China · Banking & Payments

Alipay

Alipay is the Chinese payment super-app that lets foreign visitors link a Visa or Mastercard and pay by QR code in shops, taxis, metro and online services across China.

What it helps with

Paying by QR code in shops, taxis and marketsMost Chinese merchants accept Alipay: scan their QR code or show yours, and the payment is charged to the linked foreign card.
Using a Visa or Mastercard where cards are not acceptedVisa, Mastercard, JCB, Diners Club and Discover cards can be linked, so card-only travellers can pay like locals.
Metro, taxis, bikes and trains in one appMini programs inside Alipay cover metro QR codes, DiDi rides, shared bikes and 12306 train tickets.

About Alipay

Alipay is run by Ant Group and is accepted by most merchants in China, from markets and taxis to hotels. Foreign visitors register with an international phone number and link Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Diners Club or Discover cards; payments are charged to the card in real time. Payments up to ¥200 carry no Alipay fee, and a 3% fee applies above that amount for foreign cards (2026). Mini programs inside Alipay include DiDi, metro QR codes, shared bikes and train tickets.

Key Features

QR payments: Scan or show a code to pay merchants across China.
Foreign cards: Major international card brands can be linked directly.
Mini programs: Taxis, metro, bikes, food delivery and tickets inside one app.
Built-in translation: Parts of the app and mini programs work in English.

How to Get Started

Install Alipay before the trip and register with your phone number.
Link an international bank card and verify identity with your passport.
Make a small test payment to check that your bank allows it.
Pay by scanning merchant QR codes or showing your payment code.

Before you use it

Fees: Payments up to ¥200 have no Alipay fee; above ¥200 a 3% fee applies to foreign cards, plus your bank’s foreign-exchange fee.
Sign-up: Verify with your passport so that higher limits apply; the name must match the passport exactly, surname first.
Limits: Banks often block the first charge in China as suspicious: tell your bank before the trip and test with a small payment.

Foreign card OK English available

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Alipay work with a foreign bank card in China?: Yes - Alipay accepts foreign-issued cards in China.
Is Alipay available in English?: Yes, Alipay has an English-language interface.
Do I need a local phone number to use Alipay?: No, an international phone number generally works for Alipay.
Do I need local ID or residency for Alipay?: No, Alipay doesn't require local ID or residency for visitors.
Where can I use Alipay?: iOS · Android
How much does Alipay cost?: No fee up to ¥200 per payment; 3% on foreign-card payments above ¥200 (2026)