How to Use Alipay in China? A Complete User's Guide

Cash is no longer common in China. From street food stalls to high-end hotels, Alipay+ dominates main 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.

​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

Pay with Alipay 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.

Use Alipay 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 and click on the shipping icon on the home page (find the Chinese word "出行").
2. Choose your city (for example, Shanghai). You will see options such as subways, buses, and bicycles.
3. Activate the transportation card: Agree to the terms, link your international credit card/debit card, and confirm.
4. 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!

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 WeChat Pay is a better choice. Or you can have both for a worry-free travel in China!

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? (For U.S. Visitors)

Alipay charges a service fee of approximately 3% on single transactions above 200 RMB (about $28) with international cards; transactions of 200 RMB or less are fee-free. Any extra cost typically comes from your U.S. bank or card issuer.

When you usually won’t be charged by Alipay

• Paying in stores, restaurants, taxis, or attractions
• Using a U.S.-issued Visa or Mastercard
• Paying directly in RMB (Chinese yuan)

Alipay charges $0 only on transactions of 200 RMB or less (~$28).

When you might see extra charges

• Foreign transaction fees from your U.S. bank
  Most U.S. cards charge 1–3% per international purchase.
• Currency conversion fees
  If your card converts RMB to USD, your bank sets the exchange rate.
• Special services (uncommon for tourists)
• • Recharging balances (such as TourCard-related services) may add a fee (~5%).
  • Sending money to other users can sometimes incur charges.

How U.S. visitors can avoid fees?

• Use a U.S. credit or debit card with no foreign transaction fees
  (Many travel-focused cards offer this.)
• Always pay in RMB, not USD, when prompted.
• Avoid topping up or remittance features unless necessary.

Simple example using Alipay

• Coffee price: $10 (≈ RMB equivalent)
• Card with no foreign transaction fee → You pay $10
• Card with a 3% foreign fee → You pay $10.30

For most U.S. visitors, Alipay is fee-free only for everyday purchases of 200 RMB or less per transaction; above that, a service fee of approximately 3% applies. Your bank's card policy also matters.

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