Payment Guide

Alipay for Foreign Travelers: Download to First Payment

A hands-on walkthrough for setting up Alipay before or right after you arrive in China.

Goal: scan to pay + metro codeiOS / AndroidPassport + international card
Before you start

Why set up payments before arrival?

China is largely cashless. Taxis, convenience stores, metro, and restaurants expect mobile payment.

Best practice: register on home Wi-Fi, then test a small purchase after landing.
Cash works as backup, but ride-hailing and many shops prefer mobile pay.
Step 1 · 3 min

Download Alipay and choose overseas traveler mode

Install the official Alipay app from your app store.

  1. Open the app and select your home country
  2. Confirm the English interface
  3. Tap Sign Up
  4. Set a 6-digit payment password
Step 2 · 5 min

Verify your passport

Foreign travelers must verify identity with a passport before linking cards.

  1. Go to Me → Settings → Identity Verification
  2. Choose Passport and upload the info page
  3. Enter your legal name and passport number
  4. Wait for approval
Step 3 · 4 min

Link an international card

Visa, Mastercard, and JCB are commonly supported.

  1. Open Me → Bank Cards → Add Card
  2. Enter card details and complete 3D Secure
  3. Confirm the card appears in your wallet
Step 4 · 2 min

Activate Tour Card and top up

Tour Card is a prepaid balance designed for overseas visitors.

  1. Search Tour Card on the home screen
  2. Activate the card
  3. Top up ¥100–200 for testing
After this step you can pay in most urban scenarios.
Step 5 · 2 min

Make your first scan payment

Test in a low-pressure place such as a convenience store.

  1. Tap Scan on the home screen
  2. Scan the merchant QR code
  3. Confirm the amount and pay
  4. Check the receipt in Bills
Step 6 · 3 min

Enable metro ride code

Major cities support Alipay transport codes.

  1. Search Transport on the home screen
  2. Select your city
  3. Open the ride code at entry and exit gates
Reference

Alipay vs WeChat Pay: which should you install?

Install both if you can. Many places accept either, but some mini-programs only support one.

TopicAlipayWeChat Pay
Foreign card setupTour Card + international cardsSupported, more Chinese UI
Metro codesWorks in major citiesAlso widely supported
FAQ

Common issues

Tap to expand each answer.

My card is not supported

Try another Visa/Mastercard, enable overseas online payments, or use Tour Card top-up.

Scan payment failed

Check network and balance, then ask the merchant to refresh the QR code.