Why You Need Alipay in China
In major Chinese cities, it is entirely normal to go a full week without touching physical cash. Street food vendors, pharmacies, convenience stores, taxis, and even public toilets at tourist sites now use QR code payments.
Without Alipay (or WeChat Pay), you will regularly be turned away at restaurants, unable to buy tickets at certain attractions, or unable to pay for some transport options. Setting up Alipay before you arrive is one of the most important steps you can take for a smooth trip.
There are two versions of Alipay. The standard Chinese version requires a Chinese bank account and phone number. The International Edition (which is what you want) accepts foreign Visa, Mastercard, and some other international cards. When you open the app outside China, it automatically shows the international version. Make sure you set it up before you arrive in China.
Step-by-Step: Setting Up Alipay International Edition
Download the App at Home
Search for "Alipay" in your phone's App Store (iPhone) or Google Play Store (Android) and install it. It's free. Do this while you are still at home — the App Store is blocked inside China, so you cannot download it once you arrive.
Sign Up with Your Mobile Number
Open the app and tap "Sign Up". Enter your mobile phone number (your home country number is fine). You'll receive a 6-digit verification SMS code — enter it to confirm your number. Choose a strong password.
Add Your International Bank Card
Tap the icon in the top-left corner of the home screen, then tap "Bank Cards". Tap the "+" button and enter your Visa or Mastercard debit or credit card details. Alipay will send a small verification charge (refunded within a few days) to confirm your card is valid.
Important: Tell your bank you are travelling to China before you go. Some banks block international transactions by default — a quick call or online message to enable international use takes only minutes.
Complete Identity Verification (If Required)
For higher spending limits, Alipay may ask you to verify your identity. This involves uploading a photo of your passport and taking a quick selfie. The process takes about 2 minutes. This is worth doing before your trip as it raises your monthly spending limit significantly.
Test a Small Transaction
Before you leave home, try topping up a small amount (equivalent to about £5 / $6) to confirm everything is working. You can also browse the app to familiarise yourself with where the payment buttons are before you need to use them in a restaurant!
How to Pay with Alipay in Shops and Restaurants
There are two ways to pay with Alipay, depending on the shop:
Method A: Show Your QR Code
Open Alipay and tap the big green "Pay" button at the bottom of the screen. A QR code appears on your phone screen. The shopkeeper scans it with their device. Payment is instant — you'll hear a confirmation sound.
Used at: most shops, restaurants, supermarkets, pharmacies
Method B: Scan Their QR Code
Open Alipay and tap the "Scan" button (camera icon). Point your phone camera at the shop's QR code poster. Enter the amount, then confirm payment. You'll receive a notification immediately.
Used at: market stalls, street food vendors, small shops
Alipay vs WeChat Pay: Which Should You Use?
| Feature | Alipay (International) | WeChat Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Accepts foreign cards | ✅ Yes (Visa/Mastercard) | ⚠️ Limited (some cards only) |
| Setup difficulty for tourists | Easy | More complex |
| Acceptance across China | Extremely wide | Extremely wide |
| English app interface | Good English support | Some English |
| Best for tourists | ✅ Recommended | Secondary option |
Our recommendation: Start with Alipay. It's easier for international visitors to set up and has better English support. WeChat Pay is worth adding if you plan an extended stay, as some smaller vendors only accept one or the other.
Spending Limits and Fees
For unverified Alipay accounts, the monthly spending limit is typically around ¥3,000 (about £330 / $415). After completing identity verification, this increases significantly — usually to ¥50,000+ per month, which is more than enough for most tourist trips.
Alipay charges a small currency conversion fee of 3% on international card transactions. This is comparable to most international credit card fees. For a two-week trip, the total fee is usually minimal.
Common Problems and How to Fix Them
Card declined when adding to Alipay — Call your bank and ask them to enable online international transactions on your card. Also ensure your card has not expired. Try adding a credit card if your debit card is rejected.
"Service not available in your region" — Make sure you downloaded the app outside of China and are not using a Chinese App Store account. Sign out and sign back in using a non-Chinese Apple ID or Google Play account.
Payment rejected at the shop — Check your internet connection. In China, Alipay works on mobile data even without Wi-Fi, so ensure your data is on. If using a tourist SIM, check it is active.
Verification selfie rejected — Try again in better lighting. Hold your passport flat beside your face and keep both clearly visible in the frame. Use the front-facing camera.
Even with Alipay working perfectly, carry 500–1,000 CNY in cash as a backup. Older local restaurants, rural areas, and occasional vendors may not accept any digital payment. Cash is also useful for street markets where you want to bargain — some vendors prefer it.