This is probably the most important article you'll read before traveling to China. Let me explain why.
In China, cash is dying. Street vendors, restaurants, even temple donation boxes — they all want you to scan a QR code. If you can't pay with your phone, you're going to have a frustrating time.
The good news: Alipay now supports foreign Visa and Mastercard. The bad news: the setup process isn't always smooth, and most online guides are outdated or incomplete.
This guide walks you through every step with actual screenshots. Updated May 2026.
Before You Start
You'll need:
- Your passport (physical copy — you'll need to photograph it)
- A Visa, Mastercard, or other international card
- A phone that can receive SMS (from your home country)
- About 15-30 minutes
⚠️ Do this at least 48 hours before you fly. Account verification sometimes takes 1-2 business days.
Step 1: Download and Open Alipay
Download Alipay from the App Store or Google Play. Make sure it's the international version — if you see mostly English, you're in the right place.
When you first open it, you might see Chinese. Don't panic.
To switch to English:
- Tap "Me" (bottom right icon — person silhouette)
- Tap "Settings" (gear icon)
- Tap "General"
- Tap "Language" → Select "English"
Step 2: Sign Up
- Tap "Sign Up" on the welcome screen
- Select your country/region
- Enter your phone number (your home country number is fine)
- You'll receive an SMS verification code — enter it
- Set a payment password (6 digits — remember this!)
Step 3: Real-Name Verification (The Important Part)
This is where most people get stuck. Alipay needs to verify your identity with your passport.
- Go to "Me" (bottom right)
- Tap your profile picture/name at the top
- Tap "Real-Name Verification" or "Verify Now"
- Select "Passport" as your ID type
- Take a clear photo of your passport information page (the one with your photo)
- Make sure all text is readable
- No glare on the photo
- All four corners visible
- You may also need to take a selfie for facial recognition
- Enter your personal information exactly as it appears on your passport
Submit and wait. Verification can take:
- Instant (rare)
- A few hours (common)
- 1-2 business days (if additional review is needed)
If verification fails:
- Check that your photo is clear (no blur, no glare, all text readable)
- Make sure your name matches your passport exactly
- Try again — sometimes it just takes a second attempt
- If it keeps failing, try WeChat Pay instead (similar process, sometimes smoother)
Step 4: Add Your Bank Card
Once verified:
- Go to "Me" → "Bank Cards"
- Tap "Add Card"
- Enter your card details (number, expiry, CVV)
- Your bank will send a verification code via SMS
- Enter the code
- Card added!
Step 5: Test It Works
Before you fly to China:
- Find something to buy online that accepts Alipay
- Try making a small purchase (even $1)
- If it works — congratulations! You're ready for China
- If it doesn't — contact your bank and ask them to enable international Alipay transactions
Common Problems & Solutions
"My bank declined the verification"
→ Call your bank. Tell them you're trying to add your card to Alipay for travel in China. Some banks block this by default.
"Verification keeps getting rejected"
- Photo quality is the #1 issue. Retake in bright, even light.
- Make sure you're using your passport (not driver's license or ID card)
- Try using the app in daylight — the facial recognition sometimes struggles in dim light
"I can't even download Alipay"
- Android: You might need to switch your Play Store country, or download the APK directly from Alipay's website
- iOS: Change your App Store region temporarily, or use a second Apple ID
"My card works but has a low limit"
- Most foreign cards have a ¥3,000-5,000 annual limit on Alipay (Chinese regulation)
- For larger payments, you'll need to link a Chinese bank account
- For tourists, ¥3,000-5,000 is usually enough for a 2-week trip
"What if nothing works?"
- WeChat Pay is your backup (similar setup process)
- Carry ¥500-1,000 in cash for emergencies
- Hotels usually accept international credit cards directly
- Some restaurants in tourist areas accept cash — but don't count on it
Alipay Tour Pass / Tour Card (Alternative)
If you can't get regular Alipay working, there's an alternative:
- In Alipay, search for "TourPass" or "Tour Card"
- This lets you pre-load money using your international card
- You get a virtual Chinese bank card number
- Works for 90 days
This is the nuclear option — it always works. The downside is it's a separate card number, not integrated with the main Alipay experience. But if regular verification failed, this will get you through your trip.
What You Can Do With Alipay Once Set Up
Everything. Literally.
- 🚇 Ride the metro (scan QR code at turnstile)
- 🚖 Call a DiDi (built into Alipay)
- 🍜 Order food (restaurant QR codes all use Alipay)
- 🛒 Buy groceries at convenience stores
- 🎫 Book train tickets, museum tickets, attraction tickets
- 🚲 Unlock shared bikes
- ⚡ Charge your phone at public charging stations
- 📱 Top up your Chinese phone number
- 🏨 Pay at hotels
- 🎁 Send money to friends (useful for splitting bills)
It's hard to overstate how important this one app is. This is why I included a dedicated Payment Setup Photo Guide in the China Arrival Essentials Kit — it's a separate 3-page document with screenshots for every step, so you can follow along even if the app interface changes.
Get the Payment Setup Photo Guide → ($9.99)
Get the full China Arrival Essentials Kit → ($19.99, includes Payment Guide + everything else)
Last updated: May 2026. App interfaces change — this guide will be updated as Alipay updates their app.