is alipay tour pass safe

How can foreigners use mobile payments, Alipay, in China in 2024

• March 24, 2024

From Alipay Tour Pass to Alipay TourCard, and now Alipay’s access to international bank cards, we’ve seen China’s mobile payment system become more and more friendly to foreign tourists. We have updated the article to reflect the latest status of current Alipay for foreigners based on our practices. Here is everything that can help you visit China using just your phone in 2024.

In China, the proportion of mobile payments has exceeded 80%. People use mobile phones to complete nearly all daily consumption activities, such as shopping, dining , using public transportation, taking taxis, seeking medical treatment in hospitals and so on. Many merchants no longer even keep cash on hand for providing change, let alone offer POS machines that accept international bank cards. Consequently, for foreigners, using international credit cards or cash in China is neither safe nor convenient and could potentially lead to various complications.

Fortunately, China’s two main mobile payment platforms, Alipay and WeChat Pay, began accepting international credit cards at the end of July 2023. This post explains how to use Alipay. If you are interested in learning about WeChat Pay, please refer to the article ‘ WeChat Pay for Foreigners in China 2024 ‘.

#1  About Alipay registration

Download the ‘Alipay’ app and register with your mobile number. You can register using an overseas mobile phone number or a Chinese mobile phone number. (To find out how to buy a Chinese mobile phone SIM card and use cheap data packages in China, please read the article: Guide about access internet and must-use apps in China in 2024 ）

#2  About identity verification

Before using Alipay, you need to complete identity verification. You can complete identity verification through the following three methods:

• Use your passport to complete face verification.
• Use a Chinese mainland bank card to verify their identity.
• Use your passport NFC chip and face verification (if available with your passport and supported by device)

The steps for the verification are as follows:

Swipe right to view more pictures

#3  Adding and removing Bank Cards

For foreign tourists, there are two ways to pay with Alipay. The first method is by binding an international card, and the second way is by topping up Alipay through the mini-app called TourCard. We have personally tested the first method and found it to be both feasible and convenient. Therefore, we recommend binding an international card to Alipay. Alipay now supports cards issued by Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Discover, Diners Club and UnionPay cards.

Add your first bank card at the home page or by going to “Me” > “Bank Cards”.

To add more than one bank card, go to “Me” > “Bank Cards” -> “+”(up right corner)

To remove bank card, go to “Me” > “Bank Cards” > the bank card you want to remove –>“More services” – “Remove Card”.

#4  How does Alipay work?

. paying with alipay.

Activate the payment QR code, show the payment QR code to the cashier, and the cashier scans your Alipay payment QR code.

Scan the Alipay QR code provided by the merchant, enter the amount, and click to confirm the payment.

Important reminder : If you have more than one card bound in Alipay, you need to select the card you need to use when this payment is made before. At the same time, the three CVV2 digits on the back of the credit card should be filled in when scanning the QR code to pay.

. Taking public transport with Alipay

Choose the location firstly. Find all the service channels, such as Bus, Metro, Taxi, Train, Plane and Bike in the ‘Transport’ button. Note that ‘12306’ here refers to the train.

Before taking the subway or bus for the first time, you need to obtain Bus/Metro Card.

#5  Shopping online by Alipay

China is a famous manufacturing country with abundant and high quality goods. Alipay supports payment on all online platforms in China. What’s more, China’s delivery speed is amazing.

#6  Is there a transaction limit? How is the exchange rate calculated?

There is a limit of 6,000 RMB for single transactions, a cumulative monthly limit of 50,000 RMB, and a cumulative yearly limit of 60,000 RMB for transactions. The exchange rate will be calculated based on the exchange rate provided by the card organization and the issuing bank of your international card.

#7  Are there any transaction fees?

Yes, there are transaction fees. However, transaction fees are waived for single transactions under 200 RMB. A 3% transaction fee will be applied for single transactions above 200 RMB. If you request a refund for a transaction, the transaction fee will be reimbursed in proportion to the refunded amount.

#8  Is Alipay safe?

Alipay was founded in 2004 and has become an essential tool for more than 80% of Chinese people. For details of Alipay’s security, please visit their website at here .

#9 Alipay customer service

If you encounter problems with identity real-name authentication, adding a bank card or topping up your account, ask a Chinese-speaking friend to call the Alipay service hotline at 95188 . human customer service will help you with these problems.

Also, you can visit the official support page for help if you encounter technical problems while using Alipay.

Related Posts

Chinese Etiquette: Navigating Customs and Traditions

• October 15, 2023

English in China: Proficiency and Tips for Travelers

• October 11, 2023

WeChat Pay for foreigners 2024: A comprehensive guide to use WeChat Pay

• June 14, 2023

[2023 Update] How to Set up and Use AliPay When Traveling in China

Hey fam! Just a heads up, some of the links I share may be affiliate links. If you decide to make a purchase through those links, I might earn a small commission. ☕️ Don't worry though, it won't cost you anything extra! Thanks for being a rockstar and helping me keep the content flowing! 😊

Alipay is one of the main payment methods for Chinese daily life, and also a must-have for foreign visitors.

With Alipay you can pay for flights, train/metro tickets, hotels, restaurants, taxis etc. How to set up and use Alipay is the top question I get from foreign friends visiting China.

Here I've researched and put together the latest guide on setting up and using Alipay as a foreigner.

I believe it can give you some help!

Let's get started.

Latest Update

• Tour Pass was discontinued in March 2023 and changed to TourCard.
• You can directly link your overseas card to Alipay for payments .

A mainland China SIM card is highly necessary.

Not only does it solve many people's problem of not receiving verification codes, it also allows registering for various services in China.

China SIM Card

Easily register for various services in China

Receiving SMS Free

One-time payment

If you make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Note: I recommend you be sure to keep your Chinese phone number if you expect to travel to China many times.

There Are Now Two Ways to Set up Alipay Payment

Before setting up Alipay payment, you need to download and install Alipay, and register an account with your passport.

For foreigners, be sure to download the Alipay international version.

You can verify your identity with your passport and a China phone number.

After that comes setting the payment method.

Here are the detailed steps:

1. Directly link your overseas card to Alipay(Recommend)

Requirements :.

