Where Are They Accepted?
WeChat Pay and Alipay are increasingly accepted across Australia, particularly in areas with high Chinese tourist and resident populations. Major retailers including David Jones, Chemist Warehouse, and many duty-free stores accept both platforms. In suburbs like Chatswood, Hurstville, Box Hill, and Sunnybank, many local restaurants and shops display the WeChat Pay and Alipay logos.
However, acceptance is still far from universal. Most everyday Australian businesses, supermarkets (Woolworths, Coles), and smaller shops do not accept Chinese payment platforms. You will still need an Australian bank card or cash for most transactions.
How to Set Up
For WeChat Pay, open WeChat, go to Me, then Wallet, and add your Chinese bank card. For Alipay, download the app and link your Chinese bank account. Both platforms require Chinese bank accounts and Chinese phone numbers for full functionality. If you only have an Australian bank account, your options are limited — Alipay has introduced a Tour Pass for international users with limited functionality.
Exchange Rates and Fees
When you pay in AUD using WeChat Pay or Alipay, the amount is converted from your Chinese RMB balance at the current exchange rate plus a small margin (typically 1-2% above the mid-market rate). There are no explicit transaction fees for most purchases, but the exchange rate markup is how the platforms earn money. Compare rates with your bank before large purchases.
Better Alternatives for Transfers
For sending money between Australia and China, dedicated transfer services often offer better rates than WeChat or Alipay. Wise (formerly TransferWise) consistently offers the best exchange rates with transparent fees of around 0.5-1%. OFX is another popular choice for larger amounts. Traditional bank transfers through the Big 4 typically have the worst rates with hidden margins of 3-5% plus fees of $20-30 per transfer.
Note that China has a USD $50,000 annual foreign exchange quota per person. Transfers must comply with both Australian and Chinese regulations. Always use legitimate channels and keep records for tax purposes in both countries.