How to Pay at Shops and Restaurants with Alipay

China runs on mobile payments. Most shops, restaurants, supermarkets, and even street food stalls expect you to pay by scanning a QR code — cash is increasingly unwelcome, and foreign cards are rarely accepted at card terminals.

View Guide → linked to your Visa or Mastercard is the fastest way to pay like a local from day one.

Two Ways to Pay

Every Alipay payment works one of two ways, depending on the vendor:

You show your code (被扫): Open Alipay, tap Pay (收付款), and your personal QR code appears on screen. The cashier scans it with a handheld scanner. This is standard at supermarkets, chain restaurants, and any shop with a point-of-sale terminal. You often don't need to enter a PIN for small amounts.

You scan their code (主扫): The vendor has a printed QR code stuck to the counter or wall. Open Alipay, tap Scan (扫一扫), point at their code, enter the amount they tell you, confirm, and authenticate with Face ID, fingerprint, or your 6-digit PIN. Common at market stalls, small restaurants, and street food vendors.

Setup Before You Go

You need to link a card before you can pay. Do this at home — linking a card requires SMS verification from your bank, and that's much easier when you're on your home network.

1. 1. Download Alipay

   Search 'Alipay' in the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android). Use the standard international version — blue icon.

2. 2. Register with your phone number

   Open the app, tap Sign Up, and enter your international phone number including country code (e.g. +1 for US, +44 for UK). Verify with the SMS code sent to your number.

3. 3. Complete identity verification

   Tap your profile icon → Verify Identity. Upload a photo of your passport information page and complete the face scan. This unlocks higher transaction limits and is required to link a foreign card.

4. 4. Link your Visa or Mastercard

   Tap the card icon in the bottom navigation → Add Card. Alipay accepts Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Discover, and Diners Club. Enter your card number, expiry, and CVV, then confirm the SMS from your bank.

5. 5. Call your bank before you travel

   Let your bank know you'll be using your card in China. Banks often block the first Alipay transaction as suspicious — a quick call prevents this.

Fees to Expect

Alipay itself charges no fee for standard in-store payments. Your bank may charge a foreign transaction fee (typically 1–3%) and a currency conversion fee. To minimize fees, use a travel card that waives foreign transaction fees. Always pay in RMB — never let the terminal convert to your home currency, as the exchange rate will be worse.

What to Do If Payment Fails

Card declined? Your bank may have blocked the transaction. Open your banking app and look for a security alert, or call your bank's international line to authorize the payment.

QR code won't scan? Make sure your screen brightness is at maximum and the code is fully visible on screen. Step out of direct sunlight if glare is an issue.

Vendor says they don't accept foreign cards? Some small vendors have Alipay accounts that only accept Chinese bank cards, not international ones. Pay cash (carry ¥100–200 as backup) or move to another vendor.

Practical Tips

• Keep the app open: Unlocking Alipay at the register takes time. Open it as you approach the counter.
• Screenshot your QR code: Your payment code refreshes every minute for security, so don't screenshot it to use later — but you can show it live from the Pay screen without internet by using Alipay's offline mode.
• Split large bills: If paying a bill over ¥200, you can split it across two Alipay payments to stay under some fee thresholds — though this matters less if your card has no foreign transaction fees.
• Cash backup: Carry ¥200–500 in cash for small stalls, rural areas, or vendors whose Alipay setup only accepts domestic cards.