Why Alipay is Essential for China Travel
Critical for 2025 Travel
Cash is virtually extinct in China. Over 95% of transactions are mobile-only. Without Alipay or WeChat Pay, you'll struggle to buy food, pay for transport, or even use public toilets. Alipay is the most foreigner-friendly option with better English support and dedicated tourist features.
Universal Acceptance
From luxury malls to street vendors, Alipay works everywhere. It's accepted by over 80 million merchants across China.
Tourist-Friendly
Full English interface, international card support, and dedicated features for foreign visitors make it the best choice.
Beyond Payments
Book train tickets, hail taxis, order food delivery, and access mini-programs for museums and attractions.
Secure & Reliable
Bank-level security with biometric authentication and real-time transaction monitoring protect your money.
Alipay transformed from a simple payment tool into China's super-app, handling everything from splitting dinner bills to booking flights. For tourists, it's not just convenient — it's essential for navigating modern China.
How Alipay Works for Foreigners
The QR Code Revolution
Alipay operates primarily through QR codes—those square barcodes you'll see everywhere in China. There are two main ways to pay:
Scan Merchant Code
You scan the merchant's QR code, enter the amount, and confirm payment. Common at restaurants and small shops.
Show Your Code
Display your payment QR/barcode for the merchant to scan. Used at supermarkets and chain stores.
Payment Flow for Tourists
Link International Card
Add your Visa, Mastercard, or other international card to Alipay. The app verifies it can process international transactions.
Initiate Payment
Open Alipay, tap "Scan" or "Pay", complete the QR code interaction with the merchant.
Currency Conversion
Alipay automatically converts CNY amounts to your card's currency at competitive exchange rates.
Instant Confirmation
Transaction completes in seconds with both you and the merchant receiving instant confirmation.
What You Need to Get Started
Essential Requirements
- ✓Smartphone (iOS 9.0+ or Android 5.0+)
- ✓Valid passport for identity verification
- ✓International phone number
- ✓Visa, Mastercard, JCB, or Discover card
- ✓Stable internet connection for setup
Supported Countries (2025)
Alipay now supports visitors from 200+ countries including:
- • USA, Canada, Mexico
- • UK, EU countries, Russia
- • Australia, New Zealand
- • Japan, South Korea, Singapore
- • India, Thailand, Malaysia
- • Most other countries globally
Card Compatibility Note
American Express cards have limited acceptance. Debit cards work but may have lower transaction limits. Corporate cards might be blocked by your company. Always have a backup payment method.
Step-by-Step Setup Guide for Foreigners
Follow Along with Our Interactive Guide
Our platform walks you through each step and helps you test your setup to ensure everything works before you travel.
Start Setup & TestingDownload the Official Alipay App
Download from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Ensure it's the official app by "Alipay (Hangzhou) Technology Co., Ltd." Avoid third-party or modified versions.
Pro tip: Download before leaving home while on stable WiFi. The app is about 150MB.
Set Language to English
Open Alipay → Tap "Me" (我的) in bottom right → Settings (设置) → General → Language → Select English. The app will restart in English.
Register with International Number
Tap "Sign Up" → Select your country code → Enter mobile number → Receive and enter SMS verification code. Create a secure login password.
Note: Some carriers block international SMS. Try restarting your phone or use a different number if needed.
Complete Identity Verification
Go to Me → Settings → Account and Security → Identity Authentication. Upload clear photos of:
- Passport information page
- Selfie holding your passport
- Sometimes: passport signature page
Tips for approval: Use good lighting, ensure all text is readable, avoid shadows or reflections, don't use screenshots.
Add Your International Card
Tap "Me" → "Bank Cards" → "+" → Add Bank Card. Enter card details:
- Card number (16 digits)
- Expiry date (MM/YY)
- CVV security code
- Billing address (as on bank statement)
Alipay will verify the card with a small temporary charge (usually $1 that's reversed immediately).
Set Payment Password & Security
Create a 6-digit payment password (different from login password). Enable biometric authentication:
- Fingerprint ID (Touch ID)
- Face recognition (Face ID)
- Pattern unlock (Android)
Alipay Tour Pass: Do You Need It?
What is Tour Pass?
Tour Card (previously known as "Tour Pass") is a prepaid payment option offered within Alipay and designed for short-term visitors. You load money onto a virtual prepaid card that works for 90 days. Although this was once a very useful feature, it may not be necessary for most travelers in 2025 given that Alipay has improved its international payment options and now supports most international cards.
