How to Use Alipay in China
Download, register, and use Alipay's international version. Bind foreign cards, top up, and pay widely across China.
๐ What You Need
- โ
Passport
Must be valid and not expired
- โ
Mobile phone number that can receive SMS (Chinese or international)
Use a phone number that can receive SMS verification codes. A Chinese number is not required.
- โ
International credit card (Visa/Mastercard/JCB)
๐ถ Step-by-Step Instructions
- 1
Download Alipay app โ International Version
Search "Alipay" in your app store and download the app with the blue logo. After signing up, choose "International Version" โ the version tailored for overseas travellers.
๐ You should see: The app icon is blue with a white stylized 'ๆฏ' character - 2
Register with your phone number
Open the app, select your country code, and enter your phone number. You'll receive an SMS verification code. Enter it to continue.
- 3
Complete international identity verification
Go to Me โ Account Settings โ Identity Verification. Select "International User Verification" and follow the prompts. You'll need to take photos of your passport's main page and a selfie.
โ If this fails: If verification fails, make sure your passport photo is clear and all corners are visible. Retry in better lighting. - 4
Bind your international card
After verification, go to Me โ Bank Cards โ Add Card. Enter your Visa/Mastercard/JCB card details. The app may test your card with a small temporary authorization. Check your card statement or app afterwards rather than assuming it will be reversed automatically, and contact your card issuer if it is not.
- 5
Top up your Alipay balance (optional)
You can pay directly from your bound card without topping up. Topping up means loading yuan into the app balance first and paying from that balance; it is an option, not a requirement. Go to Home โ Top Up and follow the instructions. Exchange rates and any conversion fees depend on your card issuer and are not something this guide can promise either way.
- 6
Pay in shops with QR code
Most shops in China have an Alipay QR code at the counter. Open the app, tap "Scan" at the top of the Home screen, point your camera at the QR code, enter the amount, and confirm payment.
๐ You should see: The shopkeeper will say 'ๆซๆฏไปๅฎ' (sวo Zhฤซfรนbวo) or point to a QR code - 7
Show your payment code for retail stores
For chain stores and supermarkets, tap "Pay" on the Home screen to show a QR code that the cashier scans. Show this code and wait for confirmation.
- 8
Enable quick payment
Add the Alipay widget to your phone's home screen for quick access to Scan/Pay without opening the full app.
๐ฏ Done when...
You can scan QR codes in shops, restaurants, and markets to pay for goods directly from your international card or topped-up yuan balance.
๐ Backup Plan
If Your card gets declined or international card payments aren't supported at a merchant
โ Use cash if you have it, or try WeChat Pay as an alternative
๐ Common Problems
Using Alipay in China
Alipay is the dominant payment method in China. Alipay's international version works with foreign phone numbers and international credit cards โ you don't need a Chinese bank account.
Before You Start
Make sure you have your passport ready, a phone that can receive SMS in China (either a Chinese SIM or roaming), and an international Visa/Mastercard.
Is Alipay right for you?
If you're staying more than a week and want the convenience of paying almost everywhere without carrying cash, yes. Alipay is widely accepted across many everyday merchant types in China, though acceptance can vary by merchant. For very short trips, consider a tourist eSIM plan instead.