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Using AliPay in China // AliPay for Foreigners
How to Use Alipay Without a Chinese Bank
The News Every Foreigner Wants to Hear
AliPay is one of China’s biggest and most used apps and we recently received some very useful news as foreigners about using Alipay which we want to share with you right away.
Before getting into that though, just in case you are unaware of what AliPay is, let’s give you an introduction to one of China’s biggest apps on the scene.
Let’s discover Alipay and how we can benefit from it as foreigners.
Alipay for Foreigners || What is AliPay?
Alipay for Foreigners || Using AliPay in China
Alipay for Foreigners || How to Use AliPay in China as a Foreigner?
Alipay for Foreigners || How to Top-up my AliPay?
Alipay for Foreigners || BONUS Update
Alipay for Foreigners || FAQs
What is AliPay?
AliPay is an app widely used throughout China.
In fact, it is one of China’s biggest apps.
Within the app, the main feature is quite simple, paying for things.
Going to the shops and want some milk & bread? Use AliPay.
Want to book some train tickets through the App itself? Use AliPay.
Want to pay your gas and electric bills? Use AliPay.
Starting to see a theme here?
You can also send friends money, via “red packets”, and even chat.
Most Chinese nationals who have a phone will have the app. We’d probably go as far as saying 99% of locals in fact.
Although WeChat is probably regarded as the most commonly used app to pay for things, AliPay will not be far behind.
Check out the differences between the two giants in this quick video guide:
Using AliPay in China
WeChat and AliPay have always had one shortcoming for foreigners and it’s actually incredibly relevant to a lot of our students here at LTL Mandarin School.
To be able to pay for things using these two apps, you need a Chinese bank account, and that is becoming increasingly troublesome (麻烦 máfan – useful word alert), especially if you are coming to China short-term.
If you are a student for let’s say less than 6 weeks, do you really want to go through the hassle of opening a bank account?
Probably not given the fact it’s not that easy in China!
Therefore, using these apps to pay for things is not possible (until now).
Some places in China you cannot actually use cash to pay for things, they genuinely only accept mobile payments!
The world we live in…!
An example, Luckin’ Coffee, a hugely popular discount coffee shop which our staff in Beijing particularly enjoy, on a daily basis!
This coffee shop is solely driven by online payments so no bank account, no Luckin’ Coffee for you!
Anyway, for these reasons, this news is all the more significant because the above scenario is now solvable for those of you coming to China and not opening a bank account.
WeChat Pay vs Alipay 🥊 Which One is Better?
Your complete guide to using WeChat Pay vs Alipay in China. Find out which mobile payment app is the one for you and how you can use them.
How to Use Alipay in China as a Foreigner?
So according to the below release from AliPay, a foreigner can now attach their foreign bank card to AliPay and use this to make purchases in China.
This is a huge breakthrough in China and will make a big difference for foreigners coming to China and not having to bring cash.
AliPay opens up a large number of possibilities for a foreigner which include:
- Bike Sharing
- Paying for goods at Supermarkets/Restaurants etc.
- Sending other contacts money (perhaps a split bill at a restaurant)
- Paying for utilities (like electric, if you are in China for a longer amount of time and not based at a hotel)
- Buying train/plane tickets
The list goes on, and it’s all very convenient stuff.
It opens up a large number of doors and it’s something you perhaps don’t realise until you are in China yourself.
The official release from Alipay is shown here below:
Seems easy enough and clear right?
Well, we just wanted to make sure so I have given this a test run and I must admit, to my pleasant surprise it really is quite simple.
NOTE – the maximum top-up each time is 2,000CNY which comes to roughly 300USD, 260 EUR, 220GBP and 410AUD
Please be aware these rates are rough and at the time of writing.
AliPay has not stated if there is a limit on top-ups per day or week or even account so assume you get 2,000CNY each time you need it.
That can last you more than enough time with life in China being pretty cheap by all accounts.
The only negative we noticed? The last sentence of the above release “They can then enjoy the seamless Alipay mobile payment experience in China for up to three months”.
A great shame there is a time cap on this, but still for many short term visitors, a problem has been solved.
SPOILER ALERT – A further update from Alipay actually solves this problem, but we’re coming to that later on…
Great Firewall of China 🔥 Websites Banned in China (2022 Edition)
Websites Banned in China (for 2021). Find out about Twitter, Facebook, Skype, Whatsapp, YouTube, Instagram and more. Are they all blocked in China?
Using Alipay in China – How to Top-up my AliPay?
