Alipay is essential for daily life in China. Cash is rarely accepted, and many vendors — from street food stalls to large retailers — only take mobile payments. Fortunately, since 2023, Alipay has allowed foreigners to link international credit and debit cards, making it much easier to get set up without a Chinese bank account.
Good news for 2026: Both Alipay and WeChat Pay now support international Visa, Mastercard, and select Amex cards. You no longer need a Chinese bank account to use basic payment functions in China.
Step-by-Step: Setting Up Alipay as a Foreigner
Follow these steps before or shortly after arriving in China:
- Download Alipay from the App Store or Google Play (search for “Alipay” — use the international version, not Alipay HK)
- Register with your phone number — a non-Chinese number works fine
- Verify your identity using your passport (required for payment functions)
- Link an international card under Settings → Payment Methods → Add Card
- Set your currency preference — you can pay in RMB and be billed in your home currency
The whole process takes about 10–15 minutes if you have your passport handy.
Limitations vs. Chinese Users
Foreign-linked Alipay accounts work for most daily situations, but have some restrictions compared to accounts linked to Chinese bank cards:
| Feature | Foreign card | Chinese bank card |
|---|---|---|
| Pay at shops & restaurants | ✓ Works | ✓ Works |
| Pay on Taobao / JD.com | ✓ Works | ✓ Works |
| Daily spending limit | ~¥6,000 | ¥50,000+ |
| Send money to others (P2P) | ✗ Not available | ✓ Available |
| Top up Alipay balance | ✗ Not available | ✓ Available |
| Some small vendors | May decline | ✓ Works |
| Currency conversion fee | Yes (card issuer fee) | None |
Getting a Chinese Bank Account
For full access to China’s payment ecosystem — and to eliminate currency conversion fees — opening a Chinese bank account is the best long-term solution.
Bank of China and ICBC are the most foreigner-friendly. You’ll need:
- Your passport (original, not a copy)
- A valid visa (any type)
- Your Chinese phone number (required for online banking)
- Proof of address (rental contract or hotel registration)
Some branches require a minimum deposit (typically ¥1,000–¥2,000) to open an account. Once open, link the card to both Alipay and WeChat Pay for full functionality.
Branch matters: Not all bank branches handle foreigner accounts. Call ahead or go to a large central branch in your city rather than a small neighborhood outlet. Bring a Chinese-speaking friend if possible — staff English levels vary.
WeChat Pay vs. Alipay
You should set up both. In practice:
- Alipay is slightly more widely accepted in e-commerce and utility payments
- WeChat Pay is more common for person-to-person payments and in situations where you’re already chatting with someone on WeChat
Both now accept international cards, so set up both on arrival and use whichever the vendor prefers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Limited. Apple Pay works at some NFC-enabled terminals, but coverage is far less than Alipay or WeChat Pay. Most Chinese vendors don’t display the contactless payment logo. Don’t rely on Apple Pay as your primary payment method — set up Alipay or WeChat Pay first.
No. You must complete passport verification (Real-Name Authentication) before adding a payment card. This is a regulatory requirement in China for all payment platforms. The process is straightforward: scan your passport in-app and take a selfie.
Alipay itself does not charge a fee. However, your card issuer will apply their standard foreign transaction fee (typically 1–3%) and their exchange rate. Cards with no foreign transaction fees (e.g., Charles Schwab debit, Wise card, certain travel credit cards) are ideal for use in China.