1. Identity Document

• Passport — For most tourists, this option works.
• Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card
• Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents
• Mainland Travel Permit for Taiwan Residents
• Residence Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents
• Residence Permit for Taiwan Residents

2. Card Requirement(Credit or debit cards are fine)

• Diners Club
• And other international cards

3. Phone Number

The phone number when setting payment method should be your bank card's number, not the one used for your Alipay account registration.

Step 1 : Add your credit or debit card

Step 2: Set the payment password and fill in the card information

Step 3: Enter your passport info and do a face scan verification

After completing those, you can make payments with Alipay in China.

Next, I'll introduce another Alipay payment option.

2. Set up Alipay payment with TourCard

TourCard is the second popular way to set up Alipay. It's a virtual bank account by Shanghai Bank that works like a prepaid card, and can be an Alipay payment card.

You don't need a mainland China (+86) number. Any overseas number that can receive SMS verification codes works.

However , some people report being unable to receive the verification codes. I'm not sure why yet. In this case you can purchase a mainland China SMS card on Amazon.

How to Register for TourCard?

Step 1: search for tourcard and open the mini program.

Step 2: Enter phone number and upload passport photo

Step 3: Facial recognition verification

Step 4: Fill in passport number, home address, etc

How to Top up the Tourcard?

After registering TourCard, you need to top it up.

Here's a step-by-step guide.

Step 1: Select the top-up amount

Step 2: Link your credit or debit card

Step 3: Complete 3D security authentication and set a one-time password

Step 4: Set the payment password and you're done

Finally, link TourCard to your Alipay and you can use it as your payment card.

How to Link Tourcard to Alipay?

Step 1: click on the ‘bankcard'.

Step 2: Enter the TourCard number, passport number, etc

Congratulations, you did it!

Now you can use Alipay for payments worry-free when traveling in China.

Important Notes of TourCard

1.The TourCard is valid for 180 days. After it expires you'll need to apply for a new card.

2.You have a max top up limit of 10,000 RMB(1,388 USD) within 180 days.

3.TourCard charges a 5% fee, plus around 1.5% overseas transaction fee from your credit card. So the total TourCard fee can be up to 6.5%!

Pro-tips for Set up Alipay

1. You can only add cards that belong to you.

Alipay has strict account security limits. If you add someone else's card to Alipay, you might trigger an account review and risk your account being disabled.

How to Use Alipay in China?

Basically, Alipay can cover most of your payment scenarios in China.

Here are the most common situations:

1.Process payment via Alipay in-store.

These two options are actually the same, there is no difference in fees. You can choose based on your preference.

Personally, I prefer to actively scan their QR code, so I can enter the amount myself and make sure they don't overcharge me(Although it rarely happens).

2.Use alipay to take the Metro

Using Alipay to ride the subway is very smooth. No need to buy a separate metro card or tickets every time.

Just scan the QR code when entering and exiting the station. But each city has its own metro ride code. When riding the subway in different cities, you need to use different codes.

Luckily, applying is easy and free.

Here’s how to activate and use your metro card on Alipay:

1.Tap ‘Transport' on the Alipay home page

2.Select your city, then click ‘Get Now'.

3.Review and accept the Terms & Conditions, then click ‘Agree and obtain card'.

Each fare will automatically deduct from your Alipay payment card and you'll get payment notifications.

Pro-tips for using Alipay to pay

1.Remember to turn off the VPN when you pay.

2.Sometimes scanning a merchant's QR code will fail payment because they don't support international card transactions. Especially roadside stalls, souvenir shops at scenic spots, taxi drivers, etc.

What Are the Benefits of Alipay?

In China, pretty much everyone has Alipay. It's embedded in every aspect of Chinese society.

As a foreign tourist, having Alipay lets you enjoy many benefits too.

• Convenience : Leave your wallet behind – with a smartphone, you can traverse the entire country of China without the annoyances of physical currency. No more fake bills or fumbling for coins!
• Security : Alipay safeguards your funds and offers full coverage for fraudulent charges. You can also clearly track spending with detailed statements, so feel at ease using your money.
• Wide acceptance: Nearly every retailer accepts Alipay – you need not worry about awkward payment failures (though some small businesses may only take WeChat Pay).
• Variety of Services: Alipay doesn't just handle payments – book travel, hail rides, pay metro fare, reserve hotels, and other conveniences via its all-in-one app.

What Are the Disadvantages of Alipay?

Though Alipay has many perks, it can be complicated for foreign visitors – expect a learning curve to set up and use it properly.

• The English version is imperfect: Though Alipay offers an English beta version, many services and mini-programs within it lack translations – this can prove challenging for non-Chinese-speaking foreigners.
• Vulnerable to policy changes: The Chinese government wields immense control over Alipay – support for foreigners fluctuates frequently as directives from officials bring frequent changes.

Just a reminder that WeChat Pay is also one of the main payment methods in China.

You can learn how to set up and use Wechat Pay here.

What Is Alipay and How Does It Work?

Alipay is a mobile payment and digital wallet service developed by Alibaba Group . It is one of the most popular mobile payment platforms in China with over 1 billion active users.

Signing up and setting up Alipay is a must for every foreigner traveling to China.

Is Alipay Safe?

Alipay employs various measures to safeguard your money, promising full coverage for fraudulent charges. I've yet to hear of anyone losing funds through Alipay.

Can Foreigners Use Alipay?

Foreigners can now directly link their bank cards to Alipay, including Visa, Mastercard, Discover, JCB, and more.

Is Alipay the Same as PayPal?

While both Alipay and PayPal are digital wallets, there are major differences between them. PayPal is not usable in China, while Alipay has limited availability outside of China.

Alipay offers a wide array of services in China, whereas PayPal is a simpler eWallet.

Can Foreigners Use Alipay Outside China?

Alipay does enable payments at some stores outside mainland China, but this is currently limited to Chinese nationals with a Chinese ID for verification. Foreign users are not yet supported.

Is There an English Version of Alipay?

Alipay offers an English version, but many of its services and mini-programs have limited English translations.

How Much Does Alipay Charge per Transaction?

Fees: No fees for transactions under 200RMB(28 USD). Transactions over 200RMB incur a 3% fee.

Limits: 3000RMB(412 USD) max per transaction, 50,000RMB(6,861 USD) max per month, 60,000RMB(8,233 USD) max per year.