Tour Pass Features:
- • Load ¥100-2,000 at a time
- • Valid for 90 days
- • Auto-refund unused balance
Tourcard Limitations:
- • Maximum balance ¥5,000
- • Requires preloading funds
- • Currency conversion fees apply
When setting up AliPay you essentially have two options:
- Use your international card directly; or
- Set up a Tourcard account.
In the past, Tour Card was often necessary due to limited international card support. However AliPay now supports most international cards directly, making Tour Pass less critical.
How it works...
The process for setting up Tour Pass is similar to the regular Alipay setup:
- Download AliPay.
- Create an account.
- Search for the Tour Card mini-program within AliPay.
- Follow the prompts to complete setup.
- Load funds onto your Tour Card.
Congratulations, you have just opened a virtual bank account with the Bank of Shanghai. You won't receive a bank card, but you can now treat the Tour Card just like a pre-paid debit card. You can use it to pay for goods and services within China.
Tour Pass May Not Be Necessary in 2025
Since 2023, Alipay has significantly improved direct international card support. Most travelers can now use their cards directly without Tour Pass:
- Direct card linking is faster and simpler
- No need to preload funds or manage balances
- Better exchange rates without double conversion
- Higher transaction limits for large purchases
- Works at more merchants including hotels
Use Tour Pass If:
- ✓ Your card isn't accepted directly
- ✓ You want to control spending with prepaid limits
- ✓ Your bank charges high foreign transaction fees
- ✓ You prefer not linking your main card
Skip Tour Pass If:
- ✓ Your Visa/Mastercard works directly
- ✓ You need flexibility for large purchases
- ✓ You want to receive refunds
- ✓ You're staying longer than 90 days
Identity Verification Deep Dive
Identity verification is mandatory for foreign users and often where setup fails. Here's how to get approved quickly:
- Use a clear, high-resolution photo of your passport's information page.
- Take a selfie holding your passport with good lighting and no reflections.
- Ensure all text is readable, avoid shadows, and don't use screenshots.
- If you have a signature page, include that too (not always required).
Verification Requirements by Nationality
✓ Quick Approval (Within Hours)
United States
Passport only
United Kingdom
Passport only
European Union
Passport only
Australia
Passport only
New Zealand
Passport only
Canada
Passport only
⚠ Additional Requirements
Japan
Passport + sometimes entry stamp
South Korea
Passport + sometimes entry stamp
Singapore
Passport + sometimes entry stamp
Thailand
Passport + sometimes entry stamp
India
Passport + manual review (1-3 days)
Other Countries
Passport + manual review (1-3 days)
Note: Processing times are estimates based on user reports. Verification during Chinese holidays may take longer. Having clear passport photos significantly speeds up the process.
Common Rejection Reasons
- • Blurry or dark photos
- • Passport partially obscured
- • Using screenshots instead of photos
- • Expired passport
- • Name mismatch with card
- • VPN active during verification
Tips for Quick Approval
- • Use natural daylight
- • Place passport on flat surface
- • Ensure all text is sharp and readable
- • Include all four corners
- • Selfie: look directly at camera
- • Disable VPN during upload
Verification Stuck?
If pending for over 48 hours, try: Re-upload with better photos, contact Alipay support via in-app chat, or as last resort, try WeChat Pay instead.
Using Alipay in Real Situations
Retail Stores
Show your payment code at checkout. Cashier scans it, payment completes automatically.
Tip: Have code ready before reaching cashier
Restaurants
Scan QR on table to order, or scan merchant QR to pay bill. Enter amount if asked.
Tip: Screenshot menu for translation
Public Transport
Generate transport QR in Alipay, scan at metro gates. Works in major cities.
Tip: Set up transit card in advance
Taxis & DiDi
Show driver your payment QR, or pay through DiDi app integrated with Alipay.
Tip: Keep screenshot of destination
Street Vendors
Scan vendor's printed QR code, enter exact amount, confirm payment.
Tip: Have cash backup for tiny vendors
Hotels
International hotels accept cards, local hotels prefer Alipay for deposits and payment.
Tip: Confirm payment method when booking
Essential Chinese Phrases for Payment
Can I pay with Alipay?
可以用支付宝吗？(Kěyǐ yòng Zhīfùbǎo ma?)
How much?
多少钱？(Duōshǎo qián?)
