Step 1: Download Alipay and create Your accountStep 2: Complete identity verificationStep 3: Link your international bank cardA Local's Advice on FeesStep 4: Learn the two ways to payMethod 1: Scan the merchant QR codeMethod 2: Show your payment QR codeStep 5: Set up Alipay transportation featuresStep 6: Test Alipay before your tripWhat not to doMy practical recommendationFAQCan I use Alipay without a Chinese bank account?Do I need a Chinese phone number to register Alipay?What if my Alipay payment fails?Can I use Alipay everywhere in China?Should I use Alipay or WeChat Pay?
sing Alipay is one of the first things you should prepare before visiting China. Most daily payments, from restaurants to taxis, now happen through mobile payment. The key is not having a Chinese bank account, but setting up your foreign card correctly before you arrive.
Quick answer: Download Alipay, verify your passport, link your international card, and test the app before your China trip.
Step 1: Download Alipay and create Your account
The first step is simple. Download the official Alipay app from your app store.
Choose your country or region and register with your international phone number. You do not need a mainland China phone number.
Why this matters:
A new Alipay account may need extra verification. Setting it up before your flight gives you time to fix problems.
Do this before leaving home. Airport Wi-Fi is not the place to create your payment system.
Step 2: Complete identity verification
After registration, Alipay may ask you to verify your identity.
Prepare:
- Your passport
- Your personal information
- A clear photo if required
Go to:
Me → Settings → Account and Security → Identity Verification
Upload your passport and submit your information.
Most approvals happen within 24 hours.
The information must match your passport exactly. This is the part many travelers discover too late. A payment app is not like a normal travel app. China uses real-name verification for many digital services. If you only remember one thing, it’s this: verify your account before your first payment attempt.
Step 3: Link your international bank card
Open Alipay and add your overseas Visa or Mastercard.
Usually, you do not need:
- A Chinese bank account
- A Chinese phone number
- A Chinese debit card
The cleanest solution is to link your normal travel card directly.
Common supported cards include:
- Visa
- Mastercard
- American Express
- JCB
- Discover
- Diners Club
Navigate to:
Me → Bank Cards
You'll create a six-digit payment password during setup.
After linking, Alipay works as a payment tool for many stores, restaurants, hotels, taxis, and attractions.
A Local's Advice on Fees
Foreign cards linked to Alipay generally follow the same rule:
- Transactions up to ¥200: No fee
- Transactions above ¥200: 3% fee
If you're staying in China for a while, these fees can add up surprisingly quickly.
My suggestion:
- Use cash at hotels when accepted
- Use your card directly when possible
- Split larger purchases into multiple transactions if appropriate
Step 4: Learn the two ways to pay
There are two common payment methods in China.
Method 1: Scan the merchant QR code
You open Alipay and scan the shop’s QR code.
Common places:
- Restaurants
- Convenience stores
- Small shops
- Markets
Method 2: Show your payment QR code
You open the payment page and let the cashier scan your code.
Common places:
- Supermarkets
- Shopping malls
- Chain stores
The key is not which method you choose, but knowing both. Different merchants use different systems.
Step 5: Set up Alipay transportation features
Alipay is not only for shopping.
You can also use it for:
- Metro payment
- Bus payment
- Taxi services
- DiDi ride-hailing
For public transport, open:
Alipay → Transport
Then choose your city.
This is where many travelers get surprised. China’s metro systems are often connected to mobile payment. You may not need to buy a physical ticket every time.
Step 6: Test Alipay before your trip
Do not wait until you arrive in China.
Before departure:
- Open the app
- Confirm your card is linked
- Check your identity status
- Make sure you can access your payment QR code
You may not be able to complete every payment test before arriving, but you can confirm the setup is ready.
What not to do
- Don’t wait until you land in China to register Alipay.
- Don’t use a passport name that does not match your bank card information.
- Don’t rely on only one payment method for your entire trip.
- Don’t repeatedly retry a failed payment without checking the error message.
- Don’t send large personal transfers to unknown accounts through Alipay.
My practical recommendation
I personally recommend using Alipay as your main payment method and keeping WeChat Pay as a backup.
For most first-time visitors to China, this combination works best. Alipay is usually easier for foreign travelers because international card linking is straightforward. WeChat is still useful because some local services, restaurants, and small businesses use WeChat Mini Programs.
The best setup is simple:
- Alipay for daily payments
- WeChat for communication and backup
- A small amount of cash for emergencies
This gives you flexibility without making your phone full of unnecessary apps.
FAQ
Can I use Alipay without a Chinese bank account?
Yes. Most visitors can link an international Visa or Mastercard. You do not need a Chinese bank account for normal tourist payments.
Do I need a Chinese phone number to register Alipay?
No. Many foreign visitors can register with their home country phone number.
What if my Alipay payment fails?
First, check the error message. It may be a card issue, identity verification issue, or security check. Do not keep retrying the same payment many times.
Can I use Alipay everywhere in China?
You can use it in most cities and tourist areas. However, keep a backup option because some small vendors may prefer WeChat Pay or cash.
Should I use Alipay or WeChat Pay?
For most travelers, Alipay is easier as the main payment tool. WeChat Pay is a useful backup, especially for communication and some local services.
Is Alipay Safe?
Absolutely. Alipay processes billions of transactions every day and uses:
- Bank-level encryption
- Biometric verification
- Risk monitoring systems
- Fraud detection technology
I've used it for years without issue.
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