How to Use Alipay in China as a Foreigner (2026 Complete Guide)
Last verified: April 2026
Alipay (支付宝) is China’s largest mobile payment platform with over 1.3 billion users that allows foreigners to link international Visa, Mastercard, and Amex cards directly — enabling cashless payments at 99% of merchants, restaurants, and transit systems across China without needing a Chinese bank account or Chinese phone number to get started. According to Alipay’s official international user guide, foreign passport holders can register and link international bank cards for immediate use in mainland China. Whether you’re visiting Shanghai for a week or relocating to Beijing, setting up Alipay should be the first thing you do after landing — it’s the single app that will unlock nearly everything else.
According to the People’s Bank of China, mobile payment platforms processed over 500 trillion RMB in transactions in 2024, with Alipay accounting for approximately 54% of the third-party mobile payment market. Cash is increasingly impractical — many street food vendors, convenience stores, and even public restrooms only accept mobile payments. If you only set up one app before arriving in China, make it Alipay.
In this guide
What Is Alipay and Why You Need It
Alipay started in 2004 as the payment arm of Alibaba’s e-commerce empire. Today it’s far more than a payment app — it’s a "super app" with over 4 million mini programs that let you order food, hail rides, buy train tickets, pay utility bills, and even book hospital appointments, all without leaving the Alipay ecosystem.
For foreigners in China, Alipay solves the single biggest daily friction: paying for things. China has leapfrogged credit cards entirely — most places went straight from cash to QR code payments. Here’s what you’ll use Alipay for on a typical day:
→ Morning coffee: Scan the QR code at Manner, Luckin, or any local café
→ Metro commute: Use the transport mini program instead of buying single-ride tickets
→ Lunch: Order delivery through Ele.me (饿了么) mini program
→ Afternoon taxi: Hail a ride through the Didi mini program
→ Grocery shopping: Pay at Hema, FamilyMart, or wet markets
→ Dinner: Split the bill with friends or pay the restaurant
→ Online shopping: Buy on Taobao, Tmall, or Pinduoduo
Pro tip: Alipay also works as a digital ID holder. You can store your passport information and even use it for hotel check-ins at some chains. Set this up early — it saves you from carrying your physical passport everywhere.
Download & Registration
Download Alipay before you arrive in China. Google Play is blocked behind the Great Firewall, so if you’re on Android, you won’t be able to install it easily after landing (unless you have a VPN). The app is available on both the iOS App Store and Google Play Store — search for "Alipay" and look for the blue logo with the white "a" character.
Step-by-Step Registration
Open Alipay and tap "Sign Up." Select "International" if prompted — this routes you to the international user flow optimized for foreigners.
Enter your international phone number with the correct country code. Alipay will send an SMS verification code. Make sure your phone can receive international SMS (roaming must be active if you're already in China).
Create a login password (6-20 characters, must include both letters and numbers). This is different from your payment password, which you'll set later.
Set your payment password — a 6-digit PIN you'll enter for every transaction. Choose something you can remember but that isn't obvious (avoid 123456 or your birthday).
The app will switch to English automatically if your phone's system language is English. If not, go to "Me" → settings gear icon → "Language" → "English."
Important: If you don’t receive the SMS verification code, try these fixes: (1) make sure your phone number includes the country code without the leading zero, (2) check if your carrier blocks short-code messages from China, (3) wait 60 seconds and request a new code, (4) try registering on WiFi instead of cellular data. If nothing works, you can register using your email address instead.
Linking Your International Card (Visa / Mastercard / Amex)
This is the step that makes Alipay actually useful. Since 2023, Alipay has supported direct linking of international credit and debit cards from five major networks: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, JCB, and Discover. No Chinese bank account required.
How to Link Your Card
Open Alipay and tap "Me" (bottom right) → "Bank Cards" → "Add Card."
Select "International Card" when prompted. You'll see logos for Visa, Mastercard, Amex, JCB, and Discover.
Enter your card number, expiration date, CVV, and billing address. Use the address on your card statement — not your China address.
Your bank may send a small verification charge (usually $0.01-$1.00) or a one-time SMS code to confirm the link. Approve this from your banking app.
Once verified, your card appears under "Bank Cards." It's now your default payment method for all Alipay transactions.
