1. Download and Set Up the Apps

• Alipay (支付宝) or WeChat Pay (微信支付):

  • Download from your app store (available globally).

  • Register with your phone number or email.

• For Foreigners:

  • Link an international card (Visa/Mastercard) in Alipay: Go to Me > Bank Cards > Add Card.

  • Use Alipay’s Tour Pass for limited prepaid spending (no Chinese bank account needed).

  • WeChat Pay requires a Chinese bank account for full functionality, but some vendors accept linked international cards.

2. Top Up Your Wallet (Optional)

• For Alipay’s Tour Pass: Preload funds (up to ¥10,000) via your linked card.

• For WeChat Pay: Ask a friend with a Chinese bank account to send you red packets (红包) to use as balance.

3. Activate Payment Features

• Alipay: Tap "Pay/Collect" at the bottom > Enable QR code payment.

• WeChat Pay: Go to "Me > Services > Wallet" > Activate Quick Pay.

4. Paying at Stores, Vendors, and Transport

• Scan to Pay (Your Phone Scans the Merchant’s Code):

  1. Open Alipay/WeChat Pay.

  2. Tap “Scan” and aim at the vendor’s QR code.

  3. Enter the amount (or confirm auto-detected price).

  4. Authorize with your payment password/fingerprint.

• Show Your Code (Merchant Scans You):

  1. Open Alipay/WeChat Pay.

  2. Tap “Pay/Collect” (Alipay) or “Quick Pay” (WeChat) to display your QR code.

  3. Let the vendor scan it—payment deducts automatically.

5. Using Mobile Pay for Public Transport

• Buses/Metro:

  • Open Alipay > Transport (交通) > Select “Wuhan Public Transport” > Generate a QR code.

  • Scan at the metro gate or bus validator (no need to recharge a physical card).

• Taxis: Use Didi (ride-hailing app) linked to Alipay/WeChat Pay for automatic payment.

6. Security and Troubleshooting

• Enable payment password/facial recognition for security.

• Check transaction history in the app’s “Bill” section.

• No Signal? Use offline payment codes (pre-generated in Alipay).

• Issues with Tour Pass? Contact Alipay’s 24/7 English support (Me > Customer Service).

Pro Tips:

• Small Payments First: Test with a ¥1 purchase (e.g., bottled water) to ensure your setup works.

• Discounts and Coupons: Check Alipay’s “Discounts” or WeChat’s “Offers” for promotions at Wuhan stores.

• Street Vendors: Look for QR codes displayed prominently—even small stalls accept mobile pay.

• Language Barriers: Use the in-app translation feature (Alipay’s “Scan to Translate”) for Chinese text.

• Carry Backup Cash: Some older vendors or rural areas may prefer cash (¥100–200 is sufficient).

In addition:

• Link your mobile pay to apps like Elema (food delivery) or Meituan (services) for discounts at local eateries.

With mobile pay mastered, you’re ready to savor hot dry noodles, cruise the Yangtze River, and explore Wuhan’s hidden gems—no wallet needed!