About the author

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Best Apps for Traveling in China in 2023

VPN Not Working in China? Do This!

Is VPN Illegal in China? (Banned Yet Tolerated)

How to Set Up and Use AliPay as a Tourist in China

By: Author Eva

Posted on Published: May 29, 2023  - Last updated: September 29, 2023

Categories china

Please share this article if you think it's awesome!

• Facebook 56

Over the last few years, China has become more and more of a cashless society. Most merchants in China, including street vendors and taxi drivers, now can receive electronic payment from WeChat Pay (WeixinPay) and AliPay.

I wasn’t able to set up WeChat Pay as a foreigner. We even called WeChat Pay to ask for guidance, they said they would investigate the matter and haven’t replied to us till now.

For our trip to China , we relied heavily on AliPay for a lot of things. We’ve had some frustration and elation along the way. We love how we can pay for so many things with AliPay, but we hate how often we receive account restrictions just because of some silly reasons.

Based on our real experience using AliPay in China , here’s my guide on how to use AliPay as a Tourist . When I said Tourist, I mean short-term visitor who doesn’t have local bank card and long-term visa.

How to Set Up AliPay

A. download and register for alipay account with your overseas phone number.

Download Alipay Mobile App and register with your overseas phone number. I won’t be providing the step-by-step because it’s quite intuitive and the interface change all the time. Hence, you can simply follow the instruction from the app.

B. Change Language to English

If you don’t read Chinese, you can change the language to English by following the steps below. Do note that the English version is only Beta, that means, it is not perfect yet; the essential texts are in English, but you will still encounter a lot of Chinese texts.

C. Upload your ID for verification

Next, you will need to do verification in order to use Alipay. For foreigners, you need to upload the softcopy/photo of your passport , and then perform face verification.

D. Add your bank card

Lastly, you need to add your bank card before you can use Alipay. Bank card refers to debit card or credit card .

To add a bank card to your account, simply go to Me > Bank Cards . Alternatively, on your homepage, if you see a prompt to add your bank card, you can tap on that button as well.

The accepted cards are: Visa, Mastercard, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, UnionPa y.

Pro-tip for adding overseas bank card:

1. Don’t add cards that don’t belong to you.

I learned this the hard way. I added my husband’s bank card because his card earns more points for overseas spending, but apparently Alipay doesn’t like that. As a result, my account was blocked immediately!

Alipay didn’t outright say that I was blocked, but, I couldn’t add other cards that belong to me. When I tried to add my own card, Alipay rejected it. And there’s no instructions on how to fix it.

I decided to make international call to Alipay’s customer hotline in China. Thankfully, I talked with a very helpful agent who speaks perfect English. He told me my account was restricted (that’s when I knew I was blocked!). He gave me a link to submit my husband’s card photo, and my account restriction was lifted a couple of hours later.

2. Don’t add 2 cards; it will confuse Alipay.

I added 2 cards because I wanted to be cautious in case one of the card gets restricted for whatever reason. Well.. it was not a smart move. That will cause Alipay to be confused.

Sometimes, even though I selected Card A when making payment, Alipay would charge Card B. Then, after it realized it has charged the wrong card, Alipay will then refund Card B and charge Card A instead.

But I still lose money from the cancelled transaction, because my bank charges me foreign transaction fees which Alipay didn’t refund. So, save yourself some trouble and add only 1 card. Anyway, this is just a small issue, it’s just a couple of cents lost.

Can I use AliPay outside China?

After setting up AliPay, you might be thinking whether it’s possible to test it out before you go to China. As a foreigner with Alipay international account, unfortunately, it’s not possible to test using AliPay outside China based on my own experience.

You can only use your AliPay to make payment when you’re in China. You won’t know whether your account is good to go or not, until you perform your first transaction in China. My advice is just get a local number so you can call AliPay’s hotline when you encounter problem with AliPay when you’re in China.

How to Use AliPay in China as a Tourist

Even though there are so many features in Alipay, I use Alipay mainly for the following functions:

1. Use AliPay for your in-store purchases

We used AliPay for most of our transactions in China. I said most because, when we visited Beijing in 2023, not every merchant can process payment done by Alipay international accounts. 80% of the time our transaction was successful (it was even accepted by vending machine). For unsuccessful Alipay transactions, we had to use cash to pay.

Our successful Alipay transactions include:

• Restaurants
• Retail shops, shopping malls and convenient stores
• Most tourist attractions (including Summer Palace )

Our unsuccessful Alipay transactions include:

• Beijing High Speed Train ticket purchase
• Badaling Great Wall entrance ticket and cable car ticket
• Fairmont Beijing Hotel
• Street vendors
• Offline taxi hailed from the street

In order to use Alipay to make payment, you only needed to ensure your bank card has been added successfully and your account is not restricted. No additional registration or activation is required.

There are 2 ways to make payment: you scan their code , or let them scan your code . Illustration below.

About Tour Pass: In the past, people who don’t have local China bank account would have to use “Tour Pass” as a virtual mobile wallet. They would load money to the wallet using their international bank card, then they can pay for goods & services using this wallet. However, Tour Pass has been discontinued since March 2023. As I explained in the above paragraphs, you can directly use Alipay to make payment and Alipay will directly charge your bank card. You don’t need to load any money to a virtual wallet.

2. Use AliPay for Metro

One of my most favorite feature of Alipay is the Metro payment function! With this, I did not have to purchase a separate transport card anymore!

Before you use Alipay to pay for metro for the first time, you need to activate it and obtain your QR code . Each city has different Metro card, so you need to activate metro card for your destination city.

Here’s how to activate and use your metro card on Alipay:

• Select the city name where you want to activate metro card
• On homepage, tap “Transport”
• Then, tap “Metro” followed by “Get Now”
• On the next page, view and agree to the T&C, then tap “Agree and obtain card”
• A unique QR code will be generated for you, and you can scan this QR code when you enter & exit a metro station.
• Alipay will charge your bank card for each transaction. You can view the metro fee amount in the notification under “message” tab at the bottom of the screen.

3. Use AliPay for Taxi

Yes, you can also use Alipay to order taxi! But you need to activate this function first. After activating, you will be able to enter your origin location and destination. Unfortunately it’s all in Chinese language, so if you can’t read Chinese words, you will need to screenshot it and translate it using Google Translate app.

