How to Use Alipay in China for Foreigners 2026

Cash is no longer common in China. From street food stalls to high-end hotels, Alipay+ dominates payment apps in China. So how to use Alipay in China for foreigners without a local bank account/phone number? My blog will tell you step by step.

Why You Need Alipay in China

• Widely Accepted: Over 80 million merchants in China accept Alipay, inclu. taxis, subways, and even small vendors. Literally almost all Chinese have Alipay on their phones.
• No Chinese Bank Account Required: Foreign tourists can link international credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, etc.). More friendly than Wechat Pay for foreigners.
• Convenience: Pay with a QR code scan, split bills, book trains/flights, and even translate menus— these are all in one app.

How to Set Up Alipay for Foreigners

1. Download the App

• iOS: Search “Alipay” on the App Store.
• Android: Find it on Google Play or Huawei AppGallery.
  Pro Tip: Download before arriving in China to avoid connectivity issues.

2. Register Your Account

• Open the app, tap “Sign Up,” and enter your international phone number (ensure it works in China for SMS verification).
• Select your country and follow prompts to verify your number.

3. Complete Identity Verification (Can do later)

• Go to Me > Settings > Account & Security > Identity Verification > Upload passport & Verify face.
• Upload a photo of your passport and fill in personal details. This step is mandatory for higher transaction limits.

4. Link Your International Card

• Tap “Bank Cards” under the Me tab.
• Add your Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Discover or Diners Club card. Alipay now supports most major foreign cards.
• Confirmed through your bank's identity verification process (for example, OTP text).

Eligible international cards

5. Add Funds (Optional)

• While you can pay directly via your linked card, top up your Alipay balance using services like TourPass (prepaid digital wallet) for broader acceptance.

​Can I use Alipay without a Chinese phone number?

Yes, you can use Alipay for basic payments without a Chinese phone number.

• Sign up with your ​international phone number (most countries work).
• You’ll need it to receive SMS verification codes.
• Exception: Some features (such as certain discounts) may require a Chinese number, but basic payments often do not need a Chinese number.

How to Pay with Alipay in China - For Shopping & Booking

At Stores

• • Open Alipay, tap “Pay”, and let the merchant scan your QR code and pay with your linked card.
  • Or, tap "Scan" icon to scan the merchant’s QR code and enter the amount.

Online

• • Use Alipay to book hotels, trains or flights on platforms like Trip.com.

How to Pay with Alipay in China For Transport

Source from viajeroslowcosteros

1. Open Alipay and click on the shipping icon on the home page (find the Chinese word "出行").
2. Choose your city (for example, Shanghai). You will see options such as subways, buses, and bicycles.
3. Activate the transportation card: Agree to the terms, link your international credit card/debit card, and confirm.
4. Use the QR code at the station entrance or on the bus scanner - use the same code when entering and exiting.

How much does Alipay charge per transaction?

Alipay typically does not charge a separate fee for standard in-store or online payments made with foreign cards.

• For regular purchases, scanning QR codes, transport, and hotel/train bookings, Alipay waives its own service fee for foreign user transactions.
• Any extra cost you see usually comes from your card issuer’s foreign transaction fee (1%–3%) or currency conversion charges, not from Alipay itself.
• Small fees may apply only for specific services like adding funds via TourPass or sending person-to-person transfers, but these are not standard per-transaction fees.

Alipay vs. WeChat Pay: Which is easier for foreigners?

Alipay is better for simplicity:

• ​Alipay:
• • Works with ​international credit cards (Visa/Mastercard).
  • Basic payment does not require a Chinese ID card.
  • English-friendly interface.

• ​WeChat Pay:
• • A Chinese bank account is needed (which is very difficult for tourists).
  • Solution: Use the "TourCard" mini-program to deposit money into an international card (extra fee, daily limit).
  • More steps for identity verification (usually requiring a Chinese phone number/ID card).

If you want to avoid some trouble, Alipay is the better choice for short-term tourists.If you are staying in China long-term or need to send money to friends frequently, WeChat Pay may be more convenient for peer-to-peer transactions.

Is Alipay safe?

Yes, Alipay is generally safe for foreign users, as long as you follow basic security practices.

• Alipay uses bank-level encryption and real-time fraud monitoring.
• Your credit card information will not be shared directly with merchants.
• For greater security: Enable fingerprint/facial recognition payment and set a payment password.
• Warning: International cards have daily transaction limits (varying by bank), which adds an extra layer of protection.

Does Alipay charge Transaction Fees?

When you make a payment with an international credit card or debit card, Alipay itself does not charge a transaction fee. However:

​Your bank might charge you

• Foreign transaction fees (usually 1-3% of the payment).
• Currency exchange fee (if your card converts RMB into your domestic currency).

​Exceptions (rare)

• Some niche services (for example, recharging the "TourCard" balance) charge a small fee (about 5% in some cases).
• If you use Alipay to remit money to your friends, there may be charges.

How to avoid fees

• Use a credit card/debit card that does not charge for foreign transactions (many travel-friendly cards offer this service).
• Always pay in RMB (the local currency) to avoid a bad exchange rate.

Example: If you buy a $10 cup of coffee with a visa card that has no foreign charges, you will pay exactly $10. If your credit card charges 3%, you will have to pay $10.30.

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