International visitors can register Alipay with an overseas phone number and bind supported international cards, subject to the current app agreement, identity checks and approval by the card issuer.
Download and verify the official app
Install Alipay from your normal app store, register with a phone number you can access abroad and enter your legal identity exactly as shown on your passport. Complete any verification prompt before departure rather than waiting until you need to pay.
Add a supported international card
Open the card-management area and follow the current prompts. Your issuing bank may request an SMS code, app confirmation or security approval. Enable legitimate international and online transactions if your bank requires it, but never share a one-time code with another person.
Make a merchant payment
A shop may ask you to scan its QR code or display your payment code. Check the merchant and amount before authorizing. Card-funded mobile payment is intended for supported consumption scenarios; do not assume every person-to-person transfer or mini-program function will work the same way.
Set up transport and useful services
Alipay can expose transport, ride-hailing and other city services, but availability and identity steps vary by location. Activate only the services you plan to use and save Chinese destination names separately in case an in-app service is unavailable.
If the card or payment fails
Check connectivity, identity verification, card expiry, billing details, issuer security blocks and the merchant payment route. Try a backup card or wallet instead of repeating the same failed transaction many times, and contact Alipay or the card issuer through official support.
Can foreigners use Alipay in China?
Yes. Foreign visitors can register Alipay with an overseas or Chinese mobile number and bind a supported international bank card, subject to identity verification and approval by the issuing bank. Official guidance lists Visa, Mastercard, American Express, JCB, Diners Club and Discover among supported international card brands, but the app's current agreement controls availability, limits and charges.
- Install the official Alipay app before departure
- Use the legal name shown on the passport
- Bind at least one supported international card
- Complete issuer and identity verification
- Carry another card and some RMB as backup
Official sources
Sources checked 19 August 2026. Reconfirm time-sensitive details before departure.
Frequently asked questions
Can foreigners use Alipay in China?
Yes. Overseas visitors can generally register with a foreign phone number and add supported international cards, subject to identity verification, issuer approval and current platform rules.
Should I set up Alipay before arriving?
Yes. Setup before departure gives you reliable internet and easier access to your bank, phone number and security messages.
Do all Alipay functions work with a foreign card?
No. Ordinary merchant payments are the main use case, while some transfers, mini-programs or other functions may have different eligibility rules.
Why was my foreign card declined in Alipay?
Common causes include issuer security blocks, disabled international transactions, incomplete identity verification, a product limit or an unsupported merchant payment route.