When I was in Beijing, the taxi in Alipay app is the meter taxi, not online taxi. The final fee will depend on the actual meter. At the end of the ride, the driver will send you a request for payment, and you will have to manually input the amount to pay the driver.

The waiting time varies a lot depending on location and supply & demand. On some days, we could get taxi easily. But, on other days, it was impossible to get a taxi even though we waited for half an hour.

4. Use AliPay for Bus (not recommended)

You can also use Alipay to take bus. You’ll need to activate the Bus function first; you can follow the same steps as activating the Train function in the above section.

However, I do not recommend using Alipay to pay for bus rides, especially in Beijing. Alipay system had some glitches when processing bus payment; it can’t charge our credit card for bus fee that is RMB1 and below , but we didn’t know this (how are we supposed to know?). After we took the bus, our Bus & Train functions were blocked.

Here’s how our story goes.

We took our first bus ride in Beijing and scanned our bus QR code when entering and exiting. After we alighted from the bus, Alipay asked us to settle the bus payment of 1 yuan. When we clicked the button to make payment, the system didn’t allow us to pay with our existing bank card, we were asked to add new card.

We tried to add new card but the system rejected it. We’re confused because we never had this issue with train ride. I made a call to the hotline and talked for almost 1 hour, but the agent said Alipay can only process payment more than RMB1, and our bus fee was RMB1, hence the glitches. She has a solution: ask a friend to transfer RMB1 to our account to settle the bus payment. But.. we didn’t have any friends in Beijing! We are tourists!

For the rest of the day, we use taxi instead of public transport (thankfully our Taxi function was not blocked!). The next day, we asked our hotel receptionist to help transfer 1 yuan to each of us and we paid him cash. Immediately after the transfer went through, Alipay use it to settle the bus payment (we didn’t even have to tap anything). Then, our Bus & Train functions were restored, phew! What an experience!

So, my advice to you is this. If you have to take bus, pay with cash instead of Alipay.

What to do if you encounter issue with AliPay

From all the misfortunes that we had, I think it’s safe to say that AliPay has.. trust issue .

Do one simple mistake of adding other people’s bank card and they will block your account. Use it for small amount transaction of RMB1 and below, and your Bus & Train functions get blocked.

Use it for the first time and your Alipay account gets blocked for no reason. Apparently, they needed to do another verification after we used our Alipay for the first time (wHaT??!).

Sometimes, you won’t know your account is blocked until you perform a transaction and it fails! Frustrating, I know.

Anyway, whenever you encounter and issue, simply make a call to their hotline (I recommend you buy a local sim card, you might have to call Alipay often). Once connected, you can choose to speak to an English-speaking agent if you don’t speak Chinese. Even though they might not resolve your issue immediately, at least they have solutions and able to forward your issue to relevant department.

As a tourist, you can’t rely on Alipay entirely. Always bring cash! Cash will help to tide you over when waiting for your Alipay issues to be resolved.

If you do not want to bring too much cash, bring ATM card that allows you to do overseas withdrawal! Money changer can be hard to find, so ATM is the best alternative to bringing too much cash.

That’s all I learned from using Alipay as a tourist in China! If you have any personal anecdotes or information to share, please comment below. It will help many people trying to figure out what to look out for when using Alipay in China!

If you like my work, you can buy me a coffee! Your support will help me to keep going!

Thursday 25th of April 2024

Hi Eva, thank you for your handy blog! I want to ask about the virtual metro and bus card in Alipay. Can I use it to buy tickets for everyone in my group? Or does everyone have to have their Alipay app?

Hi Linda, I believe everyone should have their own Alipay app. There isn’t a function to buy tickets for bus and metro in the app.

Thursday 29th of February 2024

Hi Eva, Thanks for the useful tips and advices... I am going to Shanghai soon. I have already set up my Alipay acct with indonesian mobile number. But you also mentioned to buy a local sim card in China. Is it required to use/activate Alipay? Or just for calling their support team, if needed? Which simcard are you recommending for one week tourist?

Thanks, Steve

Tuesday 12th of March 2024

Hi Steve, local China SIM card is not required, but I recommend you get it so that you can make a call to alipay hotline if you encounter any issue with alipay. I used China Mobile.

Sunday 4th of February 2024

You didn't seem to have much problem with "obtain a card to take metro", but for me it is asking for a phone number, and anything I type in seems to result in "Please fill in your mobile no. correctly". I tried all sorts of formats, including '+' for the country code, and a '-' between the country code and phone number, and also adding the leading '0' on the 'area code'...and without any '+'/'-' and even without a country code, but it still seemed to think my mobile no. wasn't "correct" for some reason. Any ideas?

@Eva, I ended up using the alipay customer support feature on the app - which was easy to use and either typed-chat based or vocal call (I used the former) - and they cleared this up for me. It turns out that the Beijing subway requires phone numbers to be local Chinese numbers and didn't support foreign numbers/sims. Yes, I was trying this using a foreign SIM card, not a Chinese one. So, that explains that. Still, that wasn't the only question I had and the support I received was excellent and helpful, and in (faultless, afaict) English - so I encourage others to not be shy about using it.

I didn’t have any issue with mobile phone number. When registering for an account, they have a dropdown where I can easily choose my country code. After choosing the country code, I just type in my mobile phone number (without any 0 or - or +). Maybe your interface is different from mine. I did not have to manually type my country code, I simply select it from the dropdown. Perhaps you can give them a call to sort your issue.

Thursday 1st of February 2024

Thankyou so much gor sharing this. I am planning to go to China this autumn so I tried to test AliPay in advance, but it doesnt show transport function, also i tried the maps and it didnt work (it said i need to insert china local number). But i successfully added my bank card to AliPay though. Can you please explain this? I’m from Bali by the way. Thankyou!

Hi Wikan, I have explained about how to activate the transport function in this article. I’m not sure if your interface is the same as mine, because I’m not based in Indonesia, sorry.

Ismael P. Ariola

Tuesday 30th of January 2024

Hi Eva! I have read your article and it sounds useful for our forthcoming trip to Shanghai this coming February 2024. Our problem now is how to navigate Shanghai and its suburbs without any problem regarding wifi. Is VPN and Alipay different apps? Can you explain further? Thank you in advance

Hi Ismael, yes VPN and Alipay are 2 different apps. I didn’t use public wifi during my trip so I couldn’t explain about wifi.

