🏦 Banking & Payments

Alipay

China's dominant mobile payment app, used for everything from street food to utility bills, largely replacing cash in daily life. About Alipay: Alipay is a payment app from Ant Group (an Alibaba affiliate) that has become the default way to pay for almost anything in China, using QR codes scanned in-store or online, alongside features for savings, insurance, and investment. Key Features: QR Code Payments: Scan or show a code to pay at millions of shops, restaurants, and street vendors nationwide. Bill Payments and Transfers: Pay utility bills and transfer money to other Alipay users instantly. Tour Pass for Foreigners: A feature letting eligible foreign visitors link an international card to pay like a local. Wide Ecosystem: Integrated services from ride-hailing to movie tickets within the same app. How to Get Started: Download Alipay and register with your phone number. Link an international bank card via the "Tour Pass" feature if you're a short-term visitor, or complete fuller verification with a Chinese bank account for longer stays. Add funds or link a payment method as required by your verification level. Scan QR codes at checkout or use in-app services for transport, food, and shopping. Important Notice: Foreign visitors relying on the Tour Pass feature typically face transaction and balance limits compared to fully verified local accounts — check current limits before relying on Alipay for larger purchases.