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Payments · Before arrival

Alipay for Tourists in China: Set Up, Link a Card and Pay

Alipay (支付宝) is widely accepted in China. Visitors can register with international contact details, link an eligible foreign card and pay at participating merchants and transport services.

  • Install and verify before you fly
  • Test a small payment first
  • Keep a card and RMB cash as backup

By GotripCN Editorial Team · Published · Updated · 3 min read · English

Find an English-speaking local All China travel tips
Illustration of a phone payment QR code, a linked foreign bank card and a successful payment receipt
Illustration by GotripCN.

Download the right app

  • Search “Alipay” in the App Store or Google Play; the developer should be Ant Group / Alipay.
  • Install before your trip so verification happens on a stable network.
  • On some Android devices, download from the official site if the store version is unavailable in your region.

Create an account and verify

  • Register with an international mobile number or email when that option is shown.
  • Set the login and payment security methods the app offers (password, biometrics or another step).
  • Complete identity verification with your passport when prompted. Avoid sharing screenshots that show passport details.
  • Go to Me → Wallet / Bank Cards → Add Card.
  • Add an eligible international card; supported networks, fees and limits can change, so follow the app's current prompts.
  • Complete any SMS verification from your card issuer.
  • Make a small test payment, for example at a convenience store, before relying on it.

Purchases are normally charged directly to the linked card; do not assume a foreign card can top up a wallet balance. Source: China's official payment guide for foreign visitors (english.www.gov.cn).

Paying: scan or show

Scan to pay: tap Scan, scan the merchant's QR code, enter the amount only when prompted and complete the app's security check. Before confirming, check the merchant name and the final amount in CNY on your own screen.

Show your code: some counters scan your code instead. Tap Pay/Receive and show the barcode to the cashier. Only show a payment code at checkout, and never send it as a screenshot.

Avoid common mistakes

  • Do not pay strangers who offer to “help” with QR setup.
  • Keep small RMB notes as backup and check your change.
  • Review card-issuer, exchange-rate or service fees before confirming.
  • If linking fails, check your connection, then contact Alipay support or your card issuer.

Using Alipay for transport

A shop-payment code and a city transport code are different. Activate the transport code for the city you are visiting before you reach the gate; see mobile payment on metros and buses for how this works.

Quick answers

Can foreigners use Alipay in China?

Yes. Visitors can link eligible international cards; acceptance depends on the merchant and service.

Do I need a Chinese phone number?

Registration with an international number or email is supported when the app shows that option.

Is Alipay enough on its own?

Keep a second card and RMB cash. Some merchants or services may not accept a particular setup.

Published October 26, 2026. App menus, card acceptance and transport rules change; check the official sources named above before you travel. GotripCN is a peer-to-peer information directory and does not process payments.