Alipay for foreigners
Use this page after choosing Alipay as your main or backup app. It covers setup and checkout interactions, not which payment method should come first.
Quick answer
State Council guidance says foreign users can link international credit cards, including Visa and Mastercard, to Alipay. Card and account availability can still vary, so complete the setup prompts you are shown and keep the fallback methods from the payment decision guide ready.
Still choosing your main method? Start with the scenario table. Setting up both apps? Continue with the WeChat Pay setup guide after this one.
Set up Alipay
Confirm that you are installing Alipay from the app listing available to your device and region. Labels and screen order may change.
Use a phone number you can access for any verification prompts shown during setup.
Enter the requested card details in the app and complete any account, identity, or card verification the app presents. Linking a card does not guarantee every transaction will be accepted.
Before relying on the app, identify how to scan a merchant QR and how to display your payment code. The exact control names and positions may differ.
Know who scans whom
Scan the merchant QR
The merchant displays a QR code and you scan it with Alipay. Review the merchant and amount information shown before you confirm.
Show your payment code
You display the payment code in Alipay and the merchant scans it. Check the transaction information shown before treating the payment as complete.
If one party is waiting, ask which flow the merchant uses. Do not send or save a live payment code for someone else to scan later.
If a payment fails: stop after these checks
Common mistakes
- Read the current message: do not assume the reason; follow only the prompt shown by the app or merchant.
- Check connectivity and account access: confirm the app is online and you are still signed in.
- Check setup status: confirm the intended card is linked and complete any verification prompt shown in the app.
- Confirm the QR interaction: ask whether you should scan the merchant QR or show your payment code.
- Move to the fallback: use configured WeChat Pay, a physical card where its network logo is displayed, or RMB cash. Return to the fallback flow.
Useful phrase cards
FAQ
Do I need a Chinese bank account?
Short-term visitors commonly use Alipay by linking supported international cards, but availability can vary by card and account status.
Is Alipay enough by itself?
It may be enough for many daily scenarios, but keep WeChat Pay and cash/card backups.
Should I set it up before landing?
Yes. Registration and card-linking problems are easier to fix before you are standing at a taxi queue.