payment through this option you need to choose the ‘Pay’ option on the Alipay mobile application.
Multiple Payment Solutions
Within the Alipay system, you can choose to pay through your Alipay balance or directly through your bank account or credit card.
This gives you the flexibility to collect payment and send money to merchants.
To make a QR code payment in China while traveling, you can pay through your balance or choose the international credit card payment option (via tour card).
The option to pay directly through a bank account is only available if you have linked a local Chinese bank account to your Alipay app.
Types of Quick Response Code
There are different types of QR codes that you can scan depending on the vendor. These QR codes can be divided into four types:
Consumer QR Code (Static): This is a fixed QR code generated by a seller. Customers scan this code to make payments, and the payment amount is predefined by the seller.
Consumer QR Code (Dynamic): Dynamic QR codes allow sellers to input the transaction amount for each purchase. It adds flexibility, making it suitable for various transactions.
Once the merchant adds the payment amount, the customer scans the code to make the payment.
Merchant QR Code: Generated by customers, this code allows merchants to scan and receive payments.
It simplifies transactions for small businesses and individuals.
Quick Response Code for Websites: Alipay also provides QR codes for websites.
When users scan these codes, they are directed to a specific web page, often used for promotions or information.
Learning to communicate with local merchants
In my experience, universal QR codes that accepted WeChat pay or Alipay worked only 50% of the time in China.
Wherever they did work, you could also pay through a foreign credit card. So you had that option as well.
I bought the train and other public transport tickets in cash because they only had universal QR codes that would either not accept Alipay or just wouldn’t work for international Alipay accounts.
International Alipay accounts also showed an error with specific Alipay QR codes.
This was true for some (about 5%) specific Alipay QR codes where an error would pop up as soon as you hit ‘send’ for the amount.
To use your Alipay system seamlessly and avoid any awkward encounters, it is best to learn how to ask vendors and merchants to scan your QR code on Alipay.
It is easier to communicate with vendors in larger cities like Beijing, but the further you move from the center, the more difficult it becomes to get your point across.
Learning how to ask vendors to scan your QR code can save you a lot of time and effort.
How to get an Alipay bus and metro QR-code
Here is how you can get an Alipay digital bus QR code!
Open Alipay and click on “Transport”. 📲
On the top, you can select your city. 📍
Click on “View”. 🚌
Select the bus card you need. 🚌
Check the little circle first ✅ and then click “Agree and obtain card”.
Enter your payment password 🔢
Done!!! 🥳Click “Use now” and you will see your QR code.
Now you can use this QR code for bus transportation in China. 🇨🇳
Scan this QR code when you get on the bus.
Once you have your QR ready, you can use it to travel on local busses and metros that accept Alipay QR code payment.
In some cities like Beijing, you might need to scan the QR code twice. Once when you step onto the bus and then again when you disembark from the bus.
Generating a QR code can make traveling through the city a breeze.
Bottom line
QR code payment solutions like Alipay and WeChat come in really handy when traveling in China.
However, be prepared to face some communication and technical issues with payments.
These issues are less common in larger cities but you may face more difficulties in smaller cities across the country.
Nonetheless, Alipay QR code payments are a secure and hassle-free way to make payments in China, especially if you prefer to travel with little cash.
Alternatives to Alipay include WeChat Pay, Cash, international credit cards, choose which payment method is right for you. If you haven’t sign up Alipay, check our comprehensive guide on Alipay signup and it’s payment solution specifically for expat in China.
