This guide covers everything you need to know about using Alipay (支付宝) in China — from downloading the app before your trip to troubleshooting common issues on the ground.
Network Environment Essentials
Critical — Read Before Arrival
Understanding China's internet restrictions is essential before you land. Some services you rely on may not work, while local alternatives thrive.
Services Not Accessible in Mainland China
The following require special tools (VPN) to access:
| Service | Alternative in China |
|---|---|
| Google (Search / Maps / Gmail) | Baidu, Amap (高德地图) |
| YouTube | Bilibili |
| Facebook / Instagram / X | Weibo, Xiaohongshu |
| WeChat (微信) | |
| Google Play Store | Phone brand app stores |
| LINE / Telegram |
Services That Work Normally
| Service | Status |
|---|---|
| Alipay (支付宝) | Available |
| WeChat (微信) | Available |
| Apple App Store | Available |
| Amap (高德地图) | Available |
| Trip.com (携程) | Available |
| Most hotel / restaurant Wi-Fi | Available |
Pro Tip
Download all essential apps (Alipay, WeChat, Amap, etc.) before arriving in China, as Google Play becomes inaccessible once you land.
Step 1: Download & Register
Before Arrival (Outside China)
Download the App
| Platform | Method | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone / iPad | App Store search "Alipay" | Globally available |
| Android | Google Play search "Alipay" | Globally available |
| Android | alipay.com download APK | Slow from outside China |
Android Users
Download Alipay from Google Play before arriving. After landing, Google Play is blocked; you would need a Chinese app store (Huawei, Xiaomi, vivo, etc.) for updates.
Register an Account
- Register using your international phone number or email.
- Important: It is strongly recommended to complete identity verification after landing in China. Registering overseas may cause verification to be blocked or your account to be frozen after entry.
Pre-Trip Checklist
- Download Alipay from App Store / Google Play
- Download WeChat (also required)
- Enable international roaming on your phone
- Ensure passport validity is at least 6 months
- Prepare an international credit card (Visa / Mastercard / Amex)
- Save Alipay helpline: +86 571 2688 6000
- Print or screenshot this guide for offline access
- Prepare ¥500–1000 cash as backup
After Landing in China
1
Enable International Roaming
Make sure you can receive SMS verification codes. Most carriers offer China roaming packages — activate before departure.
2
Complete Passport Verification
Open Alipay → "Me" → tap the unverified prompt. Use your front camera to photograph your passport photo page, then complete facial recognition.
3
Link Your Payment Method
See Step 2 below for linking international credit cards, TourCard, or Chinese bank cards.
TL;DR
Major Chinese airports (Shanghai Pudong, Beijing Capital, Guangzhou Baiyun, etc.) have volunteers to help set up Alipay — look for them in the arrivals hall.
Step 2: Link Payment Methods
Option 1: International Credit Card
Supported card networks: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, JCB, Discover, Diners Club, Maestro
1
Add Your Card
Go to "Me" → "Bank Cards" → "Add Card". Enter your card number, expiry date, and CVV.
2
Verify Identity
Complete passport facial recognition if not already done.
3
Enter Billing Address
Fill in your billing address in English. This must match your card issuer's records.
Common Binding Failures
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Name mismatch | Must match passport exactly. Try comma separation or case alternation for middle names. |
| International online transactions not enabled | Contact your bank before departure to authorize China transactions. |
| 3+ failed attempts | Temporarily restricted; try the next day or use a different card. |
| Still cannot bind | Call Alipay helpline +86 571 2688 6000 (English service available). |
Option 2: TourCard (Recommended for Tourists)
TourCard is a prepaid virtual card designed specifically for foreign visitors.
Why use TourCard?
- Works at small merchants and street stalls where international cards may be declined
- Essentially an Alipay balance with broader merchant acceptance
- No per-transaction foreign exchange fees
1
Search for TourCard
Open Alipay → tap the search bar at the top → type "TourCard".
2
Upload Passport Info
Follow the prompts to upload your passport details for verification.
3
Top Up
Add funds using your international credit or debit card. Minimum top-up is approximately ¥100 RMB (as of May 2026).
4
Pay with TourCard
At checkout, select TourCard as your payment method. The balance is spent directly.
Important
TourCard has an expiry date (usually 30 days). Balance cannot be withdrawn — top up only what you need.
Option 3: Chinese Bank Card
For long-term stays, consider opening a Chinese bank account (requires passport + local phone number). No transaction fees once linked.
Payment Method Comparison
| Feature | International Card | TourCard | Chinese Bank Card |
|---|---|---|---|
| Setup difficulty | Medium | Easy | Hard |
| Merchant coverage | Some small merchants may decline | Broader coverage | Full coverage |
| Transaction fee | 3% on transactions above ¥200 | No extra fee | No fee |
| Validity | No limit | ~30 days | No limit |
Pro Tip
Our recommendation: Activate both an international card AND TourCard for double coverage. Use TourCard for daily spending to avoid the 3% fee, and keep your international card as backup.