So the process is pretty simple for using AliPay in China and topping up with a foreign bank card.
Upon opening the AliPay app you need to navigate to TourPass which is one of the many options available. You may need to click on MORE to find it.
You can add this one to your favourites so it shows on your homepage every time!
After this you will be faced with your Tourpass account (the 2nd/3rd screenshots below)
Simply select the amount you wish to top up and enter your card details from your foreign bank.
Once entered, hit top-up and you are there.
It’s that simple!
We love it because formal things like this in China can sometimes be time-consuming and the running joke with foreigners is that dealing with banks in China, let’s just say, takes patience!
The process took me all of a few minutes.
Just for extra clarity below is the bottom half of the AliPay Press Release which shows the process of topping up all the way from downloading from your App Store.
Paying for things in China just got easier and more accessible for foreigners thanks to using Alipay in China.
Let’s hope it stays this way and, hey, if we are lucky perhaps WeChat might follow suit…
Want to discover some more really cool features about Alipay with our video? Check it out…
BONUS Update || Using Your Bank Cards
Things have gotten better still since 2021 because Alipay have gone one step further.
I noticed this ping on my phone in March 2021:
Curious, as always, I had a look and was confronted with this press release from the Alipay app:
How does this differ from the above?
Quite simply, by being able to link your bank card to Alipay, there is no 2,000CNY cap. You are free to spend as you please.
You’ll notice with Tourpass that Alipay essentially creates a Bank of Shanghai account (as shown in the screenshots above) meaning you have the 2,000CNY cap.
However, with your own bankcard you are free to use Alipay as much as you want with no limits!
Fantastic news which benefits all foreigners. You can genuinely spend your whole time in China, whether it be 3 days, 3 weeks or 3 months, without dealing with a single cent of cash!
IT’S WORTH NOTING – You are unable to transfer money from China to your bank account so whilst you can spend freely in China. You cannot, for example, get a friend to transfer you a number of CNY, and then withdraw this to your foreign bank account.
Did you find this useful? Do you have any questions? Let us know in the comments below.
Do remember, although we are here to help, we are not Alipay support. If you have problems with your account, it’s best to contact Alipay directly and not us!
Alipay in China || FAQs
What is AliPay?
AliPay is a Chinese app used for a number of things, but primarily, paying for goods and services.
AliPay is mainly used by Chinese nationals in shops/restaurants and convenience stores to buy goods.
It can also be used to pay for utilities, buy movie tickets and even purchase flight tickets.
Can I link my foreign bank card to Alipay
Yes you can!
It’s super easy to do and there is no limit on the amount you spend.
Do I need a Chinese bank account to travel around China?
No you don’t.
With the news that you can link a foreign bank account to Alipay, this means you can gain all the benefits of the Alipay app as a native with a Chinese bank account.
These benefits include:
Paying for goods at Supermarkets/Restaurants etc.
Sending other contacts money (perhaps a split bill at a restaurant)
Paying for utilities (like electric, if you are in China for a longer amount of time and not based at a hotel)
Buying train/plane tickets
Can foreigners use AliPay in China?
Yes, AliPay is available for everyone to use in China, you can use it in English or Chinese meaning it is also convenient for most to use.
How do I set up AliPay in China?
You simply download AliPay from your App Store on your device.
You will need to register a mobile number and set up your account.
Once this is complete just link your bank card (Chinese account or now a foreign account is also possible) and you are good to go.
How to top up AliPay in China?
If you linked your Chinese bank account to AliPay there is no need to top-up your account. It is simply linked to your bank account.
If you linked your foreign bank account to AliPay the same applies.
If you topped up your Tourpass, you have a 2,000CNY cap and you can top up by visiting the Tourpass mini-app in Alipay.
Is AliPay the only payment app in China?
No, WeChat is the primary payment app in China and these two dominate the market.
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58 comments
Very interesting Indeed! What about Who has a chinese telephone Number AND a foreign credit card? Will the sane processo apply? Because if you need to have your foreign sin card in when purchasing with alipay..we’ll, that seems to be pretty expensive in roaming costa, doesn’t it?
Hi Sonja,
Certainly is an interesting development and I think WeChat will follow up soon also. Ultimately if it helps foreigners spend in China at convenience, everyone wins.
So I have a Chinese phone numbers (I live here) and a foreign credit card from the UK, and I linked this up with no problem as the screenshots show. I’ve heard someone people had trouble but I think this is very much touch and go, some do, so do not. I time I think it will roll out to all versions of AliPay on all App stores.