Alipay Tour Pass

When going abroad, many wonder how to make payments for purchases and services. Mobile payments are getting more popular, but they may not work in a foreign country. China is known for being advanced in this area, from paying by QR code to paying “with face.” One of the solutions for paying in China by foreigners is Alipay Tour Pass. How to install and pay with Alipay Tour Pass?

What is Alipay Tour Pass?

Alipay Tour Pass is a service provided by Alipay Hangzhou, which is owned by Ant Group. It allows using the Bank of Shanghai prepaid card service via the app. Once you set it up, you can pay by mobile payment electronic card in mainland China.

Who can use Alipay Tour Pass? Is Alipay for foreigners?

Foreigners can use Alipay in China. You can use Alipay Tour Pass as long as you:

• have a mobile device running on iOS or Android (overseas phone number)
• have an international card issued by relevant international card organizations
• are a natural person
• hold a foreign passport
• have an entry visa to the PRC.

How to set up the Alipay Tour Pass? 

• Download Alipay to your device.
• Register an account. You can use an overseas mobile phone number.
• Select the international version and enter the Tour Pass program (on the home screen or from the search bar).
• Complete your information, link your bank card, and load your funds to the prepaid electronic card.

How to add a foreign credit card to Alipay Tour Pass? 

How does it work? Bank of Shanghai provides you with an electronic prepaid card and deducts your capital (equivalent to the RMB amount) you enter from your international card you provide. Then the money is transferred to the prepaid card. Finally, you can purchase goods and services in China, excluding some regions.

The international card has to be issued by:

• VISA International
• MasterCard International
• Diners Club International Ltd.
• JCB Co. Ltd.

It means you can use your Revolut card with Alipay in China.

To get the prepaid card, you have to submit your information:

• contact information
• date of birth
• passport first page
• bank card information.

Once the information is confirmed, you must use the Prepaid Card to activate the Alipay quick payment service. The card is valid for 90 days. After this period, the remaining funds are automatically refunded. The minimum balance is RMB 100, and the highest amount is RMB 10,000.

How to top up your Alipay Tour Pass prepaid card?

You can deposit money on a prepaid card by choosing the “loading service” option. The total deduction amount of your international bank card is the entered amount, the fee rate, and the exchange rate (determined by the Bank of Shanghai). In other words, you are charged an exchange rate and fee rate when transferring money from your international card to your Alipay Tour Pass prepaid card.

How to pay with Alipay Tour Pass?

When in the store, ask at the checkout, “支付宝可以吗？” (Zhīfùbǎo kěyǐ ma?). If the answer is “Yes” (“可以,” Kěyǐ), proceed to pay. You can present your QR code to a seller (“pay” option) or scan the QR code at the checkout (“scan” option). Make sure your prepaid card is topped up with the needed amount!

If you want to purchase public transportation tickets, choose your location, “Transport” from the home screen, and your preferred mode of transportation. Then scan your QR code when entering the vehicles or at gates.

You can also select the “Uber” option in the app to book a driver. You only need to enter your destination.

If you want to pay for services like food delivery and alike via apps Damai, Meituan, or Ele, you can also pay using your Alipay Tour Pass.

Note that some stores may not support non-Chinese mainland bank cards.

Are there any limitations on the Alipay Tour Pass prepaid card?

• The service does not work in Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan.
• You cannot give red packets.
• You cannot transfer money from one prepaid card to another prepaid card within the program.
• You cannot purchase financial products.
• Your single top-up and annual cumulative payment may be limited.
• Alipay is exempted from liability for damages if the service does not work due to force majeure factors, power supply malfunction, improper use, malware attack, and other reasons.

Paying with Alipay in China

Alipay Tour Pass makes traveling across China a seamless experience. You no longer need a WeChat account or a China bank card.

To find out if the service is for you, make sure to read the terms and conditions when registering.

• The Inventory

Support Quartz

Fund next-gen business journalism with $10 a month

Free Newsletters

How to set up and use an Alipay account as a tourist in China

China’s global payments wallet Alipay handles trillions of dollars of payments and has over 1 billion active users , but until recently most foreign tourists to China weren’t among them. In fact, as China gravitated to online payments, tourists armed with cash and foreign credit cards have found it hard to pay for things.

That changed when Alipay announced last month that it is allowing short-term visitors to mainland China, staying for up to 90 days, to register for Alipay’s international version using an overseas mobile number and bank card. (Previously, visitors without a mainland bank account and mobile number were out of luck.) Travelers can then use Alipay’s “Tour Pass” program, which is basically a digital prepaid card service from the Bank of Shanghai.

Following Alipay’s move, rival WeChat Pay also announced that it now supports international credit cards.

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to set up an Alipay account, and how to use it to pay in China. We also asked the company about how they handle users’ data and what features international users can and cannot use with the app, so be sure to scroll all the way down.

How to set up an Alipay account

First of all, find Alipay in the app store (available on both IOS and Android) and download it. Once you enter and verify your phone number with an SMS code, the app will ask you to choose the international version when it detects you are using an overseas number.

Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan phone numbers, however, cannot be used to register the international version, according to a representative of Ant Financial, which owns the digital wallet. Hong Kong users can register for Alipay’s Hong Kong app instead.

Now you should see the Tour Pass mini-program, which is on the home screen of Alipay. If you don’t, search for it in the app’s search bar. You’ll then enter a top-up screen, ranging between 100 yuan ($14) to 2,000 yuan ($285) per top up. Visitor can transfer money multiple times, subject to a maximum cap for each 90-day trip. While Ant did not reveal the cap, it told Quartz the limit “will not impact the user experience for most in-bound tourists.”

When you select your first top-up, you’ll be taken to a page that requires you to fill in personal information, including providing your bank card number and a “Chinese visa photo.” Ant told Quartz that this is in accordance with Bank of Shanghai requirements. The company also said that users can register by uploading the photo page of their passports instead.

Regarding data privacy, the company said that they have “extremely robust privacy and security measures in place” for protecting user data. Within the app, you can click through to Alipay’s privacy policy (we didn’t spot an “email it to me” option) regarding where the data is stored and when it might be shared with Chinese authorities. There are also four service agreements to look at within the app.