Pro tip: Link at least two cards from different banks. Some international cards occasionally get declined due to cross-border transaction flags. Having a backup means you’re never stuck. Also, notify your bank before traveling that you’ll be making transactions in China to prevent fraud blocks.
Alipay charges a 3% foreign transaction processing fee on international card payments. Your bank may add its own foreign transaction fee (typically 1-3%). Check with your bank — some travel credit cards waive foreign transaction fees entirely. For a deeper look at managing money in China, see our complete China money guide.
Identity Verification (Passport + Face Scan)
You can start using Alipay immediately after linking your card, but your transaction limits will be low. To unlock higher limits and access more features, complete identity verification. This takes about 3 minutes.
Verification Steps
Go to "Me" → tap your name/avatar at the top → "Identity Verification" (or search for "verify" in the search bar).
Select "Passport" as your document type. Enter your full legal name exactly as it appears on your passport — no abbreviations.
Take a clear photo of your passport's bio page. Make sure all four corners are visible, the text is sharp, and there's no glare from overhead lighting.
Complete the face scan: look directly at the camera, follow the on-screen instructions (blink, turn head). Remove glasses and hats. Good lighting helps.
Wait for verification — it usually takes 1-5 minutes but can occasionally take up to 24 hours during peak periods.
Important: If the face scan keeps failing, try these: move to a well-lit area (natural light is best), remove masks and glasses, make sure your face fills the circle on screen, and hold your phone steady at eye level. If it still fails, try again during a different time of day — the verification servers can be overloaded during Chinese business hours (9 AM - 6 PM CST).
Payment Limits: Verified vs. Unverified
Your spending limits depend on your verification status. Here’s the breakdown:
| Level | Per Transaction | Annual Limit | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unverified | 5,000 RMB | 50,000 RMB | International card only |
| Verified | 50,000 RMB | 500,000 RMB | Passport + face scan |
| Chinese Bank Account | No practical limit | No practical limit | Chinese bank card linked |
For most short-term visitors, the unverified limit of 50,000 RMB per year (roughly $7,000 USD) is more than enough. If you’re staying longer or have bigger expenses (rent, electronics, etc.), complete the verification to unlock the 500,000 RMB annual cap. For opening a Chinese bank account to remove limits entirely, see our China money guide.
Pro tip: Even if you think the unverified limit is enough, complete verification anyway. Some mini programs (like train ticket booking) require verified accounts, and some merchants have minimum verification requirements for larger purchases.
How to Pay with Alipay (QR Codes, In-Store, Online)
There are two main ways to pay with Alipay in physical stores, plus online payments. Once you understand the difference, you’ll never fumble at a register again.
Method 1: Merchant Scans You (Most Common)
This is how 90% of transactions work. The cashier asks you to show your payment code.
Open Alipay and tap "Pay" (or "Scan" on the bottom toolbar, then switch to the "Payment Code" tab).
A barcode and QR code appear on your screen. Show this to the cashier.
The cashier scans your code with their scanner gun. The payment processes automatically.
You'll hear a confirmation sound (a cheerful "Alipay!" chime) and see the amount deducted.
Method 2: You Scan the Merchant (Street Vendors, Small Shops)
Street food vendors and small shops display a printed QR code on their counter or wall.
Open Alipay and tap "Scan" on the home screen (top toolbar with the blue camera icon).
Point your camera at the merchant's printed QR code.
Enter the amount the vendor tells you (they'll usually show you on a calculator or say it in Chinese).
Enter your 6-digit payment PIN and confirm. Done.
Method 3: Online Payments
When shopping on Taobao, Ele.me, or any Chinese e-commerce site, select Alipay at checkout. You’ll be redirected to the Alipay app (or a browser pop-up) to confirm with your PIN or face scan. For food delivery orders, check out our guide to food delivery apps in China.
Pro tip: You can enable fingerprint or face authentication for small payments (under 1,000 RMB) so you don’t need to type your PIN every time. Go to "Me" → "Settings" → "Payment Settings" → enable "Fingerprint Payment" or "Face Payment."