Payment successful
支付成功 (Zhīfù chénggōng)
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Payment Declined
Most common issue for foreigners. Try these solutions:
- • Check if your bank is blocking international transactions
- • Verify daily transaction limit hasn't been exceeded
- • Ensure identity verification is complete
- • Try a different card (Visa/Mastercard work best)
- • Contact your bank to authorize China transactions
Can't Receive SMS Code
International SMS can be unreliable. Solutions:
- • Restart your phone and try again
- • Ensure roaming is enabled
- • Try WiFi calling if available
- • Use a different phone number
- • Contact carrier about international SMS
App Crashes or Won't Open
Technical issues with the app:
- • Update to latest version from app store
- • Clear app cache and data
- • Reinstall the app completely
- • Check phone has enough storage space
- • Disable VPN during setup
Merchant Says "Foreigners Can't Use"
This used to be more of a problem, but there are very few merchants today who don't know about foreign card support:
- • Show them your working Alipay app
- • Try scanning their code anyway (often works)
- • Ask them to try processing it
- • Find another nearby merchant
- • Have small cash as backup
Transaction Limits & Fees
| Type | Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Single Transaction | ¥10,000 (~$1,400) | Per payment |
| Daily Limit | ¥50,000 (~$7,000) | Reset at midnight |
| Monthly Limit | ¥500,000 (~$70,000) | Rolling 30 days |
| Annual Limit | No limit | For verified users |
Fee Structure
- • No fees from Alipay for payments
- • Exchange rate ~2% above mid-market
- • Your bank may charge foreign transaction fees (0-3%)
- • No fees for receiving refunds
- • Tour Pass: 5% currency conversion fee
Card-Specific Limits
- • Credit cards: Higher limits
- • Debit cards: May have lower limits
- • Prepaid cards: Often not accepted
- • Business cards: Check with your company
- • Multiple cards: Can add up to 10 cards
Alternatives to Alipay
WeChat Pay
The other major payment platform in China. More social features but slightly less foreigner-friendly. Better for peer-to-peer transfers and accessing Mini Programs.
UnionPay Cards
Some international banks issue UnionPay cards that work at ATMs and many merchants in China. Good for cash withdrawals but declining acceptance for payments.
Cash (Limited Use)
Cash is increasingly rare and many vendors don't accept it. Some tourist areas and hotels still take cash, but you'll miss out on many experiences that are mobile-payment only.
Don't Forget: eSIM for Connectivity
Why eSIMs Are Essential for Alipay
Alipay requires constant internet connectivity to generate QR codes, process payments, and sync transactions. Without reliable data, your payment apps become useless.
- • Instant activation before you travel
- • Avoid expensive roaming charges
- • Keep your regular number active
- • Works immediately upon landing
Complete eSIM Guide
We've tested all major eSIM providers for China. Our comprehensive guide covers setup, pricing, and real-world performance.
Read our China eSIM GuideFrequently Asked Questions
Can I use Alipay without a Chinese bank account?
Yes! Since 2023, Alipay fully supports international cards without requiring a Chinese bank account. You can link Visa, Mastercard, JCB, or Discover cards directly.
Is Alipay safe for foreigners?
Yes, Alipay uses bank-level encryption and security. Your card details are tokenized, biometric authentication adds extra security, and all transactions require your payment password. Alipay is regulated by Chinese financial authorities.
What if I can't speak Chinese?
Alipay has full English support. Most payment processes are visual (QR codes and numbers), requiring minimal language skills. The app includes translation features for menus and signs.
Can I get refunds through Alipay?
Yes, merchants can process refunds back to your original payment method. Refunds typically appear within 3-5 business days. Note that Tour Pass cannot receive refunds directly.
Do I need both Alipay and WeChat Pay?
While most places accept both, having both apps provides maximum flexibility. Alipay is generally better for tourists with superior English support, while WeChat Pay is essential for social features and some smaller vendors.
What's the exchange rate like?
Alipay's exchange rates are typically 2-3% above the mid-market rate, which is competitive with most credit cards. Your bank may charge additional foreign transaction fees (usually 0-3%). Overall, it's often better than airport currency exchange.
Can I use Alipay for online shopping?
Limited. Some platforms like JD.com accept foreign cards through Alipay, but Taobao and many others require Chinese bank accounts. Physical store payments work much better for tourists.
What happens if my payment fails?
First, check your internet connection and try again. If it continues failing, verify your card isn't blocked for international use, check daily limits haven't been exceeded, and ensure identity verification is complete. Always carry some cash as backup.
Ready to Set Up Alipay?
Don't wait until you land in China. Set up and test your Alipay now to ensure a smooth trip.