If you're traveling to China for the first time, Alipay is one of the most useful apps to set up before your trip.
Mobile payments are widely used across China for restaurants, shops, transportation, attractions and many everyday purchases.
The good news is that international visitors can now register for Alipay using an overseas mobile number and link eligible international bank cards without opening a Chinese bank account. 国务院
Here's how to get started.
Step 1: Download Alipay
Download the official Alipay app from your phone's app store.
Open the app and register using your mobile phone number.
Both Chinese and overseas mobile numbers can be used for registration. 国务院
Make sure you download the official app rather than a similarly named third-party application.
Step 2: Create Your Alipay Account
Follow the instructions in the app to create your account.
Depending on your account and how you use Alipay, you may be asked to complete identity verification.
If verification is requested, follow the instructions displayed in the app. Having your passport available can make the process easier.
It's a good idea to complete the setup before arriving in China rather than waiting until you're standing at a restaurant or train station trying to make your first payment.
Step 3: Add Your International Bank Card
Once your account is ready, add your international debit or credit card.
Alipay supports eligible cards from major international payment networks. China's official guidance lists networks including:
Visa
Mastercard
American Express
JCB
Diners Club
Discover
The exact cards and features supported can vary by payment product and issuing bank. 国务院
Follow the instructions inside Alipay and enter the required card information.
Your issuing bank may also ask you to verify the connection.
Step 4: Complete Bank Verification
This is where some international travelers encounter problems.
When you link an overseas bank card to a Chinese payment app, your card issuer must authorize the connection.
In some cases, a bank may reject the request because of its own security or risk-control system. Chinese official guidance recommends contacting either the payment platform or your issuing bank if card binding fails. 国务院
Before traveling, make sure:
your card is enabled for overseas transactions,
your bank has your current mobile number,
and you can receive any verification messages required by your bank.
Step 5: Pay With Alipay
Once your card is successfully linked, paying is usually straightforward.
There are two common ways to pay.
Option 1: Scan the Merchant's QR Code
Open Alipay and select Scan.
Scan the merchant's QR code.
Enter the amount if required and confirm the payment.
Option 2: Let the Merchant Scan You
Open your Alipay payment code.
Show the QR code to the cashier.
The cashier scans your code and the payment is processed.
Both methods are officially supported for overseas visitors. 上海市政府英语网站
Where Can Tourists Use Alipay in China?
Alipay can be useful for much more than shopping.
Depending on the city and service, travelers can use it for things such as:
restaurants and cafés,
convenience stores,
shopping,
public transportation,
taxis and ride-hailing,
hotels,
and some attraction and ticket purchases.
For example, China's official guide explains that travelers can use Alipay's Transport function in supported cities to obtain QR codes for metro and bus travel after completing the required verification. 国务院
This is one reason we recommend setting up Alipay even if you already have an international credit card.
Can I Use Alipay for the Metro?
In many cities, yes.
Open:
Alipay → Transport → Select your city
Follow the instructions to activate the local transport service.
Depending on the city, you may then receive a QR code that can be scanned at metro gates or when boarding buses. 国务院
Transport systems vary between Chinese cities, so always check the local options displayed in the app.
Can I Book a Taxi Through Alipay?
Yes.
China's official guide states that international visitors can use Alipay to access ride-hailing services.
You can generally go to:
Alipay → Transport → Taxi
Then enter your pickup location and destination. 国务院
For first-time visitors who don't speak Chinese, this can be much easier than trying to explain a destination to a taxi driver.
Does Alipay Charge Foreign Tourists a Fee?
It can.
For payments made with an overseas bank card linked to Alipay or Weixin Pay, current official guidance says:
RMB 200 or less: generally exempt from the platform service fee.
Above RMB 200: a service fee of 3% of the full transaction amount may apply.
Promotional exemptions may sometimes be available, so check the payment page before confirming your transaction. 上海市政府英语网站
Your own bank may also charge foreign transaction or currency-conversion fees.
What Are the Payment Limits?
Current official guidance lists the maximum transaction limits for eligible overseas bank cards linked to Alipay or Weixin Pay as:
Up to US$5,000 per transaction
Up to US$50,000 per year
Your individual account or issuing bank may have different limits, so check the information shown inside your app. 上海市政府英语网站
Why Isn't My International Card Working?
Don't panic if your card doesn't link on the first attempt.
Common reasons can include:
your bank blocking the authorization,
incorrect card information,
overseas transactions being disabled,
additional verification being required,
or restrictions imposed by your card issuer.
If the card-linking process repeatedly fails, contact your bank and tell them you're trying to link the card to Alipay for use in China.
Official Chinese guidance specifically notes that some overseas issuing banks may reject card-linking requests. 国务院
Should I Set Up Alipay Before Traveling to China?
Yes, ideally.
Download the app, register your account and add your card before departure.
You don't want your first attempt at setting up mobile payments to happen when you've just arrived at the airport and need to pay for transportation.
Even after setting up Alipay, keep another payment method available.
A sensible setup is:
Alipay + international bank card + some RMB cash.
You can also set up WeChat Pay as an additional backup.
FAQ
Can foreigners use Alipay in China?
Yes. International visitors can register for Alipay and link eligible overseas bank cards for mobile payments in China. 国务院
Do I need a Chinese bank account to use Alipay?
No. Eligible international bank cards can be linked directly to Alipay without opening a Chinese mainland bank account. 上海市政府英语网站
Can I register for Alipay with a foreign phone number?
Yes. China's official guidance states that foreign users can register using a foreign or Chinese mobile phone number. 国务院
Can I link Visa or Mastercard to Alipay?
Eligible international cards can be linked. Official Chinese guidance includes Visa and Mastercard among supported international card networks. 国务院
Should I download Alipay before arriving in China?
We recommend doing so. Setting up and checking your account before departure gives you more time to resolve card-verification problems.
SCT Travel Tip
Set up Alipay before you fly to China.
Add your international bank card, complete any requested verification, and make sure your bank allows overseas transactions.
Once you're in China, having Alipay ready can make everything from buying coffee to taking the metro much easier.