Answering your final sentence though, you do not need a foreign SIM card as I can vouch for.
Hope this helps.
Regards
Max
I cannot top up my account. After 2000 RMB this method of payment doesn’t work anymore.
Hi Mr Wichert,
Yes according to AliPay 2000RMB is the maximum you can top up. I am not sure when you are allowed to top-up another 2000RMB, that’s something you will need to keep an eye on.
Glad you managed to top up the 2000RMB though, great start!
Regards
LTL Team
u can top up multiple times.but 1 times maximum amount is rmb 2000
Thanks Nancy. Yes, it seems that you are able to to only top up 2,000 CNY per time, but can top up multiple times.
How do you change the credit card you use to top up the prepaid bank of shanghai tour pass? I cannot figure this out. Any help is appreciated.
Hi,
When you bring up your payment QR code as if you are about to pay, see where it says the bank just underneath the QR code?
Click the bank and you’ll be given all your current linked options you can use.
Hope this helps
LTL Team
Oh sorry, I worded that question wrong.
When you open up Tour Pass, have to put in passport info and your personal information along with a credit card. How can you change that credit card?
Sorry I also mis-read your question!
I think the best way to do this is go to ME at the bottom right of your screen then BANK CARDS, here you can attach as many bank cards as you wish, then when you top-up you should be given a selection of cards to choose from.
Regards
LTL Team
Okay I did this but it doesn’t show up for me. I still only have the option to top-up with the original card I used even though I deleted it and I don’t have that card any more???
Hi Victoria,
Did you watch our video tutorial on Alipay for Foreigners? Perhaps this will help – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B8FFell9daQ
Kind regards
LTL
If you got it to work without sending you to verification, asking for bank card pictures, then saying verification failed an end of story, you are lucky. Could not make any use of it.
Things do change very often with apps like this
Do you need mobile data (or roaming data) or connection to a WiFi in order to pay using the Tourpass? Cheers.
Generally yes, but actually I’ve found before you can still process the payment IF THEY SCAN YOUR QR. If you try to open yours it will not as the code changes each time, using data/WiFi, so if you get them to scan you (use this – 你可以扫我吗?), then you should be fine.
I had this situation at a 7/11, no data, but payment still fine.
Regards
Max
Generally yes, but actually I’ve found before you can still process the payment IF THEY SCAN YOUR QR. If you try to open yours it will not as the code changes each time, using data/WiFi, so if you get them to scan you (use this – 你可以扫我吗?), then you should be fine.
I had this situation at a 7/11, no data, but payment still fine.
Regards
Max
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Please am finding it difficult to sign up Alipay account ..Am a Nigerian what do I do? I need to pay my vendors.. pls help me.
Hi Cynthia,
First you need to download the app from the app store you have, then simply register when opening the app for the first time.
LTL
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[…] WeChat Pay or Alipay topped up with money, easiest way to pay for things. **If you don’t have a Chinese bank account look at how to use Alipay for foreigners. […]
Hey,
very interesting.
Do you know if the re is a way to use Tour Pass more than 90 days ? Ca we buy another one at the end of this 90 days ?
Hi Doryan,
As far as we are aware you can only use the Tour Pass for 90 days and unfortunately there isn’t a way to extend this. However you can now also link foreign bank cards to WeChat so you may want to look into this, you can see some more information about this in our WeChat Pay vs Alipay blog.
Thanks,
The LTL Team
I am a foreigner not entering into China does it means tt it’s not applicable to me ? When they mention tour pass does it mean you hv to be physically there in China for tour then u can TOP up alipay ?
Hi Susan,
Unfortunately only Chinese citizens are able to use Alipay outside of China. This includes both the Tour Pass and normal Alipay transactions as well. You may be able to top up the tour pass before entering China, however you won’t be able to use that money unless you are in China.
Hope that helps.
The LTL Team
Can i TOP up my alipay even if I am not on tour to China
Hi Susan,
Please see our reply to your previous comment :).
Thanks,
The LTL Team
Hi,
Please, is there any other way a foreigner can top up directly from AliPay without been in China? (Nigerian to be precise).
You can top up using your foreign bank card using Tourpass
Can use the tourpass, eventhough i’m not in china?
For payment on the items?
Hi Jian, you would need to use it in China I’m afraid. The idea of Tourpass is to help people go cashless inside of China.
