How to Use Alipay in China as a Foreigner

Quick Answer

Yes — foreigners can use Alipay in China by linking an eligible foreign bank card. You do not need a Chinese bank account. Download the app before your trip, complete identity verification with your passport, and add your card. Visa and Mastercard are the most reliable choices; Alipay's foreign-card linkage now also covers several other major international card brands, including American Express for eligible overseas-issued cards.

Let me be direct about why this matters: China is not "mostly cashless" in the visitor sense — mobile payment is the default for restaurants, taxis, convenience stores, attractions, street food stalls, and many small shops. Cash is still legal and useful as a backup, but relying on cash alone creates friction quickly.

The setup is 15 minutes. Do it at home, before you fly, on a stable wifi connection.

Insider note

The Alipay app you download in your home country's App Store is the correct version — it already has the international card support built in. You don't need a special "international version" or a Chinese App Store account. Just search "Alipay" and download it.

Get data before you land

You'll need internet access to set up Alipay and apps on arrival. Get a China eSIM before your flight.

See eSIM options →

What you need before you start

A smartphone (iOS or Android)

An eligible foreign bank card

Visa and Mastercard are the safest choices. JCB and American Express may work depending on your card issuer and account status. Bring at least two cards if possible.

Your passport

You will need the number and may need to upload a photo.

A working phone number

Your home-country number can work for signup and SMS verification. Keep that SIM active for bank one-time passwords and account recovery.

An internet connection

Do this before you are in China, on stable wifi or mobile data.

Important: The name on your card must match your passport name exactly. If they don't match (common if your card uses initials), contact your bank first.

Step-by-step: Setting up Alipay

Download the Alipay app

Search "Alipay" in your local App Store or Google Play. Download the version in your country's store — it's the international version with foreign card support.

Create an account with your phone number

Open the app and sign up with your foreign phone number. You'll receive a verification SMS. Use your real phone number — you'll need it later to log in.

Complete identity verification

Alipay will ask you to verify your identity. Select "Non-mainland China" or "Overseas" and enter your passport number. You may need to take a selfie or photo of your passport. This step is required before you can link a card.

Link your foreign card

Go to: Me → Bank Cards → Add Card. Enter your foreign card details. Alipay may charge or hold a small verification amount to confirm the card; this is normally released or refunded automatically.

Set a payment PIN

You'll be prompted to create a 6-digit payment PIN. You'll enter this every time you pay. Choose something memorable — you can't use FaceID for your first payment.

Test a small transaction

Before you travel, make a test payment if possible — for example, paying a small online transaction. This confirms your card is working and removes any first-use friction.

How to pay in China

There are two ways to pay with Alipay:

Scan the merchant's QR code

Most common. Open Alipay → tap the scan icon (top of homepage) → point your camera at the QR code displayed at the counter. Enter the amount if prompted, then enter your PIN. Done in under 10 seconds.

Show your payment QR code

Some places (like street vendors or markets) will scan your QR code instead. Open Alipay → tap "Receive" or find your personal QR code → show it to be scanned.

Alipay works at restaurants, taxis (including Didi), convenience stores, supermarkets, attractions, street food stalls, and most shops. You will encounter the occasional place that doesn't accept it — usually very small vendors or some rural areas. Keep some cash as backup.

Common problems and fixes

Card declined during setup

Some foreign cards block international online transactions by default. Contact your bank and ask them to enable international e-commerce payments. If one card fails, try a different Visa or Mastercard before assuming the Alipay setup is broken. American Express support exists for eligible cards, but it is not the card type I would rely on as your only option.

Identity verification stuck or failing

Make sure the name you enter exactly matches your passport — including middle names. If the selfie step fails, try in better lighting and ensure your full face is visible.

App shows Chinese only

Go to: Me → Settings → Language → English. The app has full English support but may default to Chinese based on your phone's SIM region.

Payment limit reached

Foreign-card Alipay accounts have transaction and account limits that can vary by verification level, card network, and issuer. For large payments like hotels, keep a physical card and a second payment method available.

Alipay vs WeChat Pay

Alipay

• Foreign card support: Visa and Mastercard are the safest options; other eligible networks vary.
• Setup difficulty: moderate.
• Acceptance: near-universal for visitor spending.
• Best role: set this up first as your primary payment app.

WeChat Pay

• Foreign card support: Visa and Mastercard are commonly supported.
• Setup difficulty: slightly harder because WeChat account registration can add friction.
• Acceptance: also widespread, especially where WeChat is used for messaging or mini programs.
• Best role: add it as a backup payment app and for local communication.

Our recommendation: Set up Alipay first. It has slightly simpler onboarding for foreigners and dedicated English support. Set up WeChat Pay as a backup — and you'll want WeChat for messaging with hotels and locals anyway.

→ WeChat Pay setup guide for foreigners

Backup payment options

Don't rely solely on Alipay. Always carry:

Cash (RMB) — Withdraw at major bank ATMs with your foreign card. ICBC, Bank of China, and China Construction Bank reliably accept international cards. Withdraw enough for 2–3 days at a time.

A physical Visa or Mastercard — International hotels, some upscale restaurants, and larger shops will accept them directly.

WeChat Pay as a second app — If Alipay fails for any reason, WeChat Pay is an independent backup.

Ready to book your trip?

Book trains, hotels, and attractions in China — Trip.com works with foreign cards and has full English support.

Browse Trip.com →

Related setup guides

• WeChat Pay for foreigners — setup guide and how it compares to Alipay.
• Apps to download before visiting China — the full pre-departure app checklist.
• Best eSIM for China travel — get data working before payment apps become urgent.