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.
Instead of juggling VPNs or hunting for SIM cards, China eSIM lets you stay connected to apps like Google Maps, Ins and more from the moment you land.
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Can I use Alipay without a Chinese phone number?
Yes!
- 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.
to Shanghai
to Beijing
to Guangzhou
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How to Pay with Alipay in China For Transport
Source from viajeroslowcosteros
- Open Alipay and click on the shipping icon on the home page (find the Chinese word "出行").
- Choose your city (for example, Shanghai). You will see options such as subways, buses, and bicycles.
- Activate the transportation card: Agree to the terms, link your international credit card/debit card, and confirm.
- Use the QR code at the station entrance or on the bus scanner - use the same code when entering and exiting.
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, it's better to use Alipay. If you are staying in China for a long time or need to pay your friends, then paying is a better choice.
Is Alipay safe?
Yes, but use common sense.
- 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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What to Prepare for a Trip to China?
- Visa & Entry Tips China’s 240-hour visa-free transit policy now covers 54 countries, incl. the US, UK, Canada, and Brazil, allowing up to 10 days during layovers. Learn more about China Entry Tips to land in China easily.
- Getting Connected VPNs are vital for accessing Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, etc in China. Set one up before arriving. China eSIMs are the easiest option for data and bypassing restrictions. Pocket Wi-Fi devices work best for group but are pricier and require pickup/return.
- Money Exchange & Tax Refunds Exchange money in China banks (better rates than airports). ATMs accept foreign cards, but notify your bank first. For tax refunds, spend over ¥500 at stores with a "Tax-Free" sign. Keep receipts and get forms stamped at customs before departure.
Must-Have Apps in China
- China Payment Apps Forget cash. Chinese use Alipay (I like it better) or WeChat Pay to pay for everything in China. Scan a QR code at noodle stalls, metros, even temples. Link your foreign Visa/Mastercard before landing.
- China Map Apps Amap (Gaode Map) & Baidu Map (limited English) is what locals use, with real-time navigation, metro/bus routes, and traffic updates. Apple Maps does a good job too if you're already an IOS user.
- China Transport Apps Street taxis are cheap, but drivers rarely speak English. Use China Taxi App like DiDi (China’s Uber)—set your destination in English, pay by Alipay.
- China Travel Apps 15+ China trips taught me: Use Trip.com. It's the best English app for booking China trains/flights/hotels + finds Trip.com deals.
- China Dating Apps Locals use Tantan (China’s Tinder) and Momo. WeChat’s “People Nearby” works too, but expect language barriers unless your Mandarin’s decent.
- China Food App Use Meituan (also helps find nearby restaurants) or Ele.me for food delivery—both have English mode. No English menu in restaurants? Scan the QR with Alipay's translator.
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FAQs about Alipay
Can I use Alipay without a Chinese phone number?
Yes! Use your international number, but ensure SMS works in China.Are there transaction fees for Alipay?
Most purchases have no fees, but check with your bank for foreign transaction charges.Is Alipay safe?
Yes—it uses encryption, facial recognition, and fraud detection.Can foreigners use Alipay without a Chinese bank account?
Yes. Foreigners can sign up for Alipay using a passport and link an international credit/debit card (Visa, Mastercard, etc.) directly to make payments. However, some features like high-limit transactions or cross-border transfers may require additional verification.Can I use TNG for Alipay?
TNG (Touch 'n Go eWallet, Malaysia) partners with AlipayHK for security initiatives but not direct payments. Malaysians can top up AlipayHK via TNG using Malaysia’s FPS system, but this is limited to specific scenarios like cross-border remittances.What is Alipay and how does it work?
Alipay is China’s leading digital wallet, enabling cashless payments via QR codes, in-app transfers, and online purchases. For foreigners, it functions by linking an international card or using a prepaid balance (e.g., Tour Pass). Payments are processed instantly, and a local Chinese number (optional) enhances app compatibility (e.g., WeChat integration).How do I deposit money into Alipay?
Foreigners: Link an international credit/debit card (Visa/Mastercard) directly to Alipay or use services like Tour Pass (prepaid digital wallet). AlipayHK Users: Top up via FPS transfers, Hong Kong bank accounts, or convenience stores (7-Eleven, Circle K).What are the disadvantages of Alipay?
Privacy Concerns: Data collection may raise privacy issues in China. Fees: Cross-border transactions and withdrawals beyond free limits incur fees (e.g., 0.1% for withdraw to banks). Limited International Use: Primarily used in China; overseas acceptance is lower than Western wallets like PayPal.Does Alipay charge a fee?
Domestic: Free for most transactions (e.g., QR payments, transfers). Withdrawals: Free up to CNY 20,000/year; 0.1% fee beyond that. Cross-Border: Fees vary (e.g., 1% for currency conversion on international cards).Can Alipay withdraw money?
Yes. Withdraw funds to linked bank accounts: Domestic: Instant or same-day processing. International: May take 1–3 business days, with fees applicable.