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Alipay for Travelers in China

Set it up before you arrive, then get comfortable with everyday payments.

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A coffee on the way to the metro, lunch in a small restaurant, a gift you spot while browsing: paying is part of almost every day out. Getting comfortable with Alipay before your trip gives you one less thing to work out at the counter.

Overseas visitors can register with a foreign mobile number and link an eligible international card, without opening a mainland Chinese bank account. English is available. This guide follows that card-linked route for purchases in mainland China.1, 2

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When You’ll Use It

Everyday stops

Coffee, snacks and convenience-store purchases at merchants accepting Alipay.

Meals and shopping

Pay at restaurants and shops without making each checkout a new task.

More of your day

Explore transport and other local services as needed; separate activation or eligibility checks may apply.2

For eligible card-funded purchases, the payment comes from your linked card; this route does not require loading a separate wallet balance. Bring another payment option as well.3

Add Your Bank Card

Home screen and card-linking entry.

Show Your Payment Code

Select your payment method before paying.

Explore Transport Options

Hangzhou shown as an example.

Official Alipay promotional screenshots. Your screen may differ.

Set Up Before Your Trip

  1. Install the app and register

    Use the official download links. Register with your own mobile number and the correct country code, then follow the verification prompts. Keep access to any SMS codes or bank approvals you may need while travelling.1, 3

  2. Link your own bank card

    Look for Me → Bank Cards and follow the instructions. Eligible cards include Visa and Mastercard, among others; approval also depends on your issuer and card. Enter your own details and complete any bank check requested.1, 2, 3

  3. Complete the checks shown in your app

    Have your passport ready and complete any identity or security checks requested. The sequence can vary, so allow time before departure. A card appearing in the app is not a guarantee that every payment will work.3, 7

Get the setup ready at home, then try a small purchase after arriving in mainland China. The overseas-visitor payment service is intended for use there.5, 6

Your First Payment

There are two common checkout methods. The cashier can indicate which one to use.1

You scan the merchant’s code

  1. Open Scan in Alipay and scan the merchant’s Alipay payment code.
  2. Enter the amount if asked. Check the recipient, amount, selected card and any displayed fee.
  3. Confirm and wait for the result before leaving.

The cashier scans your code

  1. Open your payment code in Alipay; the entry may be labelled Pay or Pay/Receive.
  2. Confirm the amount with the cashier, check the selected card, then show your code when ready to pay.
  3. Check the amount and payment result in the app.1, 3, 4

Keep your payment code private except when paying. If the result is unclear, check your transaction history before trying again.

Check the Cost Before You Pay

Published guidance describes a 3% Alipay service fee for international-card payments above ¥200. Use this as a planning reference: Alipay’s terms say the displayed service rules govern, and your card issuer may add separate foreign-exchange charges. Check the actual charge for your payment.3, 4

For a broader look at payment options, fees and declined transactions, read our Money & Payments guide.

If You Get Stuck

The verification code does not arrive

Check the country code and phone number, confirm that the registered line can receive messages, and follow the resend timing shown in the app. If it still fails, use Alipay’s in-app support rather than repeatedly creating accounts.

My card will not link or a payment is declined

Read the specific message and complete any requested verification. Check your bank app for an approval request; contact your issuer if it is declining the transaction. Another eligible card or a different accepted payment method can keep your day moving.3, 7

The QR code opens a transfer screen or refuses my card

Ask the cashier for the merchant payment option. The international-card route is for eligible purchases, not personal money transfers. If that checkout cannot accept your card, use another payment method.3

Sources & Updates

Sources checked on 25 October 2026. Registration, card acceptance, fees and screen labels can vary by account, issuer, region and app version. Follow the current prompts and terms. This guide is based on published sources, not a live-tested overseas-account walkthrough.

Sources by section and question