Step 3: How to Pay
Three Ways to Pay
Scan to Pay (Most Common)
- Tap "Scan" (扫一扫) on the home page
- Aim your camera at the merchant's QR code
- Confirm the amount → enter password / fingerprint / face ID
Show Your QR Code (Merchant Scans You)
- Tap "Pay / Collect" (付钱/收钱) on the home page → select "Pay"
- Show your payment QR code to the cashier
- The merchant scans you with their scanner
Tap to Pay (Select POS Terminals)
- Unlock your phone, hold it near the blue contact area on the POS terminal
- Wait for the confirmation beep
- iPhone users may need to confirm manually
Fee Structure
| Transaction Amount | Fee |
|---|---|
| ¥200 or less | Free |
| Above ¥200 | 3% charge |
How to avoid the 3% fee:
- Pay with TourCard (no extra fees)
- Link a Chinese bank card (fee-free entirely)
- Split large payments into smaller transactions (caution: may trigger fraud alerts)
Payment Limits
| Type | Limit |
|---|---|
| Single transaction | ~¥36,500 (~US$5,000) |
| Daily total | ~¥365,000 (~US$50,000) |
Step 4: Communicating with Merchants
Important
This is one of the most common issues foreigners face in China. Many merchants are not familiar with the English name "Alipay", but everyone knows the Chinese pronunciation "zhī fù bǎo".
What to Say
| Don't Say This | Say This Instead |
|---|---|
| "Do you accept Alipay?" | "Can I use zhī fù bǎo?" (jer-foo-bow) |
| "Can I pay by card?" | "Can I scan code?" (sǎo mǎ) |
| "Can I use mobile payment?" | "Can I pay by phone?" |
Pronunciation Guide
- 支付宝 = zhī fù bǎo
- Similar English pronunciation: "jer-foo-bow"
- Stress on the first syllable
Useful Phrases
| Chinese | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| 扫码 | sǎo mǎ | Scan QR code |
| 付钱 | fù qián | Pay |
| 多少钱 | duō shǎo qián | How much? |
| 可以刷卡吗 | kě yǐ shuā kǎ ma | Can I pay by card? |
| 不用现金 | bù yòng xiàn jīn | No cash needed |
| 扫这里 | sǎo zhè lǐ | Scan here |
Pro Tip
Ultimate tip: When in doubt, open Alipay, show your payment QR code, and point at the screen — merchants understand instantly.
Step 5: Hidden Features
Public Transit
No extra app needed!
- Tap "Transport" (出行) on the home page
- Select your city
- Activate the bus or subway e-card
- Show the QR code at the turnstile or bus reader
Important
Activate separately for each city — transit cards are NOT universal across cities.
Ride-Hailing
- Tap "Ride-Hailing" (打车) on the home page
- Enter your destination (English addresses supported)
- Choose vehicle type, track your driver in real-time
- Payment is auto-deducted from Alipay after arrival
TL;DR
The built-in map supports English interface and can be used for navigation too.
Shared Bikes
- Spot yellow, green, or blue bikes with QR codes on the street
- Scan with Alipay to unlock
- Lock after riding — fee is auto-deducted
Tax Refund
At airports in Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou, and other major cities:
- Verify receipts at the airport tax refund terminal
- Select "Refund to Alipay"
- Refund is credited directly to your Alipay balance
More Features
- Attraction tickets — Book directly in the app
- Flight tickets — Purchase domestic and international flights
- Food delivery — Order from thousands of restaurants
- Hotel booking — Compare prices and book rooms
- Shared power banks — Rent portable chargers everywhere
FAQ & Troubleshooting
Merchant Says International Card Not Accepted
Switch to TourCard for payment. TourCard works as Alipay balance with broader merchant acceptance.
Network / Internet Issues
Alipay requires an internet connection to process payments.
| Scenario | Solution |
|---|---|
| No mobile data | Enable international roaming before departure |
| Poor signal | Connect to merchant or hotel Wi-Fi |
| Completely offline | Use cash backup |
TL;DR
Most Chinese restaurants, malls, and hotels have free Wi-Fi, but you need real-time connectivity for payments.
Account Frozen / Risk Control
- Call +86 571 2688 6000 (English service available)
- Provide passport info and registered phone number
- Follow agent instructions to verify identity
Phone Battery Died
- Shared power banks (Monster Energy, Charge Spot, etc.) are everywhere in Chinese cities — scan with Alipay to rent
- Always keep ¥200–500 cash as emergency backup
Need Cash?
| Location | Method |
|---|---|
| Airport | Currency exchange counter / ATM |
| Bank | Visit Bank of China (中国银行) or ICBC (工商银行) with your passport |
| Hotel | Some hotels offer currency exchange |
Important
China is highly cashless, but street vendors, remote areas, and temples may only accept cash. Always carry some backup.
Should I Also Set Up WeChat Pay?
Alipay
WeChat Pay
Coverage
Very wide, more tourist-friendly
Coverage
Even wider, small shops prefer it
Setup
Smooth passport verification
Setup
Passport supported, overseas phone verification is complex
Special uses
Transit, tax refund
Special uses
Friend transfers, red packets
Pro Tip
We recommend activating both for complementary use. WeChat Pay covers more small merchants; Alipay has better tourist features like TourCard and tax refund.
Android-Specific Issues in China
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Google Play blocked | Use Tencent App Store, Huawei App Store, Xiaomi App Store for updates |
| Google Services errors | Does not affect Alipay usage |
| Push notification delay | Normal, does not affect payments |
Emergency Contacts
| Purpose | Contact |
|---|---|
| Alipay Helpline (English) | +86 571 2688 6000 |
Reference Resources
Accessible Outside China (Read Before Trip)
| Resource | URL |
|---|---|
| Alipay Official (EN) | https://www.alipay.com/en/ |
| China Travel Info | https://www.travelchinaguide.com/ |
Accessible Inside China (Read During Trip)
| Resource | URL |
|---|---|
| Alipay Official | https://www.alipay.com |
| In-app Help Center | Alipay → Me → Help |
| Trip.com | https://www.trip.com |
Last updated: May 2026. Information may change with Alipay updates. Always refer to the latest in-app guidance.