Alipay for Tourists: Complete Setup Guide (2026)

What is Alipay?

Alipay (支付宝) is Alibaba’s mobile payment platform, accepted at over 80 million merchants across China. Along with WeChat Pay, it’s one of the two dominant payment methods in the country.

Detail	Info
Operator	Ant Group
Supported Cards	Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Discover, Diners, UnionPay
English Support	✅ Yes (16 languages)
NFC Tap-to-Pay	✅ Yes (Alipay Tap)

Alipay vs. WeChat Pay

Feature	Alipay	WeChat Pay
Single Transaction Limit	$5,000	¥6,500
NFC Tap Payment	✅ Yes	❌ No
App Languages	16	11

Setting Up Alipay (5 Steps)

Step 1: Download the App

Store	Search
iOS	App Store → “Alipay”
Android	Google Play → “Alipay”

Step 2: Create Your Account

1. Open app → Tap Sign Up
2. Enter your phone number (with country code)
3. Enter SMS verification code
4. Set your password

Step 3: Identity Verification

Me → Settings → Account & Security → Identity Verification

1. Select Foreigner
2. Upload your passport photo page
3. Complete facial recognition (selfie)
4. Processing: Usually 1-3 minutes (up to 1-3 days)

💡 Pro tip: Complete verification 1-3 days before your trip—it can take time!

Step 4: Add Your Card

Me → Bank Cards → Add

Field	Input
Card Number	16 digits
Expiry Date	MM/YY
CVV	3 digits on back
OTP	Bank verification code

Step 5: Set Payment PIN

Create a 6-digit PIN for transactions.

Total setup time: 5-10 minutes

Supported Cards

International Networks

Card	Supported
Visa	✅
Mastercard	✅
JCB	✅
Discover	✅
Diners Club	✅
UnionPay	✅ (since Nov 2024)

Best Cards for Success

Cards with high registration success rates:

• Modern digital bank cards (Revolut, Wise, N26)
• American Express
• Major bank Visa/Mastercard credit cards

Transaction Limits & Fees

Limits (Increased March 2024!)

Type	Amount
Per Transaction	$5,000 (~¥36,000)
Monthly	¥50,000 (~$7,000)
Annual	$50,000 (~¥360,000)

Previous limits were $1,000 per transaction, $10,000 annual. 5x increase!

Fees

Transaction Amount	Fee
Under ¥200	Free
Over ¥200	3%

UnionPay Fee Advantage

Card	Fee
Visa/Mastercard	2-3% (card fee) + 3% (over ¥200)
UnionPay	~0.8% + no 3% fee

How to Pay with Alipay

Method 1: Scan Merchant QR

Used at small shops, street vendors, restaurants.

1. Open Alipay
2. Tap Scan on home screen
3. Scan the merchant’s QR code
4. Confirm amount
5. Enter 6-digit PIN (or use biometrics)
6. Show completion screen to vendor

Method 2: Show Your Barcode

Used at supermarkets, convenience stores, chain stores.

1. Open Alipay
2. Tap Pay on home screen
3. Display your barcode/QR
4. Show to cashier
5. Cashier scans → payment complete

Method 3: Alipay Tap (NFC) 🆕

Alipay’s standout feature! Launched mid-2024, 100M+ users.

1. Open Alipay app (screen unlocked)
2. Tap phone on merchant’s NFC tag
3. Payment screen opens automatically
4. Confirm and done

Detail	Info
Compatible Devices	Most Android, some iOS
Coverage	400+ cities, 10M+ merchants
Uses	Payment, food ordering, hotel check-in, bike rental

Metro Payment

You can use Alipay for Shanghai Metro.

Option 1: Tap Your Foreign Card (Easiest)

Shanghai Metro supports foreign card tap-to-pay on all 21 lines, 517 stations!

Supported Cards	Method
Visa	Tap at turnstile
Mastercard	Tap at turnstile
UnionPay	Tap at turnstile
Discover	Tap at turnstile

Option 2: Metro Daduhui App

1. Download the app
2. Link Mastercard
3. Scan QR to ride

Option 3: Alipay Shanghai Metro QR

1. Alipay → Transport mini-program
2. Activate Shanghai Metro QR
3. Scan at turnstile

DiDi Taxi Integration

Use the DiDi mini-program in Alipay to hail rides.

1. Open Alipay
2. Search “DiDi”
3. Launch mini-program
4. Enter destination, request ride
5. Pay automatically via Alipay

Switch to English

Me → Settings → General → Language → English → Save

Alipay supports 16 languages including English, Japanese, Korean, and more.

Troubleshooting

Problem 1: Passport Verification Failed

Fix:

• Take clear, well-lit photo
• No glare, include entire page
• Face should match passport photo

Problem 2: SMS Code Not Arriving

Fix:

• Check carrier international SMS settings
• Disable SMS filters temporarily
• Verify country code
• Contact hotline 95188

Problem 3: Card Registration Rejected

Cause	Solution
Overseas transactions blocked	Contact card issuer to enable China online payments
Card not supported	Only Visa, MC, JCB, Discover, Diners work
Name mismatch	Card name = passport name (exactly!)
Region setting	Me → Settings → Region → International

Problem 4: Card Works in WeChat but Not Alipay

Some cards have platform-specific compatibility. Try a different card.

Tax Refund

Get instant tax refunds through Alipay!

Supported Cities	Method
Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Guangzhou	Tap-to-Refund directly to Alipay wallet

1. Get tax refund form at store
2. Get customs stamp at airport
3. Alipay → Tax Refund → Tap for instant refund

Backup Payment Methods

Priority	Method	Why
1	WeChat Pay	Some shops only accept WeChat
2	UnionPay Card	Low fees, ATM access
3	Visa/MC Contactless	Hotels, metro
4	Cash	Rural areas, small shops

Customer Support

Channel	Contact
International Hotline	+86-571-26886000
China Hotline	95188 (English available)
In-App Help	Me → Help Center

Pre-Trip Checklist

Before departure:

• Download Alipay app
• Create account
• Complete identity verification (passport + selfie)
• Enable international transactions on your card
• Add card to Alipay

After arriving in China:

• Test with small purchase
• Try NFC Tap payment
• Have backup payment ready

Other Guides

Payment Backup Guide: Cash, ATM, and UnionPay QuickPass

What to do when mobile payment fails. Cash tips, ATM withdrawals, and UnionPay QuickPass—your complete backup guide.

Digital Yuan (e-CNY) Guide: Zero-Fee Payments

China's central bank digital currency explained. No fees, no ID verification for basic wallets, offline NFC payments—here's everything you need to know.

Card Registration Troubleshooting: Fix Alipay & WeChat Pay Issues

Card registration failed? SMS not arriving? Payment rejected? Complete troubleshooting guide for foreign cards in China.