How to Set up and Use Alipay in China

A complete guide for international travelers

Part Ⅰ: Preparation of Materials

Ⅰ. Download Alipay App

On your mobile phone, download or update your AliPay app to the latest version. Register with your phone number and sign in.

Download Alipay App

Ⅱ. Valid Identity Document

Choose any of the following:

  • •Passport for overseas users
  • •Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong/Macao/Taiwan residents (passport also accepted)
  • •Foreigner's Permanent Residence Identity Card

Ⅲ. International Bank Card

Supported cards include Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Discover, Diners Club, and other major international credit/debit cards.

Supported International Cards

Ⅳ. Mobile Phone Number

Mobile Phone Number for Receiving SMS: supports international phone numbers.

Part Ⅱ: Step-by-step Instructions to Set up AliPay

Ⅰ. Enter the Real-Name Authentication Page

Click "Me" in the lower right corner → logo in the upper right corner → "Account and Security" → "Identity Information" → "Basic Identity Information"

Real-Name Authentication Navigation

Ⅱ. Fill in Personal Information

Fill in information such as name, gender, type and number of the certificate, expiration date, occupation, and address as prompted.

Ⅲ. Upload Verification Photo

Back to "Identity Information" → "Verification Photo" → upload photo of your identity document, passport for example

⚠️ Real-name verification is required for payments ＞ ¥200 per transaction

Part Ⅲ: Usage Restrictions and Precautions

Ⅰ. Access Card Linking Page

After registration, go to "Me" → "Bank Cards" → "Add Bank Card"

Add Bank Card

Ⅱ. Enter Card Details

Input card number, expiration date, CVV/CVC, and select the issuing country

Ⅲ. Available Functions

You can only use the following two functions to complete consumption payment. Functions such as red envelopes, transfers, and change recharge are not supported, because they are not related to consumption scenarios.

Ⅳ. Transaction Limits

  • • Maximum per transaction: ¥5,000
  • • Maximum daily transfers: ¥20,000

Ⅴ. Fees

  • • ≤ ¥200: No fee
  • • ＞ ¥200: 3% handling fee

Ⅵ. Exchange Rate Calculation

Settlement is based on the real-time exchange rate of the international card organization or the issuing bank.

Part Ⅳ: Usage Quick Guide

Function 1: Scan QR Code to Pay

Users can scan a merchant's collection code to make a payment while shopping.

Scan QR Code Payment

Function 2: Present Payment Code

Users display their payment code during a transaction, and the merchant scans it to complete the payment.

Present Payment Code

Part Ⅴ: Q&A

Q1Why does real-name verification fail?

A:

  • ①Ensure your name follows Surname Given Name format (matching passport)
  • ②Upload passport info page + visa page (if any)
  • ③Contact customer service (+86 571 2688 6000) for manual review

Q2How to unfreeze an account blocked by risk control?

A:

Submit passport + entry stamps + proof of China address (hotel/rental contract). Manual review takes 3-5 business days.

Q3Can I withdraw AliPay balance to a foreign account?

A:

Balance from foreign cards cannot be withdrawn (must be spent).

Ready to Travel China?

Get your eSIM and payment setup complete before you land

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