How to Pay Your Utility Bills with Your Phone?

Here's a practical guide for expats: How to handle your utility bills online.

Step 1

Find Your Account Number

First, you need to know your utility account number. If you already know that, great! If not, pick up your latest bill and look for the account number, usually in the upper left corner of the bill.

Note: In most cities, water and gas bills are issued every two months, while electricity bills are issued monthly. In addition, electricity rates vary depending on the time of day: peak hours are from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., and off-peak hours are from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. (off-peak hours have lower rates).

Step 2

Pay via WeChat

1. Open WeChat:

• In the lower right corner of the screen, go to the "Me" section.

• Select "Services" from the menu.

2. Select "Utility."

Set your location to "**."(the city where you live)

3. Pay Electricity Bill:

• Click on "Electricity" and select the correct payment provider, which is usually "** Electricity."
• Enter your account number and optionally set a label for easy reference.
• Agree to the terms and proceed.

4. Pay Water and Gas Bills:

• For water bills, select "**Urban Investment Water."
• For gas bills, select "**  Gas Co Ltd."
• Follow the same steps as for electricity: Enter your account number and confirm payment.

Step 3

You Can Also Pay via Alipay.

1. Open Alipay:

• Search for "Utility Payment (Sheng Huo Jiao Fei 生活缴费)."

2. Set your location to "** "(the name of city where you live)

3. Choose the type of bill:

• Select "Electricity," "Water" or "Gas" and follow the same steps as in WeChat. The system usually auto-fills the payment provider; just enter your account number and confirm payment.

Besides, as early as in March of 2024,  China elevated the single transaction cap for mobile payments from USD 1,000 to USD 5,000, major financial platforms, including industry leaders Alipay and Tenpay, have been directed by the PBOC to not only adjust the single transaction limit but also to increase the annual aggregate transaction ceiling from USD 10,000 to USD 50,000. This strategic decision aims to enhance convenience and flexibility for overseas visitors using China's robust digital payment infrastructure.

In addition to the limit hikes, the PBOC urged these platforms to streamline their processes, ensuring smoother integration of overseas bank cards and expedited identity verification procedures during transactions. These enhancements are part of a broader initiative to create a more traveler-friendly payment ecosystem within the country.

Moreover, officials highlighted plans to augment payment convenience across various sectors frequented by tourists, such as transportation, dining, and retail. These comprehensive steps reflect China's commitment to enhancing the overall travel experience and solidifying its position as a global leader in digital finance innovation.