How to use Alipay as a foreigner in China

Alipay is one of China's leading mobile payment platforms. Recently, Alipay has made it easier for foreigners to use their app for payment while visiting or living in China. 

This quick guide will walk you through the process of setting up and using Alipay as a foreigner, so that you can easily pay for things as soon as you land in China. 

How to set up Alipay 

1. Download the App

First, download the official Alipay app from the Apple Store or Google Play.  

2. Set Up Your Account

Open the app and register using your international phone number or email address. 

Set a strong, randomised password (use a password manager) and enable biometric login, such as FaceID. This will make your account more secure and fast to pay for things. Remember to choose English as your preferred language for the app!

3. Verify your ID

Alipay requires you to verify your identity due to Chinese financial regulations. As a foreigner, you'll need to submit a scan of your passport. Simply follow the prompts in the app to verify your identity. The process only takes a minute, but you will then have to wait a few hours for your account to be verified. Sometimes it can take more than a day, so it’s best to do this verification before you arrive in China.

4. Link a payment methods

Alipay now allows foreigners to link international credit and debit cards, including Visa and Mastercard. From the ‘Account’ app menu, tap on ‘Bank Cards’ and add a new payment method. 

Tip: Check your bank card has no foreign transaction fees. Many banks offer this feature, including uBank, Macquarie and ING. 

Using Alipay

Once your account is set up and verified, you can start using Alipay for various transactions. From the grocery store to the street vendor, almost everyone in China accepts Alipay. 

There are two main ways to pay. You can either scan a vendors QR code or the vendor scans your QR code. You’ll notice at most shops the checkout features a scanner, meaning you can scan your unique code by simply tapping on the ‘Pay/Receive’ icon (now called ‘Pay’).

When a vendor scans your QR code, it’s a unique code that can only be used once. This is a smart security feature, equivalent to having a different single-use credit card number each time you pay for something online! 

Using Alipay in China.

The other way to pay someone is to ‘Scan’ a vendor’s QR code. The camera app will open and you only need to point at the QR code for a second and the vendor will be recognised. Input the amount of money required and then verify your purchase, using your device biometrics (such as FaceID). The vendor will instantly receive a notification of the payment and you can say 谢谢 xièxie and be on your way!

If you have payment notifications enabled with your bank, you can receive an additional real-time notification with the currency conversion. Macquarie Bank offers this feature.

Paying with Alipay is mind-boggling fast. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll love how simple, secure and easy it is. When arriving back in Australia, using self checkouts and tapping your cards will feel slow by comparison! 

You can also use the Alipay app to book a Didi, rent a bike, order food, pay for train tickets, and more.

Tips for Foreigners

• Keep your app updated to access the latest features and improvements. This may require using a VPN.

• Regularly review your transaction history for security. You can view transactions under the ‘Account’ menu in the app.

• Be aware that some services may still be limited compared to accounts held by Chinese nationals. For example, the ‘pay with face’ feature is not available to foreigners. 

• When paying at a checkout, simply show the vendor your Alipay app as a quick signal that you intend to pay with Alipay. They’ll be impressed! 

Got a question about using Alipay? Send us a message on Instagram @journeychineseonline or contact us