Yes. International visitors can use Alipay in mainland China, provided they meet the current account requirements and use an eligible international bank card.
For many travelers, setting up Alipay before arrival can make everyday payments, transportation and other travel services easier to manage.
What Do You Need to Use Alipay?
01 — An Overseas Mobile Phone Number
You can register Alipay with an eligible overseas mobile phone number.
02 — Your Passport or Required Identification
Keep your passport or other required identification available if Alipay asks you to complete verification.
03 — An Eligible International Bank Card
Add an eligible international bank card and follow the instructions shown in the app.
04 — A Working Internet Connection
Make sure your phone can connect to the internet when you register and make payments.
How to Set Up Alipay
01 — Download Alipay
Download the official Alipay app from your device’s app store.
Register using your mobile phone number. An eligible overseas number can be used.
03 — Complete Verification
Follow the verification instructions shown in the app. You may be asked to provide passport information or complete additional verification.
04 — Add Your Bank Card
Go to Me → Bank Cards and follow the instructions to add an eligible international bank card.
05 — Complete Security Setup
Complete any payment-security or verification steps requested by Alipay.
Good to know: The Alipay interface and available features may change over time. Always follow the latest instructions shown in your Alipay app.
How to Pay with Alipay
01 — Show Your Payment Code
Open Alipay → Payment / Pay → show your payment QR code or barcode → let the merchant scan it.
02 — Scan the Merchant’s QR Code
Open Alipay → Scan → scan the merchant’s QR code → follow the instructions to complete the payment.
Tip: Always check the payment amount before confirming the transaction.
What Can You Use Alipay For?
01 — Shopping
Pay at participating shops, convenience stores and other merchants.
02 — Restaurants & Cafés
Use Alipay at participating restaurants and cafés.
03 — Transportation
Some public transportation services and local transport options support Alipay.
04 — Ride-Hailing
Some ride-hailing services can be accessed through Alipay.
05 — Attractions & Tickets
Some attractions and ticketing services support Alipay payments.
06 — Travel-Related Services
Some travel-related services may be available through Alipay.
Good to know: Available services can vary by merchant, city and service provider. Check the payment options when needed.
Alipay Fees & Limits
Fees and transaction limits may depend on your payment method, account and current Alipay rules. Always check the payment page before confirming a transaction.
01 — Platform Service Fee
Transactions of RMB 200 or less are generally exempt from the platform service fee.
A transaction above RMB 200 may incur a 3% platform service fee on the full transaction amount.
Your applicable fees and limits may differ. Check the payment page in Alipay before confirming your payment. Your card issuer may also apply its own foreign transaction fees or exchange rates.
What If Your Alipay Payment Fails?
01 — Check Your Card
Your card may not be eligible for linking or payment. Check whether the card network and issuing bank are supported.
02 — Check Your Information
Make sure the information you provide matches your identification and card details where required.
03 — Check With Your Bank
Your issuing bank may decline a transaction because of security, verification or card settings.
04 — Check Your Internet Connection
If the app or payment page does not respond normally, check your internet connection and try again.
05 — Follow Alipay’s Verification Instructions
If Alipay asks for additional verification, follow the instructions shown in the app.
06 — Still Not Working?
Contact Alipay customer support or your card-issuing bank for assistance.
Have a Backup Payment Method
We recommend preparing at least two payment options before traveling:
Weixin Pay — backup mobile payment
International card — where the card network is accepted
RMB cash — useful when mobile or card payment is unavailable
Before You Travel: Alipay Checklist
☐ Download Alipay Install the official app before your trip.
☐ Register Your Account Use your eligible overseas mobile number.
☐ Complete Verification Follow the latest instructions shown in the app.
☐ Add Your International Bank Card Check that your card is eligible and complete any required verification.
☐ Test Your Payment Setup Make sure your account and card are ready before you travel.
☐ Prepare a Backup Set up another payment option, such as Weixin Pay, an international card or RMB cash.
Payment rules and app features may change. Always check the latest information in the official app and official sources before traveling.
Don’t Wait Until You Arrive
Setting up your payment options before departure can save time and reduce problems when you arrive in China.
Plan Your Trip with Knowliya
We’ve prepared detailed travel planning guides to help you prepare for your trip with less research and more confidence.