Currently only bank cards issued by VISA, MasterCard, Diners Club International and JCB are supported by Tour Pass, though Discover card will be available to use in the app soon, according to the company. After this stage, you will see the top-up amount showing up on the virtual pre-paid card—which means you’re finally ready to get a taste of China’s cashless society.

How to use Alipay to pay for things

There are two ways, both of which involve the scanning of QR codes—the only difference is whether you scan the merchant’s QR codes, or they scan yours. Both methods can be found on the home screen of the Alipay app under “scan” and “pay.”

For example, if you are in a restaurant and ask for your bill, the cashier could ask you to scan a QR code provided by them to pay.

Or, they could ask you to present your own QR code to be scanned by them (pictured below). There isn’t really a preference for one method over the other, and most businesses in China can bill either way.

If at the end of your trip you still have money in your Alipay, don’t worry—the virtual card is valid for 90 days, after which any remaining funds are refunded.

What you can do (and cannot do) with Alipay

Of course, while you can pay for everything  from taxi rides to baozi —dumplings—sold by street vendors with your Alipay Tour Pass wallet, there are lots of ways locals use Alipay that you won’t be able to.

As Quartz previously wrote :

It offers 40 major services, divided into six categories, providing more than 100 services in total—which in the Western internet world would be like having more than 100 separate apps crammed into one super-app. Users can find the various services by typing in a search box, and can select up to 11 most-used functions for the app’s front page.

For now, international users can’t use the popular “AA” feature to split bills because the app does not support peer-to-peer money transfer yet. For the same reason, users can’t give others a digital “ red packet ”—money given at special occasions to convey the senders’ good wishes for the recipients—and nor can they make investments.

Quartz previously noted that users in China can’t use aliases containing some words deemed politically sensitive—they include “ Falun Gong ” and Chinese president “Xi Jinping,”—on the Chinese version of Alipay. Attempts by Quartz in November to use those and some other sensitive terms as nicknames on the international version led to a similar result, with notices turning up on the screen to remind users that the terms “are not available for use.” However, some other sensitive words could be used, such as “Tiananmen student” and “Tiananmen protester.”

Read Quartz’s membership field guide to the biggest beasts in the fintech unicorn herd .

📬 Sign up for the Daily Brief

Our free, fast, and fun briefing on the global economy, delivered every weekday morning.

International Travelers Can Now Use Alipay in China. Here's How...

Anyone who has recently traveled to China knows that cash is all but dead .

Digital payments in China have become the norm, with everywhere from mom-and-pop shops to fine dining restaurants accepting WeChat Pay and Alipay. While the transition from cash to QR code can be viewed as fast and convenient, international tourists and business travelers are typically still beholden to mounds of cash. 

Alipay now has a solution for incoming visitors looking to join China’s cashless economy. The company announced on Tuesday that tourists visiting the PRC are now able to pay with Alipay. The app’s new mini-program called ‘Tour Pass’ allows tourists to link their credit or debit card with Alipay, and transfer up to RMB2,000 (USD285) at a time. To sign up, users need to provide an overseas phone number, Chinese visa and bank card. 

Aside from making payments via Alipay, international travelers will also be able to hail cars, buy train tickets and book hotel rooms, among other features accessible in the app.

A Tour Pass lasts three months from the day you sign up, and any money left in the account will be automatically refunded. Prior to the new mini program, a local phone number and Chinese bank account were required to pay with Alipay.

Below, we give you a short and simple guide to setting up your ‘Tour Pass’:

1. Download Alipay

Simple enough. Hop in your app store and type ‘Alipay’ into the search bar. 

2. Open Alipay and Search for ‘Tour Pass’

Once Alipay is downloaded, you’ll need to create an account ( click here for a speedy guide on setting up your account). If you already have an account, type ‘Tour Pass’ into the search bar to access the mini program.

3. Adding to Your Tour Pass Balance

Now that you’ve opened the Tour Pass mini-program, you’ll see an empty balance with various amounts below, indicating how much money you’d like to add to your travel account. Click on the amount you want to transfer to get started.

4. Fill in Information

The next screen will ask for your personal information, visa information and bank information. Fill in the boxes and upload a photo of your current Chinese visa. Once you’ve input all the required info, click next. Assuming all the information provided is accurate, you’ll be ready to take China by storm with Alipay’s Tour Pass.

READ MORE: How to Check Your Financial Credit Score on Alipay

[Cover image by Ryan Gandolfo/That’s ]

Alipay International travel Travel

Travel Gossip: China & Malaysia Extend Mutual Visa-Free Travel

More good news for travelers!

Travel Gossip: China Announces Visa-Free Travel for Australia

Good news for travelers from Australia!

Travel Gossip: China Grants New Zealand Visa-Free Travel

Will Australia be next?

Travel Gossip: China Visa-Free Entry for Foreign Cruise Tourists

A 'race against time', no more!

Travel Gossip: China-US Flights Increase to 100 a Week

Ticket prices have begun to drop!

Travel Gossip: Official! China Grants Georgia Visa-Free Travel

Georgia is the latest nation to reciprocate visa exemption agreements with China.

Travel Gossip: Inbound Travel Booking Surges by 130% for May Day

More coming to explore the charm of China!

6 More European Countries Granted Visa-Free China Travel

Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium & Luxembourg.

0 User Comments

Add your comment.

Get the weekly newsletter!

Sign up to get the entertainment, lifestyle and event news from That's Shanghai every week!

Global Dumpling Guide & Where to Eat Them in Shanghai

Watch: guilin suffers worst flooding in 26 years.

Fancy a Pint? Beijing's Hand Pumped Cask Beer Brewery

T+ Tickets: Silent Disco, Phantom of the Opera + More!

ADVERTISEMENT

In Case You Missed It…

22 Awesome Upcoming Events in Shanghai

China's Birth Rate Declines for 8th Consecutive Year

Promise & EHB: 2 Nordic Fine Dining Meals, Which is Worth the ¥?

Two Noodle Lover New Menus: Bastard & Qieve by Diner

We're on WeChat!

Scan our QR Code at right or follow us at Thats_Shanghai for events, guides, giveaways and much more!

7 Days in Shanghai With thatsmags.com

Weekly updates to your email inbox every Wednesday

Download previous issues

Never miss an issue of That's Shanghai!

