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Alipay for foreigners: how to use Alipay in China as a tourist
From metro QR codes to translation issues, learn the most common Alipay problems foreigners face in China and how to avoid them.
Every China travel guide talks about Alipay. But most only give general advice like download the app, link your card, and you’re all set.
Then, travelers arrive in China and follow those steps, but still feel stuck.
That’s because Alipay is only simple when you know how to use it. For first-time travelers, it can feel quite complex. Not only do foreigner limitations create obstructions within the app, but lack of mobile data can render Alipay unusable, unless you know the insider workarounds.
That’s exactly what this article is about. We’re sharing the most common issues foreigners have encountered with Alipay, along with hacks to overcome them and use Alipay like a local.
What is Alipay and how does it work?
As of 2026, China is a cashless nation, with almost the entire economy running on mobile payments. Not only is cash not used, but cards are rarely accepted, too. Most of the establishments you’ll visit on your trip, such as restaurants, food stalls, local shops, and transit systems, accept only QR-based mobile payments.
Because of this, every single person in China relies on apps to make payments. Alipay and WeChat Pay are the two main payment apps, but Alipay is by far the favorite among tourists because of its well-developed international onboarding flow.
Alipay works with QR codes. Either the merchant displays their QR code, and the customer scans it through their Alipay app, and approves the payment amount. Or the customer generates their own QR code, which the merchant scans.
While you’ve probably never heard of Alipay before, it is one of the most well-known apps in China. Alipay is used by hundreds of millions of people every day, and this modern payment method is one of the fun facts about China that tourists discover the moment they arrive.
How to set up Alipay and link it to a foreign card
The first step is to download Alipay from the App Store or Google Play before departure. Google Pay is blocked in China, and it may take 24–48 hours for bank account and ID verification to complete, so this is 100% a pre-departure task.
Once downloaded, open the app, select the international user flow, and create an account using your international phone number. To verify your number, you’ll need to enter the SMS verification code you were sent. This is another reason why you should do this process before departure, as many travelers find their mobile data doesn’t work in China.
Next, add your bank card under the ‘Bank Cards’ section. You can use any international bank card (Visa, Mastercard, etc) or a multi-currency card like Wise or Revolut. You’ll then need to verify it through your bank app or via an OTP code.
Once verification is complete, you’ll be able to make payments directly via your linked card.
Lastly, familiarize yourself with Alipay’s translation features before departure. While the app now supports multiple languages, many features still require an internet connection, and some third-party mini-programs may display Chinese text.
Alipay and Metro integration
Planning to use public transport in China? You might not be able to use your standard payment QR code.
Using the metro and buses in major cities like Beijing and Shanghai requires a specific Alipay transit QR code. This transit QR code is separate from the standard payment QR code.
You can find it in the Transport section of the app. Familiarize yourself with how it works before departure.
Alipay restrictions for foreigners
While Alipay has an international-friendly interface and supports multiple languages, foreign users still encounter a few limitations that domestic Chinese users do not.
Spending limits
Accounts with foreign cards have lower transaction limits than those linked to Chinese bank accounts. For example, you can send up to $500 USD at once, which may be problematic if you need to make a large purchase, such as paying for a hotel stay.
The good news is that you can increase your spending limits by verifying your identity in the app. This involves uploading your passport photo and a facial image.
Not all merchants support foreign cards
A small number of merchants require a Chinese bank account or a verified Chinese identity. This is mainly government services, along with some small street vendors or independent businesses.
However, most large retail chains, hotels, and famous attractions in China accept Alipay transactions using foreign cards.
Translation may not work without data
Some travelers have found that the app defaults to Chinese when not connected to mobile data, and so the English interface may require an internet connection. That’s why, when planning a trip to China, it’s crucial to set up a reliable mobile data plan rather than relying on public Wi-Fi.
