Alipay for Foreigners 2026: How to Set Up & Pay in China Without a Local Bank Account
Last updated: May 2026 | Tested in Shanghai, Beijing, and Xi’an
✅ Quick answer: Yes, foreigners can use Alipay. You can link your international Visa/Mastercard directly or use the Tour Pass feature. Setup takes about 10 minutes and requires only your passport and phone number. No Chinese bank account needed.
One of the biggest concerns I hear from travelers planning a trip to China is:
“Can I use mobile payment as a foreigner?”
The answer is yes – and it’s easier than you think. In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how to set up Alipay, link your international credit card, and use it to pay for everything from street food to high‑speed train tickets.
Why do I need Alipay in China as a tourist?
China has become a cashless society. Even taxis, small noodle shops, and temple entrance fees are paid by scanning a QR code.
While you can still use cash in some places, carrying only cash will quickly become inconvenient – and you may even be refused change at smaller vendors.
Alipay is one of the two dominant payment apps (the other is WeChat Pay). Both are accepted almost everywhere.
This guide focuses on Alipay because its English interface and international card support are slightly more foreigner‑friendly.
What do I need before I start?
A passport (for identity verification)
An international credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard, or American Express)
A smartphone with internet access (Wi‑Fi is fine for setup)
The Alipay app – download it from the official iOS App Store or Google Play Store (do NOT use third‑party APK files)
⚠️ Important: Set up Alipay before you leave for China. Some steps require SMS verification, and it’s much easier to do this with your home phone number while you still have reliable access to international SMS.
How do I set up Alipay step by step?
Step 1: Install and open Alipay
Download the app from App Store or Google Play.
Open the app. Tap the “Sign Up” button.
Choose “Sign up with phone number”.
Select your country code and enter your regular mobile number (e.g., +1 for US, +44 for UK).
You do NOT need a Chinese phone number.
Step 2: Verify your phone number
You’ll receive a 6‑digit verification code via SMS. Enter it in the app.
Create a password (mix of letters and numbers).
Step 3: Add your international card
Tap “Me” (bottom right).
Tap “Bank Cards”.
Tap “Add Card”.
Enter your card number, expiry date, and CVV.
Alipay will ask you to provide your name exactly as it appears on the card (use English letters, no spaces between first and last name if needed).
You’ll also need to enter your billing address (the one linked to your card).
Step 4: Identity verification (required)
For security, Alipay will ask you to upload a photo of your passport information page.
- This is a one‑time process.
- Make sure the photo is clear, showing your name, date of birth, and passport number.
- Verification usually takes a few minutes to a couple of hours.
(Do this well before your trip – don’t wait until you’re at the airport.)
Step 5: Test the payment
After verification, go to a merchant that accepts Alipay (e.g., a convenience store, Starbucks, or any shop with an Alipay QR code).
- Open Alipay, tap “Scan”, and scan the merchant’s QR code.
- Enter the amount (if not pre‑entered) and confirm.
Your international card will be charged in RMB, and your bank will convert it to your home currency (foreign transaction fees may apply – check with your bank first).
Pro tip: Some users report that the first small payment (under ¥50) may fail. Just try again or use a different merchant. Once the first payment goes through, everything works smoothly.
What if my card is not accepted? – Can I use Alipay Tour Pass instead?
Alipay has a feature called Tour Pass that acts like a prepaid card for tourists.
Open Alipay → search for “Tour Pass” in the search bar (you may need to change the app language to English first: Me → Settings → Language).
Tour Pass allows you to top up between ¥100 and ¥2,000 using your international credit card.
The remaining balance is automatically refunded to your card after 90 days (minus a small service fee, usually about 5%).
Where can I use Tour Pass?
Almost everywhere Alipay is accepted – restaurants, shops, Didi (ride‑hailing), and even some metro tickets.
Where do I still need cash in China? And how much should I carry?
Despite mobile payment being king, a small amount of cash is still useful for:
Temple donation boxes (they only take coins or small bills)
Rural street stalls (especially in markets and villages)
Some public toilets (¥1–2 entrance fee)
Taxis in small cities (most use mobile payment, but some older drivers still prefer cash)
Recommendation: Keep ¥200–300 (about $30–40) in small bills (¥5, ¥10, ¥20).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Do I need a Chinese bank account to use Alipay?
A: No. You only need to link an international credit/debit card or use the Tour Pass feature.
Q: Is Alipay safe?
A: Yes. It uses encryption and requires fingerprint/face ID for payments. Alipay also offers buyer protection for disputes.
Q: Can I use Alipay to book trains and attractions?
A: Yes. You can book high‑speed train tickets and many museum/attraction tickets directly inside the Alipay app (look for the “Transport” or “Travel” section).
Q: What’s the difference between Alipay and WeChat Pay?
A: Both work similarly. Alipay’s English support is slightly better for international card users. I personally recommend starting with Alipay, but you can also install WeChat Pay as a backup.
Q: Does Alipay work offline?
A: No, you need an internet connection. Use local SIM, eSIM, or hotel Wi‑Fi. Offline QR codes (e.g., stored on your phone) do not work for payment.
Q: I heard Alipay Tour Pass is discontinued – is that true?
A: As of May 2026, Tour Pass is still available for new users in many regions. If you cannot find it, simply link your international card directly – that method works reliably.
Final checklist before your China trip
[ ] Alipay installed and signed up
[ ] International card linked (or Tour Pass topped up)
[ ] Passport identity verification completed
[ ] About ¥300 cash (small bills) in your wallet
[ ] eSIM or plan to buy local SIM (Alipay needs internet)
📌 Note from the author: All steps in this guide were tested by the author using a US‑issued Visa card and a UK phone number in Shanghai, Beijing, and Xi’an in May 2026. Screenshots available upon request.
Happy travels, and enjoy the convenience of scanning your way through China! 🧧🇨🇳
👉 Share this guide with fellow travelers who are nervous about visiting China. It might be the most useful thing they read before their trip.