Visit the archives

Add your email

Get the App. Your essential China city companion.

• Login to the Beijinger
• No account? Register Here
• 2024 Hot & Spicy Festival / 辣节
• Classifieds

No Cash? No Problem! Tourists in China Can Now Use Alipay Too (Plus Our Handy How-To Guide)

Imagine a perfect day in Beijing. Perhaps you start with a jianbing for breakfast, fresh off the griddle. Sufficiently fueled up, you head off to explore the Temple of Heaven and then grab a share bike to explore the hutongs. Lunch? Peking duck, of course. Finally, you hop in a taxi to Sanlitun to look around the shops and finish off the day with dinner and a couple of pints at a craft beer brewpub. Sounds pretty good, right? Even better, through the power of mobile payment, you can accomplish all of the above without ever having to reach for your wallet. Unless that is, you're just visiting.

China is light years ahead of many other countries when it comes to mobile payment but until now, overseas visitors couldn't get in on the action, stuck carrying around wads of cash or searching for somewhere that accepts Visa.

Well, now you no longer have to feel left out. For the first time ever, short-term visitors to China can use mobile payments without the hassle of getting a local Chinese mobile number or bank account with Alipay’s international version.

From today onwards, visitors can download Alipay for both iOS and Android devices and register for the International Version of the app with their overseas mobile phone number to access the “Tour Pass” mini program. Through this mini-program, they can use a prepaid card service provided by the Bank of Shanghai to top up RMB using an international credit or debit card and enjoy all the usual services Alipay offers.

What you’ll need

    •    An overseas phone number     •    A valid Chinese visa     •    An overseas bank card

How to register

Step 1: Download Alipay

The app is available for iOS and Android devices.

Step 2: Enter your phone number and select the international version

Choose your country code and enter your phone number. You'll be sent a text with a code to log in. On the next screen, be sure to confirm that you want to use the international version (you can change this at a later date in the app settings if needed).

Step 3: Enter Tour Pass

If you don’t see the Tour Pass mini program on the Alipay home screen, you can search for “Tour Pass” in the search bar at the top of the screen.

Step 4: Add funds

From here, you can decide how much money you want to add to your prepaid card. The minimum balance per prepaid card is RMB 100, capped at RMB 2,000. The card is valid for 90 days, after which any remaining funds will be automatically refunded.

Step 5: Enter your passport information and bank card information

Once you’ve chosen the amount you want to add to your card, you’ll be prompted to enter your personal details and bank card information. It’s pretty self-explanatory – you’ll need to enter your details and upload a picture of your valid Chinese visa. Then, input your card details; accepted card providers include Visa, Mastercard, and JCB.

After that, all that’s left is to get out there and get spending! You can pay for things by either presenting your QR code to a seller or scanning their QR code with your app. It's hard to understate how much easier having Alipay makes your life in Beijing. There's no more scrabbling for the right change for a taxi and it makes paying for food and drinks a breeze.

Paying for things is almost too easy, in fact – even road-side vendors selling things like water or baozi accept mobile payment these days. And when everyone around you is using QR codes to pay, it’s nice to feel like a local when you can do the same. So with visiting Beijing even more convenient, there’s really no reason not to book your trip. Happy spending! 

This post is paid for by Alipay Images: Shutterstock, courtesy of Alipay

• Things You Should Know
• Mobile Payment
• Robynne Tindall

Related stories :

Search form

Hottest blog posts, recent comments, blog category.

• Beijing News (4130)
• Beijing People (2113)
• Books (426)
• Chinese Culture (1273)
• Food (7016)
• Health & Environment (1481)
• Live Music (2128)
• Love and Sex (132)
• Nightlife (3425)
• Our Stuff (2295)
• Shopping (1053)
• Sport (1026)
• Stage (366)
• Things You Should Know (2539)
• Transport & Traffic (673)
• Travel (1065)
• Visual Arts (684)
• June 2024 (31)
• May 2024 (46)
• April 2024 (43)
• March 2024 (46)
• February 2024 (27)
• January 2024 (51)

Work at True Run

If you are interested in joining True Run Media, please feel free to contact our team .

• the Beijinger
• JingKids International

What Is Alipay and Is It Safe to Use?

Your changes have been saved

Email Is sent

Please verify your email address.

You’ve reached your account maximum for followed topics.

Avoiding the News? 5 Alternative Ways to Keep Up With Current Affairs

I tried tiktok’s new instagram competitor: here's why it's painfully mediocre, dall-e 3 now has integrated editing tools, but they need work.

Alipay is the world's most popular payment service. China has quickly embraced the use of mobile payment services, with Alipay being the country's leading e-payment provider.

But you might not even have heard of it. So what exactly is Alipay and how does it work? Is it actually secure to use? And what benefits does Alipay have?

What Is Alipay?

Alipay is a free professional financial services app owned by Alibaba Group. It has an electronic wallet in which users can save their debit or credit card information and use it to make online or in-store payments.

It is also a money transfer app similar to Venmo , allowing users to send money from their mobile devices.

Alipay is a popular mobile payment app in China, working with both domestic and international financial institutions such as Mastercard and Visa. And with support for 18 different foreign currencies and active expansion in neighboring countries, its reach is expanding beyond China.

Apart from being an eWallet app, Alipay also offers other financial and social services to its users. In the app, users can buy insurance, order groceries, hail a cab, and even open a personal credit line. Alipay is classified as a super app due to its multifunctionality, which explains its widespread adoption.

Related: What Is a Super App?

How Does Alipay Work?

Because Alipay was designed for Chinese users and businesses, a Chinese bank account is required for long-term use. However, for foreigners visiting China, Alipay has a short-term feature called Tour Pass, which allows them to use its services for 90 days.

To use Alipay, you must first download the app and register, after which a digital wallet is created for you. To fund the wallet, users must link a credit or debit card.

Related: The Best Digital Wallet Apps

This digital wallet can be used to pay for both online and in-store purchases, though the procedures differ slightly. On the online store checkout page, choose Alipay as your payment method. You will be directed to a new page with a QR Code; open your Alipay app and scan the code to complete your payment.

There are two methods of paying for goods or services in-store. The first method is known as the Merchant QR code method, and the second is known as the Customer Scan method.

