How to Use Alipay in China 2025: Alipay for Foreigners

Cash is no longer common in China. From street food stalls to high-end hotels, Alipay (Alipay+) dominates as the go-to China payment app.

So how to use Alipay in China for foreigners without a local bank account/phone number? My blog breaks it down, step by step.

Why You Need Alipay in China

• Widely Accepted: Over 80 million merchants in China accept Alipay, including taxis, subways, and even small vendors.
• 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—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.
• Confirm via your bank’s authentication process (e.g., 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, Instagram, LINE and more from the moment you land.

​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 (like certain discounts) might require a Chinese number, but basic payments work fine without.

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, tap the Transport icon on the homepage (look for "出行" in Chinese).
2. Pick your city (e.g., Shanghai). You’ll see options for metro, bus, bikes, etc.
3. Activate the transport card: Agree to terms, link your international credit/debit card, and confirm.
4. Use the QR code at station gates or bus scanners—same code for entry and exit.

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

Alipay wins for simplicity:

• ​Alipay:
• Works with ​international credit cards (Visa/Mastercard).
• No Chinese ID required for basic payments.
• English-friendly interface.

• ​WeChat Pay:
• Requires linking a ​Chinese bank account (hard for tourists).
• Workaround: Use the “TourCard” mini-program to load money with an international card (extra fees, daily limits).
• More steps to verify identity (Chinese phone number/ID often needed).

Stick with Alipay if you want less hassle. WeChat Pay is better if you’re staying long-term or need to pay friends in China.

Is Alipay safe?

Yes, but use common sense.

• Alipay uses bank-level encryption and real-time fraud monitoring.
• Your card details aren’t shared directly with merchants.
• For extra safety: Enable ​fingerprint/Face ID payments and set a payment password.
• One caveat: International cards have daily transaction limits (varies by bank), which adds a layer of protection.

Does Alipay charge Transaction Fees?

Alipay itself doesn’t charge transaction fees when you pay with your international credit/debit card. However:

​Your bank might charge you

• Foreign transaction fees (usually 1-3% of the payment).
• Currency conversion fees (if your card converts CNY to your home currency).

​Exceptions (rare)

• Some niche services (e.g., topping up a "TourCard" balance) have small fees (~5% in some cases).
• If you use Alipay to send money to friends, fees may apply.

How to avoid fees

• Use a credit/debit card with ​no foreign transaction fees (many travel-friendly cards offer this).
• Always pay in ​CNY (local currency) to avoid bad exchange rates.

Example: If you buy a 10 coffee with a Visacard that has no foreign fees,you’ll pay exactly 10. If your card charges 3%, you’ll pay $10.30.

Top Tips for China Travel