How to Set Up Alipay as a Foreign Tourist in China (2026)

Alipay is the most foreigner-friendly payment app in China. It has an English interface, a straightforward setup process, and the widest acceptance among merchants. If you only set up one app for your China trip, make it Alipay.

This guide walks you through the entire setup process step by step — from downloading the app to making your first payment.

Why Alipay Over WeChat Pay?

Alipay is simply easier for tourists. Start here.

Step 1: Download the Right Version

iOS users:

• Open the App Store
• Search “Alipay”
• Look for the app with the blue icon and the name Alipay (not AlipayHK)

Android users:

• Open Google Play
• Search “Alipay”
• Download the official app

⚠️ Important: Download the international version, not AlipayHK (which is for Hong Kong only). The international version supports foreign cards and has an English interface.

Step 2: Register with Your Phone Number

1. Open the Alipay app
2. Tap “Sign Up” (bottom of the screen)
3. Select your country code and enter your phone number
4. Tap “Next”
5. Enter the verification code sent via SMS
6. Set a 6-digit login password

📱 Your phone number doesn’t need to be Chinese — any international number works.

Step 3: Link Your International Credit Card

1. Tap “Me” (bottom right corner)
2. Tap “Bank Cards”
3. Tap “Add Card” (the + icon)
4. Enter your card number
5. Enter your expiration date and CVV
6. Tap “Next”

Supported cards:

• Visa
• Mastercard
• JCB
• Discover
• Diners Club

💳 If your card supports 3D Secure (most international cards do), you may be prompted to complete an additional verification step with your bank.

Step 4: Verify Your Identity

This is the most important step. Without verification, you can’t use Alipay to pay.

1. Tap “Me” → “Account” → “Real-name Verification”
2. Select “Passport” as your ID type
3. Take a photo of your passport information page
4. Take a live selfie for facial verification
5. Wait for the system to confirm (usually 5-10 minutes, sometimes up to 24 hours)

⏱️ Do this before you travel. The verification requires a stable internet connection and good lighting. Trying to do this at the airport or upon arrival can be stressful.

Tips for facial verification:

• Use a well-lit room
• Remove glasses or face coverings
• Follow the on-screen instructions (turn head, blink, etc.)

Step 5: Start Paying!

Once verified, you’re ready to go.

To pay (merchant scans you):

1. Open Alipay
2. Tap “Pay” (the large button at the top)
3. Show your QR code to the merchant
4. The merchant scans it — payment complete

To pay (you scan the merchant):

1. Open Alipay
2. Tap “Scan” (the icon next to the Pay button)
3. Scan the merchant’s QR code
4. Enter the amount
5. Confirm — payment complete

Fee Warning ⚠️

Alipay charges a 3% international transaction fee on single transactions over 200 yuan.

• Small purchases (coffee, street food, metro tickets): fee-free
• Large purchases (hotels, shopping): 3% fee

How to avoid the fee:

• Use cash for purchases over 200 yuan
• Use a local Chinese bank card (if you have one)
• Split large payments into smaller ones (rarely practical)

Troubleshooting

“My card won’t link”

• Double-check your card number, expiration date, and CVV
• Make sure your card supports 3D Secure
• Try removing the card and adding it again after 24 hours
• Enable two-factor authentication on your card

“Facial verification failed”

• Make sure you’re in a well-lit room
• Remove glasses or face coverings
• Try again after a few minutes

“Verification taking too long”

• Some users report 24-hour delays
• Try using a different time of day (China business hours)
• Contact Alipay support via the app

FAQ

Do I need a Chinese bank account?

No. You can link an international credit card directly.

Can I use Alipay without the internet?

Yes. You can show your QR code offline.

Is it safe?

Yes. Alipay uses bank-grade encryption and fraud detection.

Summary

Next steps:

• Back to Payment Guide
• How to Set Up WeChat Pay

✦ Ready to explore China?