Chinability - Q&A for Foreigners

Question 1

Can foreigners use WeChat Pay?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Since July 2023, foreigners can link international Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover cards to WeChat Pay. Limits: ¥6,500 per transaction, ¥50,000 monthly, ¥65,000 yearly. Must use cards issued OUTSIDE China. Official support: 95017

Question 2

Can foreigners use Alipay?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Two options: 1) Link international cards directly, or 2) Use Tour Pass for short-term stays. Tour Pass is a prepaid card for tourists, works up to 90 days. Official support: 95188

Question 3

How do I get a Chinese SIM card?

Accepted Answer

Three ways: 1) Buy at airport on arrival (easiest), 2) eSIM before departure, 3) City carrier store. You need passport ORIGINAL. Major carriers: China Mobile (10086), Unicom (10010), Telecom (10000).

Question 4

What are the emergency numbers in China?

Accepted Answer

Police: 110, Ambulance: 120, Fire: 119. These work from ANY phone, even without SIM card. Save these numbers before you need them.

Question 5

Do I need a VPN for China?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if you need Google services (Gmail, Maps, Search), WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, or ChatGPT. Without VPN, you can still use: WeChat, Baidu Maps, DiDi, Meituan. Download and TEST VPN BEFORE arriving in China.

Question 6

How do I pay electricity bills in China?

Accepted Answer

Use Alipay or WeChat Pay: Go to Utilities (生活缴费) → Electricity → Enter account number → Pay. Provider is State Grid. Customer service: 95598. Account number is 10-12 digits on the bill.

Question 7

How do I use DiDi (Chinese Uber)?

Accepted Answer

Download 'DiDi - Greater China' app, set language to English, register with any phone number, link payment. Best for foreigners: Use DiDi with English interface. Enter destination, confirm pickup location (blue pin), match license plate before entering.

Question 8

What do I do in a medical emergency?

Accepted Answer

Call 120 for ambulance. Works from any phone. Major cities have international hospitals with English support: United Family, Parkway Health, etc. For serious emergencies, also call your embassy.

Question 9

My payment isn't working, what should I do?

Accepted Answer

Common causes: Bank blocked international transactions, Chinese-issued card (doesn't work), billing address mismatch. Call your bank before traveling to authorize China transactions. WeChat Pay: 95017. Alipay: 95188.

Question 10

How do I pay water and gas bills?

Accepted Answer

Same as electricity: Alipay/WeChat Pay → Utilities → Select Water or Gas → Choose city → Enter account → Pay. Hotlines vary by city: Shanghai Gas 962777, Beijing Gas 96777. Check your bill for specific hotline.

Ask a Question

Can foreigners use WeChat Pay?

How do I get a Chinese SIM card?

What is the emergency number in China?

How do I use DiDi (Chinese Uber)?

Do I need a VPN for China?

My payment isn't working, what should I do?

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