graphDR
Cyber-Typhoon
I'm using Alipay with just network, location, and camera permission enabled. It also works with just network permission enabled.
I'm using location permission so I don't have to type in manually the city I'm in in case I want to use the "Transport feature" and receive subway/ bus tickets.
I also have camera permission turned on to be able to scan merchant codes and pay them.
The app works fine with just the network permission. You could leave only network permission on and whenever you need to pay someone/ scan their QR you'd need to turn on camera permission or set it to "ask every time".
The reason why Alipay throws you errors it's probably because you're using the Google play version. Same with WeChat.
You need to go to the official website and download the apk from there.
For Alipay: https://mobile.alipay.com/
NFC payment with Alipay also works fine.
Or get a Chinese app store. I'm using Huawei App Gallery with no problems at all. Avoid the Google Play version!
After installing those apps from a Chinese app store I have no problems with any functions. Everything just works with all the exploit protection features enabled. You don't need to enable "Exploit protection compatibility mode".
Good luck and enjoy your trip in China!:)