Essential Mini Programs You’ll Actually Use
Alipay hosts over 4 million mini programs — lightweight apps that run inside Alipay without separate downloads. Here are the ones foreigners in China use most, searchable directly from Alipay’s home screen search bar.
Transportation
→ Metro / Transport QR Code (乘车码): Generates a QR code to tap in and out of metro stations in Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, and 30+ cities. No need to buy single-ride tickets or figure out the ticket machines. Read our Shanghai metro guide for details.
→ Didi (滴滴出行): Hail rides directly from Alipay without installing the standalone Didi app. Great if you had trouble with SMS verification for the separate app. See our Didi guide.
→ 12306 (中国铁路): Book high-speed train tickets. You’ll need a verified account and your passport number. Tickets can be booked 15 days in advance.
→ Hello Bike (哈啰单车): Unlock shared bikes with a QR scan. Costs about 1.5 RMB per 15 minutes.
Food & Shopping
→ Ele.me (饿了么): Alibaba’s food delivery platform. Order from thousands of restaurants with delivery in 20-40 minutes. Full guide in our food delivery article.
→ Hema (盒马鲜生): Alibaba’s premium grocery store. Order online for 30-minute delivery or scan items in-store for checkout.
→ Taobao (淘宝): China’s largest e-commerce platform. Search in English or Chinese, and pay with your linked international card.
Utilities & Services
→ Utility Bills (生活缴费): Pay electricity, water, gas, and internet bills by entering your account number.
→ City Services (市民中心): Access local government services, including social security queries and housing fund information.
→ Hospital Appointments (医疗健康): Book outpatient appointments at major hospitals in your city.
To find mini programs: tap the search bar at the top of Alipay’s home screen and type the name (English works for popular ones). You can also browse categories by scrolling down on the home screen. Frequently used mini programs automatically pin to your home screen for quick access.
Alipay vs. WeChat Pay: Which to Use When
Both Alipay and WeChat Pay are accepted at virtually every merchant in China. You should set up both — but here’s when each one shines. For a detailed comparison and setup instructions for WeChat Pay, see our WeChat Pay vs. Alipay guide.
| Scenario | Better Option | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Paying at stores/restaurants | Either | Both accepted everywhere |
| Transit (metro/bus) | Alipay | Better transport mini program integration |
| Sending money to friends | WeChat Pay | Everyone uses WeChat for social; red envelopes |
| Online shopping (Taobao) | Alipay | Same ecosystem; seamless checkout |
| Food delivery | Either | Ele.me favors Alipay; Meituan favors WeChat |
| International card support | Alipay | More reliable linking; supports 5 card networks |
| Group chats / social | WeChat Pay | Built into China’s dominant messaging app |
The practical advice: set up Alipay first (it’s easier for foreigners), then set up WeChat and link a card to WeChat Pay as backup. Having both means you’re covered for every situation.
Common Problems and Fixes
"Card declined" or payment fails
This is the most common issue foreigners encounter. Your bank may be blocking the transaction because it looks suspicious — a foreign merchant in China charging your card. Solutions:
→ Call your bank: Ask them to whitelist transactions from "Alipay" or "Ant Group" or from China in general
→ Approve in your banking app: Many banks send push notifications for suspicious transactions — check your app
→ Try a different card: Some card issuers are more China-friendly than others. Visa tends to work most reliably
→ Use a debit card instead: Credit card issuers are often stricter than debit card issuers for cross-border transactions
"Face verification failed"
The face scan technology can be finicky, especially for non-Asian faces (it was primarily trained on Chinese users). Try well-lit environments, remove all accessories, and hold your phone at arm’s length at eye level. If it keeps failing after multiple attempts, contact Alipay support via the in-app chat — they can sometimes verify you manually with additional documents.
"Your account has been restricted"
This can happen if Alipay’s fraud detection flags unusual activity. Common triggers: logging in from a new device, making many small transactions in rapid succession, or using a VPN while making payments. Contact in-app support or visit an Alipay service center (available in major cities) with your passport to resolve it.
"Cannot link card" or "Card not supported"
Some prepaid cards, virtual cards, and cards from smaller regional banks may not work. Alipay supports cards from major issuers on the Visa, Mastercard, Amex, JCB, and Discover networks. If your primary card doesn’t work, try a card from a larger bank. Chase, HSBC, Citibank, and Barclays cards generally work without issues.
