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Mobile payment

Alipay for foreigners: set it up before your China trip

Register, link an international card, test a small payment and keep sensible backups.

Verified 1 September 2026 Source-linked

Quick answer

Foreign visitors can register Alipay with a foreign or Chinese mobile number and link supported international cards. Complete the app’s current verification prompts, notify your card issuer if needed and keep cash or another payment method as backup.

1

Set up in this order

  • Download the official app and register with a phone number you can access.
  • Enter your name exactly as shown in your passport and complete requested identity checks.
  • Link a supported card and make a small test payment before relying on it.
2

If card linking fails

  • Confirm international and online payments are enabled with the issuer.
  • Check that the billing details and passport name are consistent.
  • Try a different supported card rather than repeatedly forcing the same failed attempt.
3

Keep a fallback

  • Carry a physical international card and some RMB cash.
  • Some merchants or payment scenarios may not support a foreign-linked card.
  • Read the current fee and limit prompt inside the app before confirming a large payment.

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