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How to set up Alipay as a foreign tourist (step by step)

Updated 9 November 2026

In China almost everything — restaurants, metro tickets, taxis, street food — is paid with a phone. Foreign credit cards work in big hotels and some malls, but not much else. Alipay fixes that: link your own card and pay like a local. Set it up at home, before you fly.

What you need

A smartphone with your own phone number (to receive an SMS code)
A Visa or Mastercard credit or debit card (other international cards may also work)
Your passport, for identity verification

Setup in 6 steps

Download Alipay from the App Store or Google Play. The official app is published by Alipay; it switches to English automatically if your phone is in English.
Sign up with your mobile number. Choose your country code, enter your number and the SMS code.
Add your card. Tap Add a bank card (or Account → Bank cards) and enter your card details. Your bank may send a verification code or ask you to approve in its app.
Verify your identity. Follow the prompt to upload your passport and take a selfie. This raises your limits and prevents blocks later.
Test it. Make a small payment or top up a transport card in the app to make sure the card goes through. Tell your bank you're travelling to China.
Add the shortcuts you'll use. Search inside Alipay for Transport (metro and bus QR codes in many cities) and DiDi (taxis in English) and add them to your home screen.

How to pay in China

Option 1: Scan the shop's code

Tap Scan, point at the merchant's QR code, type the amount in yuan (¥/CNY) and confirm. Show the green success screen to the cashier.

Option 2: Show your code

Tap Pay/Receive. The cashier scans the barcode on your screen. Used in supermarkets and chains.

Metro and buses

Open the Transport mini-app, choose the city, and scan your phone at the gate. Works in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu and many more cities.

Also set up WeChat Pay as a backup — some small vendors only show a WeChat QR code. And carry ¥300–500 in cash for emergencies.

Already have a wallet from home?

Some wallets from other countries work in China through Alipay+ — for example AlipayHK, Kakao Pay, Naver Pay, Toss Pay, Touch 'n Go, GCash and TrueMoney. If you see an Alipay+ sign, scan with your own app. Check your wallet's website for current support.

Common problems

Card declined: your bank blocked a foreign online transaction. Approve it in your banking app or call them.
Payment limit reached: complete passport verification in Alipay.
No internet: payments need data. Use a roaming plan or travel eSIM — see internet in China.

FAQ

Can foreigners use Alipay in China?

Yes. Download Alipay, sign up with your foreign phone number and link a Visa, Mastercard or other international card. You can then pay by scanning merchant QR codes or showing your own payment code.

Are there fees for using Alipay with a foreign card?

At the time of writing, Alipay charges no service fee on payments up to ¥200, and a 3% fee on larger payments. Your bank may add its own foreign transaction fee. The app shows any fee before you confirm.

Do I need to verify my passport?

Alipay may ask you to verify your identity with your passport once you pass certain spending amounts. Do it at home before you fly, when you have good internet and time.

What if Alipay rejects my card?

Call your bank to allow online payments in China, try a different card (Visa and Mastercard work best), and carry some Chinese yuan in cash as a backup. Shops are required to accept cash.