App crashes or won’t open
Make sure you’re running the latest version of Alipay. The app updates frequently, and older versions can become incompatible. If the app crashes on launch, clear the cache (Settings → Apps → Alipay → Clear Cache on Android), or delete and reinstall on iOS.
Important: Never share your payment password or let someone else scan your payment QR code without your knowledge. Alipay scams do exist — if someone asks to "test" your Alipay or claims to need your code for "verification," it’s a scam. Legitimate Alipay support will never ask for your password.
Useful Alipay Phrases (Chinese Characters + Pinyin)
These phrases will help you navigate common payment situations, especially at smaller shops where staff may not speak English.
| English | Chinese | Pinyin |
|---|---|---|
| Can I pay with Alipay? | 可以用支付宝吗？ | Kěyǐ yòng Zhīfùbǎo ma? |
| Scan me / Scan my code | 扫我的码 | Sǎo wǒ de mǎ |
| I’ll scan yours | 我扫你的码 | Wǒ sǎo nǐ de mǎ |
| How much? | 多少钱？ | Duōshǎo qián? |
| Payment successful | 支付成功 | Zhīfù chénggōng |
| Payment failed | 支付失败 | Zhīfù shībài |
| Refund | 退款 | Tuìkuǎn |
| Can I pay cash? | 可以付现金吗？ | Kěyǐ fù xiànjīn ma? |
Pro tip: Show the Chinese characters on your phone if the vendor doesn’t understand your pronunciation. Most people will immediately recognize what you’re asking. Even just saying "Zhīfùbǎo" (the Chinese name for Alipay) while holding up your phone will get the message across.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Alipay in China with a foreign credit card?
Yes. Alipay allows foreigners to link international Visa, Mastercard, American Express, JCB, and Discover cards directly in the app. You can start paying at merchants, restaurants, and for transportation immediately after linking your card — no Chinese bank account required. The process takes about 5 minutes: download the app, register with your phone number, and add your card under "Me" → "Bank Cards" → "Add Card" → "International Card."
Do I need a Chinese bank account to use Alipay?
No. Since 2023, Alipay has allowed foreign passport holders to register and use the app with only an international bank card. You can link a Visa, Mastercard, or Amex card and pay at virtually all merchants in China. A Chinese bank account is only needed if you want higher transaction limits (beyond 500,000 RMB per year for verified users) or to receive money transfers from Chinese users. For most travelers and short-term residents, an international card is more than sufficient.
What is the payment limit for foreigners on Alipay?
Without identity verification, foreigners are limited to 5,000 RMB per single transaction and 50,000 RMB per year. After completing identity verification (uploading a passport photo and completing a face scan), limits increase to 50,000 RMB per transaction and 500,000 RMB per year. Linking a Chinese bank account removes most limits entirely. For short trips, even the unverified 50,000 RMB annual limit (approximately $7,000 USD) covers most spending needs.
Can I use Alipay to pay for the metro in China?
Yes. Open the Transport mini program inside Alipay (search "乘车码" or "Transport" in the search bar) or use the "Transport" shortcut on the home screen. Select your city, agree to the terms, and a QR code will appear that you can scan at metro turnstiles. This works in Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Hangzhou, and most other major Chinese cities. For a full guide to Shanghai’s metro system, see our Shanghai metro guide.
How do I get a refund on Alipay?
For in-store purchases, ask the merchant to process the refund through their Alipay terminal — it typically takes 1-3 business days to appear back on your international card. For online purchases (Taobao, Ele.me, etc.), use the in-app refund button on the order page under "My Orders." Refunds to international cards may take 5-10 business days due to cross-border processing. If a refund is delayed beyond 10 days, contact Alipay support through the in-app chat (search "help" or "客服") with your transaction ID.
This guide reflects Alipay policies as of April 2026. Payment limits, verification requirements, and supported card networks may change without notice. Always check the latest information on Alipay’s official site. LandingIn is not affiliated with Ant Group or Alipay. This content is for informational purposes only.
Found this helpful?
Share it with someone planning a trip to China. For more practical guides, explore our articles on WeChat Pay vs. Alipay, managing money in China, and setting up WeChat.