travelinchina
Alipay

Alipay

Category: paymentDifficulty: intermediateLast updated: 2026-04-28

Why You Need It

Alipay is accepted at virtually every shop, restaurant, transport service, and market in China — including small street vendors who don't accept cash or foreign cards. It handles shopping, hotel bookings, train tickets, public transit, food delivery, and city services all in one app. Without it, day-to-day life in China becomes significantly harder for tourists.

ℹ

Tourists can now use Alipay with an international credit or debit card — no Chinese bank account required.

Installation

  1. 1. Download Alipay

    Search 'Alipay' in the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android). Install the version labeled 'Alipay - Simplify Your Life'.

    Download Alipay

  2. 2. Register with your phone number

    Open Alipay and register using your international phone number. Select your country/region and verify with the SMS code sent to you.

    Register with your phone number

  3. 3. Select 'International User'

    When prompted, choose 'International' and select your country.

    Select 'International User'

  4. 4. Verify your identity

    Go to My → Settings → Account & Security → Identity Verification. Upload your passport photo and complete face recognition.

    Verify your identity

  5. 5. Add a payment card

    Tap My → Bank Cards → Add Card. Add your international Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Discover, or Diners Club card and verify via OTP.

    Add a payment card

Usage Tips

  • Tour Pass: Alipay offers a special Tourist Edition with simplified features — look for it in the app.
Alipay tour pass tourist edition screen
Tour pass tourist edition screen — Illustration, actual app interface may vary
  • Exchange rate: Alipay charges in your home currency. Check the rate before large purchases.
Alipay exchange rate currency conversion screen
Exchange rate currency conversion screen — Illustration, actual app interface may vary
  • Scan or be scanned: Show your Alipay QR code (tap the QR icon on the home screen) to be scanned at checkout, or tap Scan to scan the merchant's QR code.
Alipay scan or be scanned QR code payment screen
Scan or be scanned QR code payment screen — Illustration, actual app interface may vary
  • Public transit: Tap the transportation icon on the homepage, select your city, and choose subway, bus, or bike to get a transit QR code.
Alipay public transit subway bus QR code screen
Public transit subway bus QR code screen — Illustration, actual app interface may vary
  • Food delivery: Open Alipay → tap Food Delivery → choose Ele.me or Meituan to order meals without leaving the app.
Alipay food delivery order screen
Food delivery order screen — Illustration, actual app interface may vary

Troubleshooting

Identity verification failing? Make sure your passport photo is well-lit and all text is clearly visible. Try again in good lighting.

Card not accepted? Some international prepaid cards and virtual cards are not accepted. Use a physical Visa or Mastercard from a major bank. JCB, Discover, and Diners Club are also supported.

Can't use Alipay without a Chinese phone number? Yes you can — register with your international phone number. Most countries/regions are supported for SMS verification.