How To Set Up Alipay As a Foreigner

Great news! Travelling in China just got easy with Alipay now open to foreigners visiting the country. For years tourists have been finding it increasingly difficult to pay in China. In big cities, and even small towns and villages, most Chinese make payment on their mobile through one of two services, Alipay, or WeChat Pay. Cash is increasingly rarely seen, and many shops will be hesitant to take it. But fear not, for Alipay is now available to foreigners without having to have a link it to a Chinese bank account or phone number. In just a few minutes, you too can be paying like a pro with Alipay’s new “Tour Pass” feature.

How To Set It Up

• Search for and download the Alipay app (International version) from either Google Play or the App store.
• Tap “More”
• Tap “TourPass”
• Select the amount of money you wish to load. Note that at the moment, there is a 2,000 RMB limit. 100RMB is the minimum.
• You’ll then need to fill in some information:
• Your nationality
• Passport number
• Full name
• Date of birth
• Picture of your China visa
• Details of the credit card from which you wish to draw the money from

How Does it Work

Basically, Bank of Shanghai will issue you with a China-based prepaid credit card which is Alipay-compatible. At the end of 90-days, if you have any unused balance, it will automatically be refunded to your account.

How Do I Use Alipay

Open the app and there should be a row of icons at the top, but the main two you need to know are “Scan” and “Pay”. Typically if you are in a convenience store, or anywhere with a cash register, you need to click Pay. This will display your QR code which the attendant will then scan to deduct the money. You may or may not have to confirm the transaction first, depending on your app settings. Sometimes small stores, markets etc. will not have a scanner, but they will have a QR code to accept payment. Simply use the Scan feature, align their code in the middle of the screen, and then you’ll be prompted to enter the amount to pay. Press Confirm and you’re all done. You can check your balance in the app at any time.

Where Can I Use Alipay

Literally almost anywhere. All restaurants, stores, attractions, street food vendors etc. will all take it, and it’s usually preferred. It’s also accepted in most taxis. Even sellers at vegetable markets typically have a QR code on display. If they don’t just ask and they’ll bring up a QR code on their phone. As a foreigner living in China, I haven’t used cash for over two years, and this is typical of most people.

Useful Chinese Phrases

支付宝
zhīfùbǎo
Alipay

可以用支付宝吗
Kěyǐ yòng zhīfùbǎo ma
Can I use (pay with) Alipay?

扫一下
sǎo yīxià
Scan (As in scan this QR code)

二维码
èr wéi mǎ
QR code