[…] To be able to obtain a Health Code you need to have a verified Alipay account, either where your ID details have been added or it’s been linked to a Chinese bank account. […]
hey guys! Did you see a info under “Limitations of top-up”, where it says “Currently you can top up as much as 10k CNY in Tour Pass. Once you reach this limit, you can’t top up. If you want to top up more, you can reactivate after Tour Pass Expires or after you apply for refund”?
Does it mean that in total, for 3 months, I can spend only 10k?
That seems correct Nemanja. Perhaps top up 2,000 first and see how it goes using it. If it works well, top up in smaller increments rather than one big 10,000 lump sum.
I tried both to top-up and to add a credit card directly but both do not work … I checked and now (Aug 2021) only adding debit cards to TourPass works I think (I did not try yet). Are you sure credit cards are supposed to work? I tried VISA released by different countries and MasterCard. Both not working. Any help would be appreciated… thx!
The rules and regulations do really change often Matteo so what might be valid in June can change by August… such is the situation with many things in China. Sorry we cannot help more!
I am unable to add a credit card on Alipay as well as to use that to top-up a Shanghai bank account on TourPass. Are you sure that credit cards are working? According to Alipy message I get only debit cards are supposed to work (I did not try) … let me know thanks.
I was able to add my credit card to TourPass and I see I can also use that for TakeOut. Also I added the international credit card directly to Alipay BUT did you notice that with that you cannot do TakeOut? Does it happen to you ?
[…] Can foreigners use AliPay in China? Yes, AliPay is available for everyone to use in China, you can use it in English or Chinese meaning it is also convenient for most to use. via […]
Great guide, great video. Thanks for your help
It’s our pleasure Silas!
Interesting, but unfortunately, my country is not on the list of the Nationality/Region.
☹️
i need the international customer service number. my account us frozen.
Hardly any point in touching this Alipay garbage unless you’re going to China. I had a client who paid me on this trash app, thought I’d be able to use it in on holiday Cambodia where Alipay is very popular, but apparently foreigners not allowed to use their own money if its not in China.
I urgently need Alipay to answer my question.
I am applying for a evisa at the immigration website of a a country I plan to visit.
My VISA bank card is located in the EU. When I try to pay for my evisa, my application is registered correctly, but my payment fails with the message “Payment order refused”.
I contacted my bank and they said that the website that I tried to pay to (probably worldpay.com that processes the payment on behalf of the country I apply for evisa from) have not implemented proper KYC rules and regulations for secure payment. These are new EU rules for socalled secure ( albeit currently making it impossible to pay in some instances) online payments.
However, there is an option to pay with Alipay/Wechat. I really need to use Alipay but for now I have chosen not to transfer funds from my EU based bank/VISA card to go through the tourpass option that, as (far as) I understand these funds once landed in the Shanghai bank cannot be used to pay online abroad as my need is.
This situation is extremely difficult.
Is there a way I could use Alipay to pay for my evisa with a linked VISA debit card issued by my bank in the EU?
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when I click tour pass , system show temporary cannot use mini app .
It seems they have discontinued it 🙁
Can Singapore citizens use Alipay in China for all payment with Singapore credit card linked?
You’ll likely need a Chinese bank account unfortunately, but don’t take this as gospel. Give it a try and let us know in the comments. Prepare a contingency place though. These rules change for each country and type of card all the time.
Very helpful information and much appreciated. I was wondering about leftover money in the Alipay account.
Lets say I top up with 2000RMB and when I return flight to my home country (Canada in this case) I still have a balance of 500RMB on Alipay. Can I get it put back into my Canadian bank account?
Thanks in advance
You should be able to yes. You just won’t be able to spend it in Canada but deposits and withdrawals you should be fine.
Only one thing on which I am unclear. I live in Canada (others insert your country here). Do I download and sign up for Alipay AND load money while in Canada or do I download Alipay in Canada but finish signing up and loading money only after I arrive in China?
Third option: do I wait until I get to China and get my new temporary number and simply do all of it (download app, register and load) once there?
I am supposed to get a temporary phone number from LTL. Do I use that temporary number to register with Alipay? If I register in Canada, I will no longer have that phone number (SIM Card) active while in China and that’s where I am a bit confused, if it is connected to your phone number and that number changes once in China.
Thanks
Hi Brian, you can use your own phone number in Canada that’s fine. You can also load money with your local card so you have some on there straight away.
When you get your temporary number it shouldn’t change anything. Just note down your log-in details safely. The only thing you may have to do is receive an SMS to verify who you are and that will be sent to the number you register with. In this case just swap the SIM’s over quickly and note down the code. This can happen randomly so you may or may not experience it.
Hope this helps 🙂