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Payments Guide · Updated July 2026
How to Use Alipay in China: Complete Guide for Foreigners
Download, set up, link your international card, pay by QR code, and use Alipay for transport in Shanghai — step by step.
SC Quick Answer
Can foreigners use Alipay in China?
Yes. Most foreign visitors can download Alipay, register with their own phone number, link an eligible international bank card, and start paying the same day.
Download
Register
Add your card
Verify
Pay
Shanghai Connect tip: set Alipay up before you fly — registration and card-linking are far easier with reliable home internet than on arrival Wi-Fi.
Why it matters
Why Alipay is important in China
Alipay is more than a payment app. It is a daily-life app that helps you do many of the things you need as soon as you arrive in China.
You can use Alipay to:
- Pay at shops, cafes, restaurants, supermarkets, and convenience stores
- Scan QR codes at small local businesses
- Use public transport in supported cities
- Hail taxis or access ride-hailing services
- Book hotels, flights, and train tickets
- Use mini-programs without downloading separate apps
- Check bills and payment history
- Access translation and currency conversion tools in the international version
For Shanghai specifically, the official Shanghai government website describes Alipay as an essential app and a popular method for paying for things. It also lists WeChat Pay and Alipay as the two major digital payment methods in China. (english.shanghai.gov.cn)
Before You Start
What you need before setting up Alipay
Identity
Passport
Often needed for identity verification before all payment features unlock.
Payment
International card
Supported Visa, Mastercard, and other eligible networks.
Connectivity
Internet connection
Required for setup, verification, and QR payments.
Just in case
Backup payment
Cash or another method in case something fails during setup or on the day.
Step-by-Step Setup
How to set up Alipay as a foreigner
Follow these four steps to get Alipay working with your international bank card.
1
Download & register
Get the official app and register with your own mobile number — no Chinese number required.
2
Choose International Version
Me → Settings → Region → International Version, for translation and currency tools.
3
Add international bank card
Me → Bank Cards → Add Bank Card. Visa, Mastercard, Diners Club, and Discover are supported.
4
Complete identity verification
Use your legal name exactly as it appears on your passport.
Why the name has to match
Shanghai's official payment guide notes that the name on your credit card should match the registered name on your Alipay account for successful linkage and transactions. Shanghai's official guide also confirms Alipay has streamlined registration for overseas visitors, removing the need for a prepaid account or Chinese phone number. (english.shanghai.gov.cn, banking services guide)
Making Payments
Two ways to pay with Alipay
Learn both and you're set for almost everywhere in Shanghai.
Option 1 — They scan you
Common at supermarkets, cafes, malls, and larger restaurants.
Open Alipay
Pay / Receive
Show your QR
Merchant scans
Option 2 — You scan them
Common at smaller restaurants, street vendors, markets, and some taxis.
Open Alipay
Scan
Scan merchant QR
Enter amount
Pay
Navigation
How to navigate the Alipay home screen
The Alipay home screen can feel overwhelming at first because it includes payments, transport, mini-programs, services, promotions, and search. Newcomers should focus on the core buttons first.
1 · Scan扫一扫
2 · Pay / Receive付款 / 收款
3 · Transport出行
4 · Search搜索
5 · Me我的
For your first week
You mainly need Scan, Pay / Receive, Transport, and Me. Explore Search, Bill, and Mini Programs once you're settled.
Getting Around
Using Alipay for transport in Shanghai
Alipay can be used for public transport in supported cities, including Shanghai. Inside the app, look for Transport or 出行.
Open Alipay
Tap Transport
Choose Shanghai
Activate QR
Scan at the gate
Recommended backup: keep a small amount of RMB cash or a transport card available when you first arrive, especially before your Alipay account is fully tested.
For a full guide to getting around Shanghai, see the Shanghai Metro Guide and our Shanghai Transportation Guide.
Foreign Card Limitations
What foreigners can and cannot do with Alipay
Alipay is very useful for daily payments, but foreign-linked cards do not unlock every feature available to local Chinese users.
Usually available
- Merchant QR code payments
- Restaurants & shops
- International card linking
- Transport where supported
Usually restricted
- Person-to-person transfers
- Red packets
- Wealth management & insurance
- Some local financial services
International bank cards can be used for daily purchases in mainland China, but do not support person-to-person transfers, red packets, wealth management services, insurance services, or other financial services. (Alipay+)
Good to Know
Fees, limits, and exchange rates
Payment rules can change, and fees may vary depending on the card, app version, payment method, and issuing bank. Always check the payment confirmation screen before paying.
