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.
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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.
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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
- Open Alipay and click on the shipping icon on the home page (find the Chinese word "出行").
- Choose your city (for example, Shanghai). You will see options such as subways, buses, and bicycles.
- Activate the transportation card: Agree to the terms, link your international credit card/debit card, and confirm.
- 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!
Feature | Alipay | WeChat Pay |
|---|---|---|
International cards | Works with Visa / Mastercard | Not directly supported |
Chinese bank account | ❌ Not required for basic payments | ✅ Required |
Chinese ID card | ❌ Not required | ❌ Usually required |
Phone number | International numbers supported | Chinese number usually needed |
Tourist workaround | None needed | TourCard mini-program (extra fees, daily limits) |
Identity verification | Simple | More steps and restrictions |
Ease for tourists | ✅ Easy | ❌ Complicated |
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!
Reviews of Top Things to Do in China
Badaling Great Wall
4.7/5
12288 reviewsThe most important place in Beijing, a must-see. I was disappointed that the lift we were taken to was quite limited in scope. It was a steep climb and only in cabins. Not a lot of options. The bus itself was very comfortable. I recommend it.
Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum
4.7/5
28652 reviewsIf you're planning to visit the Terracotta Army, don't expect the "eighth wonder"—it's a fascinating monument, valuable for its scale and antiquity.
The complex was discovered by chance in 1974: farmer Yang Zhifa and his brothers were digging a well and stumbled upon a clay head. Excavations are still ongoing.
Emperor Qin Shi Huang began building the tomb at the age of 13. He unified China, sought the elixir of immortality, and wanted to take living warriors with him, but was dissuaded—thus, clay replicas were created. The complex took 40 years to build, employing 700,000 workers.
There are more than 8,000 warriors, all unique. They stand up to 200 cm tall and weigh about 135 kg. The statues were painted, but the paint peeled off within minutes. Bronze chariots, acrobats, and musicians were also found. The historian Sima Qian wrote about rivers of mercury in the tomb. Tests confirmed that the mercury content in the soil exceeds the norm by hundreds of times. They don't dare open the tomb.
We arrived in February and hit peak tourist hour. The crush made it impossible to get to the railing, but the scale is impressive.
Bottom line: the museum is a must-see; avoid holidays. The experience was good.
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 itself usually does not charge transaction fees for normal payments. 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)
In these cases, Alipay charges $0.
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 for everyday spending. Your bank’s card policy matters more than Alipay itself.
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China Entry Requirements & Things to Prepare
- 24/240 China Visa-Free Transit: US citizens can stay up to 240 hours in 54 Chinese cities without a China visa when transiting.
- China Plug & Power: China plug uses Type A/C/F (220V). Bring a Type A/C adapter (US plugs sometimes work, but bring a universal adapter for safety).
- Internet Access in China: You need a China VPN for Google/Ins/YT/X, etc. But you can also use a China eSIM with built-in access to overseas apps!
Getting Around & Top Destinations in China
- China Metro Guides: Shanghai Metro | Beijing Metro | Guangzhou Metro | HK Metro
- China Airport Guides: Shanghai Airport | Beijing Airport | Guangzhou Airport | HK Airport Express
- China City Maps: Beijing Map | Guangzhou Map | Shanghai Map | HK Map
- Top Destinations in China: Shanghai Attractions (Disneyland, Bund) | Beijing Attractions (Forbidden City, Great Wall) | HK Attractions (HK Disneyland)
Must-Have Apps in China
- China Map App: I love to use Gaode Map (English supported) or Baidu Map (limited English) for real-time transit and traffic. Or you can still use Google Maps in China, but some data may be outdated.
- China Transport App: Use DiDi (China's Uber) for English address input and cashless payment. I recommend using the DiDi mini-program in Alipay for more convenience.
- China Payment App: Use Alipay or WeChat Pay (link foreign cards before arrival).
- China Booking App: Trip.com for high-speed trains (China HSR Guide), China hotels/flights. Use Trip.com promo codes for USA users.
[3% Off] Trip.com China Train Promo Codes
FAQs about How to Use Alipay
Can U.S. visitors use Alipay without a Chinese bank account?
Yes. U.S. visitors can link international credit/debit cards (like Visa or Mastercard) for payments at many merchants.Do I need a Chinese phone number to use Alipay?
No. You can sign up with a U.S. phone number, though some features may be limited.Where can I actually pay with Alipay as a visitor?
Most shops, restaurants, taxis, and tourist locations in China accept Alipay.Do I need to speak Chinese to use Alipay?
No. Alipay has an English interface, and paying usually only requires scanning a QR code and confirming the amount.Why does my Alipay payment sometimes fail?
Payments may fail due to merchant restrictions on foreign cards, network issues, or spending limits on international cards.