WeChat, Alipay, and VPN
For those of you who wish to remain plugged in and keep in touch with your loved ones and friends back home, you have a multitude of options:
WeChat & WeChat Pay - PLEASE INSTALL BEFORE YOU FLY
Please install the WeChat app on your phone for instant messaging and chat. It is the only chat app that you and our staff can use in China. You will use this app to communicate with our guides, drivers, and support teams. After you install it, please add us as your friend. Our name on WeChat is "GWAC2015."
WeChat Pay is a widely used digital payment system in China, integrated into the WeChat app, which is a multipurpose messaging, social media, and mobile payment app. It allows users to conduct transactions smoothly and efficiently without the need for physical cash. By linking a credit card to their WeChat account, users can quickly pay for a variety of goods and services at numerous vendors across the country. This system exemplifies the advancement in financial technology, making everyday purchases convenient and secure for millions of people. Your may go to YouTube to check a few videos on how to set it up.
How to Add a Friend on WeChat
- Open WeChat and go to the Home/Chats screen.
- Tap the Search 🔍 icon at the top of the screen.
- Type your friend’s WeChat ID into the search box.
- Tap Search to find the account.
- Select your friend’s profile and tap Add to Contacts.
- Send the friend request. Once they accept it, you can start chatting on WeChat.
AliPay
Alipay is one of the most convenient ways for international travelers to make payments in China. You can link your foreign credit card directly to the Alipay app, which allows you to pay just like locals do—by scanning QR codes at shops, restaurants, attractions, and even for public transportation. This eliminates the need to exchange large amounts of cash or worry about whether your overseas credit card will be accepted. With Alipay, you’ll have a smooth, cashless experience almost everywhere you go.
Here are some helping videos:
Pay with WeChat Pay or AliPay
Use Alipay like a local
Set up WeChat Pay with your credit cards
How to use Wechat to pay for foreigners in China, how to add international credit card to Wechat?
Phone Coverage (T-Mobile)
All major American carriers such as AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile have roaming agreements with the two major Chinese carriers, China Mobile and China Union. In most cases they utilize 5G speed. The speed provided by Chinese carriers are generally solid within the major metropolitan areas and in many parts of the Great Wall.
Internet & VPN
Many hotels and hostels offer WiFi, but access to services like Google, Gmail, WhatsApp, and various websites may be restricted. Using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can help bypass these restrictions by encrypting your internet connection and routing it through a server in a different location. This allows you to access the internet as if you were in China without these restrictions. It's advisable to install the VPN before traveling to ensure uninterrupted access to your essential services.
If you use your original carrier's roaming plan to surf the Internet, you will experience no interruption.
Voltage and Adapter
For computers and smart phones (e.g. iPhone), there is no need to purchase a voltage converter or adapter if you take your computer or cell phone to China. Laptops and smart phones use a universal charger and adapter that are used in China with a voltage ranging from 110V to 220V. For other electronic devices, you may need to purchase a voltage converter or adapter before you go. Please visit Frys or Best Buy for more professional advice.
Chinese SIM Card
If your phone is unlocked, it'll be the best to get a Chinese SIM Card. It's easy to call our tour guides with a local number. You can buy at a Chinese mobile carrier's booth at the arrival hall of the airport.