Raised from USD 1,000 for overseas visitors using mobile payments.
Raised from USD 10,000 — plenty for daily life in Shanghai.
Updated and disclosed every business day; card-scheme rates apply for linked bank cards.
China's official government website says the single transaction limit for overseas visitors using mobile payments was raised from USD 1,000 to USD 5,000, and the annual cumulative transaction cap was raised from USD 10,000 to USD 50,000. (State Council of China)
Practical tip: before making a large purchase, check whether your card issuer adds a foreign transaction fee — your bank may charge separately from anything shown inside Alipay.
Problem Solver
Common Alipay problems and how to fix them
SMS code does not arrive
Check the country code, try mobile data instead of Wi-Fi, then wait and retry.
Card cannot be added
Check that your card supports international transactions, try another Visa/Mastercard, or contact your bank.
Passport verification fails
Make sure your name matches your passport exactly, including spacing and punctuation.
Payment is declined
Try a smaller amount, another card, or ask the cashier to scan your code instead.
App still shows Chinese
Switch to International Version (Me → Settings → Region), or use screenshot translation.
Transport QR code does not work
Confirm the city is set to Shanghai and the transport code has been activated.
Merchant says Alipay does not work
Try WeChat Pay, cash, or a physical international card if accepted.
Large transaction fails
Check app limits, card limits, fraud alerts, and bank restrictions.
Which One?
Alipay vs WeChat Pay
For newcomers to Shanghai, the best answer is: set up both.
Alipay
Easier for payments, transport, travel services, and tourist-friendly features — the natural first app for most newcomers.
WeChat Pay
Important because WeChat is widely used for messaging, groups, restaurants, mini-programs, and local services.
Read the full guide: How to Use WeChat Pay as a Foreigner in China
Before You Fly
Set up Alipay before arriving in China
Check items off as you go — this device will remember your progress.
0 / 8 done
If Alipay Doesn't Work
Your backup options
Card issue
Try another linked card
Keep a second eligible card linked as a fallback.
App issue
Use WeChat Pay
Most merchants that take Alipay also take WeChat Pay.
Both apps down
Pay with RMB cash
Always keep a small amount on you as a last resort.
No phone
Use a physical card
An international card accepted directly at the terminal, where available.
Security
Safety tips for using Alipay
Use Alipay carefully, especially during your first few days in China.
- Only download the official Alipay app.
- Do not share your payment code screenshots.
- Check the payment amount before confirming.
- Keep your passport name and card name consistent.
- Enable phone lock, Face ID, Touch ID, or passcode protection.
- Keep a backup payment method.
- Monitor your card statements for failed or duplicate charges.
- Contact Alipay support or your bank if something looks wrong.
Alipay+ lists customer service numbers for payment-related questions, including a local China number and an overseas number, with service hours Monday to Sunday, 08:00–24:00 GMT+8. (Alipay+)
Frequently asked questions
Alipay questions for foreigners
Can foreigners use Alipay in China?
Yes. Foreign visitors can download Alipay, register, and link eligible international bank cards. Alipay+ says overseas users can choose International Version and bind a bank card to start using mobile payments across China. (Alipay+)
Do I need a Chinese bank account to use Alipay?
Not necessarily. Shanghai's official guide says Alipay has streamlined registration and verification for overseas visitors, eliminating the need to open a prepaid account or obtain a Chinese phone number. (english.shanghai.gov.cn)
Can I use Alipay with a foreign credit card?
Yes, many foreign visitors can link eligible international cards. Shanghai's official guide lists Visa, Mastercard, Diners Club International, and Discover as supported networks. (english.shanghai.gov.cn)
Can I use Alipay outside China?
Alipay's App Store and Google Play listings state that Alipay is not designed or intended for use by foreign users in their home country or outside China.
Can I send money to friends with Alipay?
Usually not with an international bank card. Alipay+ says international bank cards do not support person-to-person transfers or red packets. (Alipay+)
Is Alipay better than WeChat Pay?
Neither is strictly better. Alipay is excellent for payments, transport, travel, and tourist-friendly services. WeChat Pay is important because WeChat is deeply connected to communication, restaurants, groups, and local mini-programs. Most Shanghai newcomers should set up both.
Should I still carry cash in Shanghai?
Yes, at least at the beginning. Mobile payments are widely used, but cash is useful if your phone dies, your card is declined, your app verification fails, or a specific payment flow does not work.
Next step
New to Shanghai? Start with the essentials
Set up payments, apps, and transport with the Shanghai starter guides, then explore neighbourhoods and daily life at your own pace.