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How to Use Alipay in China as a Foreigner
Alipay is usually the easiest payment app for foreign visitors in China. Set it up before you arrive, link an international card, test a small payment after landing, and keep WeChat Pay or cash as a backup.
Video tutorial
Alipay setup video tutorial
Watch this 58-second China payment guide, then use the step-by-step checklist below to prepare Alipay, WeChat Pay, international cards and cash backup.
Travel workflow reviewed July 2026. Always confirm current app and bank requirements before departure.
Read the video transcript
Paying in China can look confusing when every counter shows a QR code. But you only need a simple backup plan.
Before your flight, install Alipay and WeChat. Verify your identity with your passport, then link an eligible Visa or Mastercard. If possible, add a second card from another bank.
At a shop, you will use one of two methods. Scan the merchant's QR code and enter the amount, or show your payment code for the cashier to scan. Test both with a small purchase after you land.
Mobile payments work for convenience stores, restaurants, taxis, metro trips and many train bookings. Keep mobile data active, because the apps need a connection.
If a payment fails, try a smaller amount, switch cards, or use the other payment app. A physical card and a small amount of RMB cash are still useful backups, especially for hotels and deposits.
Remember the simple formula: two payment apps, two cards, and some cash. Find the full step-by-step checklist on ChinaEasy.
Continue with the guide
Turn the 58-second overview into a working payment setup
Alipay setup flow
Get ready to pay in four practical steps
Set up the app before your flight, then test it with a small purchase after you arrive.
Verify
Use your passport and the same name shown on your travel documents.
Link a card
Add an eligible Visa or Mastercard and enable overseas payments with your bank.
Test payment
Try a small shop or convenience-store purchase before relying on it all day.
Keep backup
Prepare WeChat Pay, a second card and a small amount of RMB cash.
Step-by-step
What to do first
Install the official Alipay app
Download Alipay before your flight from the App Store or Google Play. Switch the app language to English if available and keep access to your SMS number.
Register with a reliable phone number
Use a phone number that can receive verification codes while you travel. If your home SIM will not roam, prepare another way to receive SMS.
Complete passport verification
Enter your name and passport details exactly as they appear on your passport. Use a clear passport photo without glare or cropped corners.
Add an international card
Link a Visa or Mastercard first. If possible, add a second card from a different bank in case the first one is blocked.
Test a small payment
After landing, buy water or coffee before you rely on Alipay for taxis, metro gates, restaurants or hotel deposits.
Learn scan and pay-code mode
Some merchants ask you to scan their QR code. Other cashiers scan your payment code. Practice both in the app.
Real travel scenario
Real scenario: arriving at Shanghai Pudong Airport
- Scenario step 1Turn on your eSIM or roaming before leaving the arrivals hall.
- Scenario step 2Open Alipay and check that your linked card is still available.
- Scenario step 3Buy a small drink to test payment.
- Scenario step 4Save your hotel address in Chinese and English.
- Scenario step 5Use Didi or metro only after your payment test works.
Troubleshooting
Common problems and quick fixes
Card declined
Enable overseas transactions in your bank app, try a smaller amount, try another card, or call your bank.
Passport verification fails
Check name order, passport number, photo quality and internet stability. Avoid glare on the passport photo.
SMS code not received
Check roaming, switch network, wait a few minutes, or use a phone number that reliably receives international SMS.
QR code will not scan
Increase screen brightness, clean your camera lens, and confirm whether you should scan the merchant QR or show your pay code.
Checklist
Before you rely on this in China
FAQ
Questions foreign visitors usually ask
Is Alipay better than WeChat Pay for tourists?
For many first-time tourists, Alipay is easier as the primary payment app. WeChat Pay is still worth setting up as a backup.
Can I use Alipay for metro and taxis?
In many cities, Alipay supports transport codes or mini programs, and Didi can be accessed through Alipay or as a separate app.
Should I carry cash?
Yes. Mobile payment is common, but a small cash backup is useful when internet, app verification or card authorization fails.