The 3 times Alipay fails without internet
Alipay can technically process some payments offline. But there are 3 key instances when you may find yourself unable to make a payment without data:
| Situation | The problem | The fix |
|---|---|---|
| Metro gates | Standard payment QR does not work. Metro requires a dedicated Metro Card QR generated from a specific tab inside Alipay | Navigate to the Metro Card tab at home before departure, note its location, and generate the QR once on Wi-Fi |
| Vending machines | Some machines require you to scan the machine’s QR code. The payment page won’t load without internet. | Look for machines that allow you to pay using your personal QR code or connect to data before making payment. |
| Any payment attempt | Translation layer does not load without internet. Interface stays fully in Chinese and cannot be navigated reliably | Ensure a working data connection before any payment attempt |
- Metro QR: You need data to generate a transport QR code. Go to the “Transport” tab in the app, select the city you are visiting, and tap “Get Now” or “Activate” to generate your QR code. However, note that a generated code is only valid for 5 minutes, so only do it once you’re at the station (either connected to public Wi-Fi or using mobile data).
- Vending machines: Some require you to scan the machine’s QR code to make a payment, while others let you use your personal QR code. Only the latter option can be done without an internet connection.
- Making payments: Certain translation tools, like the floating translate button and in-app chat translation, require an internet connection. This can make it hard for first-time travelers to navigate and use their personal QR code without data.
How a Holafly eSIM can help you pay with Alipay in China
Every failure point in this article comes back to the same root cause: no internet connection. Without data, the Alipay translation layer does not load, the Metro Card tab cannot be navigated, and settings stay locked in Chinese.
A Holafly eSIM activates before boarding, so you arrive connected and every part of Alipay works from the moment you need it. Unlimited data, no SIM swap, no airport counter. Every eSIM also includes Always On: 1 GB of monthly backup data at no additional cost, so your connection stays live even when your main plan runs low.
Get the eSIM for China sorted before departure. For more practical travel prep guides, follow Holafly on Google Discover.
Unlimited data. Peace of mind.
Make sure you have travel data that's there when you need it most.
FAQs about Alipay for foreigners
Yes, all foreign visitors can download and use Alipay to make payments in China by linking an international bank card.
No. Alipay allows foreign users to register with their local phone numbers. However, some third-party services within the app may still require a Chinese number.
Alipay supports all major international cards, including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, JCB, Discover, and Diners Club. This includes debit and credit cards issued by banks, as well as multi-currency cards from providers like Revolut and Wise.
While it is possible to access your personal QR code to give to merchants, Alipay requires an internet connection to generate transit QR codes and to make payments via a merchant’s QR code.
Many travelers find Alipay easier to set up thanks to its well-developed international interface. WeChat is more commonly used for communication and messaging, as WhatsApp doesn’t work in China.
Most metro systems still offer alternative payment methods, such as physical tickets you can purchase at the machines using bank cards or cash. Therefore, it’s a good idea to carry a backup payment option in case of technical issues.
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Hi, I'm Mika, a South Korean writer living in the US. I cover travel and live events, focusing on the practical stuff that makes your trip smoother, whether you're navigating a new city or heading to a major international event.I'm also the founder of <a href="https://search-seoul.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Search SEOul</a>, South Korea's leading SEO conference, bringing together search marketing experts and speakers from around the world. 안녕하세요, 미국에 거주 중인 여행 콘텐츠 라이터 미카입니다. Holafly에서 여행과 이벤트에 관련된 글을 쓰고 있어요. 여러분이 낯선 도시를 여행하든 대규모 국제 이벤트에 가든, 여러분의 일정이 좀 더 매끄러워질 수 있도록 실용적인 정보를 다루고 있습니다. 그리고 저는 한국을 대표하는 SEO(검색엔진최적화) 컨퍼런스 <a href="https://search-seoul.com/">Search SEOul</a>을 만들었고, 해당 컨퍼런스의 호스트이기도 합니다. 서치 서울은 전 세계 검색 마케팅 전문가와 연사들이 모이는 자리입니다.
