How to Set Up Alipay as a Foreign Tourist in China

Yes, you can set up Alipay as a foreign tourist in China without a Chinese bank account. You need a smartphone, a working phone number (your roaming number or a local SIM), a passport, and an international credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard, or Amex). The entire process takes about 15–20 minutes, but identity verification can sometimes take a few hours. It is strongly recommended that you complete the setup before you arrive, because airport Wi-Fi and mobile data can be unreliable for troubleshooting.

Why Set Up Alipay Before You Arrive

China’s economy runs on QR codes. Shops, restaurants, street food stalls, taxis, metro stations, and even many attractions expect mobile payment. Cash is accepted at most places but can cause delays and confusion, and foreign credit cards are not widely accepted outside international hotels and luxury venues. Setting up Alipay means you can pay quickly, safely, and without carrying large amounts of RMB.

Alipay works with your international card, converting each transaction at the issuing bank’s exchange rate. You do not need a Chinese bank account.

What You Need

A smartphone (iPhone or Android) with internet access.
The Alipay app – download the international version from your usual app store (Apple App Store, Google Play, or Huawei AppGallery).
A phone number that can receive SMS while in China. Your home number with roaming works, or you can buy a local Chinese SIM card. Test that you can receive text messages.
Your passport for identity verification.
An international Visa, Mastercard, or American Express card. Ideally one that charges no foreign transaction fees. Debit cards from the same networks also work in most cases.
A stable internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile data).

Step-by-Step Setup

1. Download and Install Alipay

Download the app before you travel if possible. Once installed, open it and switch the language to English (tap the profile icon > Settings > Language). This makes navigation much easier.

2. Register with Your Phone Number

Tap “Sign Up” or “Register” on the welcome screen.
Select your country code and enter your phone number.
You will receive an SMS with a 6-digit verification code. Enter it in the app.
Create a username (optional) and accept the terms.

If you do not receive the SMS within a few minutes, check that your phone has signal and that roaming or local service is active. You can try sending the code again after 60 seconds. Some users report that switching from Wi-Fi to mobile data helps.

3. Verify Your Identity (Passport Upload)

This is the most important step. Without completed identity verification, you cannot pay or link a card.

Go to your profile (tap the icon in the top-left or bottom-right) and look for “Identity Verification” or a prompt like “Complete KYC.”
Choose “Foreign Passport” as your document type (the app may call it “Other ID” or “Non-Chinese ID”).
Take a clear, well-lit photo of the passport’s data page (the page with your photo and personal details). Avoid glare, shadows, or cropping.
The app may ask you to take a selfie or scan your face. Follow the on-screen instructions.
Submit the information. Processing time varies – some users get approved instantly, others wait several hours. Check the app periodically. If verification fails, the app usually gives a reason (e.g., photo too blurry). Retake and resubmit.

Do not plan to use Alipay for payment until verification is shown as complete.

4. Link Your International Card

After identity verification is approved, go to the “Bank Cards” section (usually under “My” or “Wallet”).
Tap “Add Card” and enter your card number, expiry date, CVV, and the name on the card (exactly as it appears on the card).
Set a 6-digit payment password. This password is used to confirm payments. Do not forget it.
The app may charge a small temporary amount (typically a few cents or yuan) to verify the card. This amount is refunded automatically within a few days.
Your card will now appear under “Bank Cards.” You may also need to enable “International Card Payment” in the settings – look for a toggle that says something like “Use international card for payments.”

Some banks block transactions to China for security reasons. If your card is declined, contact your bank and ask them to authorize Alipay transactions. You can also try a different card.

5. (Optional) Tour Pass Feature

Alipay also offers a “Tour Pass” – a separate prepaid wallet for tourists. If you see the option, you can top it up with a small amount using your card, and use the balance for payments. This feature is not required if you have successfully linked your card directly. Availability depends on your region, app version, and Alipay’s current policies. If you do not see it, skip it – the standard card linking works for almost all scenarios.

How to Pay with Alipay

At a shop or restaurant: Tap the “Pay” button on the home screen. Your QR code will appear. The merchant scans it. Confirm the amount and enter your payment password (or use Face ID/Touch ID if you set it).
To pay a merchant’s QR code: Tap “Scan” in the app and point your camera at the code. Enter the amount and confirm.
For metro and buses: Many cities have a “Transport” tab. You can add a digital transit card (requires a separate top-up, often with your international card). This is convenient but not essential – you can also buy single-ride tickets with cash or Alipay at the station.
For online purchases (e.g., hotel bookings, train tickets): Choose “Alipay” at checkout. The app will redirect you to confirm payment.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

Verification fails or is delayed

Ensure your passport photo is well-framed, in focus, and all text is readable. Avoid reflections or fingers.
If the selfie step fails, adjust lighting and try again.
If you are still stuck after multiple attempts, contact Alipay support through the app (Help Center > Contact Us). Response times vary.

Card declined

Confirm your card is set for international use and has sufficient funds.
Call your bank’s fraud department to whitelist Alipay transactions.
The card’s billing address must match what you entered. Some users succeed after entering the exact address as it appears on their bank statement.
Try a different card network (e.g., use Mastercard if Visa failed).

SMS not received

Make sure your phone is not in airplane mode and has network coverage.
If using a roaming number, verify that roaming is enabled and that you can receive international SMS.
Some recommend restarting the phone or toggling airplane mode to force reconnection.
If you have a local SIM, insert it and try again.

Tour Pass not appearing

Not all users see this option. It may be phased out or region-specific. Use the standard card linking; it is reliable for most payments.

Payment password forgotten

You can reset it through the app by tapping “Forgot Password” on the login screen. You will need to verify your phone number and possibly your identity again.

Backup Options

Carry a small amount of RMB cash (200–500 yuan) for emergencies, such as buying from a small vendor that only accepts cash, or if your phone battery dies. Also consider WeChat Pay as a secondary mobile payment app. Its setup process is similar: download WeChat, register with a phone number, verify identity with passport, and link an international card. Having both apps gives you extra coverage.

Quick Setup Checklist (Before You Fly)

Download Alipay international version.
Register with your phone number that works in China.
Complete passport identity verification.
Link your Visa/Mastercard/Amex.
Set a 6-digit payment password.
(Optional) Enable Face ID/Touch ID for faster payments.
Test a small payment if possible (e.g., scan a friend’s QR code, or send a small red packet).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Alipay without a Chinese phone number?

Yes. You can register using your international phone number as long as it can receive SMS while you are in China. Roaming or a local SIM both work. You do not need a Chinese phone number.

How long does identity verification usually take?

It can be instant or take up to several hours. Some users report approval within a few minutes, but others wait a day. If it takes longer than 24 hours, contact Alipay support. Do not attempt to pay until verification is complete.

What do I do if my card is charged a small test amount?

That is normal. The temporary authorization (usually under USD 1 or equivalent) will be refunded within a few business days. It does not affect your balance.

Is there a way to add funds without a Chinese bank account?

Alipay allows you to pay directly from your linked international card for each transaction – no separate top-up is needed. The Tour Pass feature, if available, lets you preload a small amount, but it is not required. For most travelers, direct card payments work seamlessly.

Note: Policies, fees, and features of Alipay for international users can change. Always check the official Alipay help pages or contact their customer support for the most current information.