In the Merchant QR code method, the cashier hands the user a QR code, which the user scans, enters the required amount, and submits. The Customer Scan method works the opposite way, with the cashier scanning a QR code presented by the customer to collect payment.

Is Alipay Safe to Use?

So far, the company's safety record has been satisfactory. There have been no reports of fraudsters or hackers gaining access to users' financial information.

To prevent unauthorized transactions, the mobile payment platform employs advanced encryption and a robust set of security features. It has a risk monitoring system that is constantly checking for suspicious activity in your account.

It also has a two-factor biometric authentication process to authorize payments. To use this feature, you must not only enter a password but also a biometric, such as a fingerprint or a face scan.

The app uses liveness detection software to distinguish between pictures of users and actual faces for the face scan, so you're protected even if someone tries to access your account with a picture of you.

Related: What Are Biometrics and How Do They Work?

For its users, Alipay has a well-known buyer protection system . This is enabled when you purchase products through Alipay rather than directly transferring funds to the seller. Alipay will hold the payment in escrow until the user confirms the product's quality before releasing it to the seller.

How to Make Alipay More Secure

While these features are convenient, you should take extra precautions, such as ensuring that no one other than the cashier scans your payment codes when using the Customer Scan method of payment.

Here are a few more safety tips to keep in mind:

• Before paying, confirm the Merchant QR codes to avoid paying the wrong person.
• Before making any payments, enable two-factor biometric authentication .
• Keep an eye on your account and report any unusual activity.
• Use one-of-a-kind, secure passwords and PINs.

Related: How to Create an Unbreakable Password You Won't Forget

What Are the Benefits of Using Alipay?

Using Alipay, particularly in China, has several advantages. These include:

• Security: Alipay is cashless, so you don't need to carry a large amount of cash when you're traveling abroad. Also, this reduces the risk of stolen card information.
• Quick payments: Paying with Alipay is quick because it only requires a PIN with biometric authorization. No swiping or counting wads of cash.
• Wide acceptance: Alipay is a widely accepted in stores globally. Users can pay for almost anything, and the app includes a slew of services, so you can sort out most of your everyday needs without requiring a third party.
• Convenience: The app is simple to use, and the fact that you only need to remember a six-digit PIN makes it even more convenient.

Frequently Asked Questions about Alipay

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about Alipay.

Is It Possible to Use Alipay Without a Chinese Bank Account?

Yes, Alipay has a feature for non-Chinese users called Tour Pass. This is a 90-day service that allows foreigners, particularly tourists, to use Alipay with international banking information.

Can I Use Foreign Currencies on Alipay Instead of Chinese Yuan?

Yes, Alipay offers an international payment service that accepts 18 different currencies. Alipay accepts US dollars, Euros, and British pounds.

Is There a Fee for Using Alipay’s Payment Service?

Depending on the type of transaction, you will be charged a service fee. You will not be charged a fee if you transfer funds from your wallet to another Alipay account, but you will be charged a 0.1 percent fee if you transfer funds to a bank account.

Is Alipay Similar to PayPal?

Alipay is similar to well-known payment service, PayPal, in that they both use card-based payment systems. The only difference is that Alipay users who shop online can postpone payment to sellers until they receive the goods or services they paid for.

Can I Use Alipay to Pay for Goods and Services in Countries Other Than China?

Yes, Alipay has expanded internationally through a number of affiliate agreements. Stores, banks, and hotels, particularly in areas popular with Chinese tourists, have terminals and websites that accept Alipay payments.

Should You Use Alipay?

There's no real reason not to use it if you're visiting China. Alipay has embraced the Chinese cashless movement, and it appears that its reach will only expand in the future. Its platform is user-friendly, secure, and constantly expanding with new services and features. That results in it having over 1.3 billion subscribers and over 676 million monthly active users on average.

Take advantage of its offerings if you can, and keep security measures in mind at all times.

• Smartphone Security
• Financial Technology

• Entertainment

Here are 4 things you need to know about using Alipay (overseas and locally)

Before Alipay opened its online payment systems to foreigners in early November this year , there were more than 30 million people who visit China annually but struggle to find alternative cashless payment methods. The Chinese cashless payment method was first launched in 2004 in China.

In China, Alipay and Tencent Holdings (which runs WeChat Pay) account for 94 per cent of the country's mobile payment market. With proximity mobile payment users in China growing by 10 per cent in 2019 to reach 577.4 million in China (by far the largest in the world), those uninitiated to the country's mobile payment systems are left out.

If you're visiting China soon or keen to find out more about this increasingly prominent mobile wallet, here's what you need to know.

#1 IT'S MORE EXTENSIVE THAN PAYPAL

Alipay is currently under parent company Ant Financial Services Group, also an Alibaba Group affiliate. In 2014, AliPay surpassed PayPal as the most extensive digital payment platform by almost 3 times.

Ant Financial partnered with CC Financial, a Singapore start-up company in 2017. Since then, CC Financial Services has acquired over 600 merchants contributing to 20,000 Alipay acceptance points locally.

To begin using Alipay, you first have to download the Alipay app.

#2 YOU CAN USE IT EVEN IF YOU DON'T LIVE IN CHINA

Since the app is released to foreigners, you can use your overseas mobile number to register for it. When the app prompts you, select 'international version'.

[[nid:466892]]

This allows you to access Alipay's 'Tour Pass' mini programme, which lets you use Alipay in China as a foreigner for up to 3 months or 90 days.

It no longer requires you to tie the app to a Chinese bank account which was previously the biggest hurdle for foreigners to the mainland.

As with Alipay accounts, users must submit their passport number and upload a picture of a valid Chinese visa before they can use Alipay.

#3 IT'S A PROXIMITY PAYMENT METHOD 

Before 'Tour Pass' was launched, foreign visitors can only use Alipay in China if they ask someone with a Chinese bank account to transfer money to them within the app.

Visitors can now use their international debit or credit cards to load funds onto a prepaid card provided by Bank of Shanghai. The minimum top-up for each card is CNY100 (S$19). The balance is capped at CNY2,000.

The prepaid card is valid up to 90 days, and the balance will be refunded after which. There are two ways to make payment using Alipay. You can either scan the QR code of a merchant or get the merchant to scan your personal QR code. As a visitor to China, you cannot use Alipay after 90 days as the prepaid cards expire then.

#4 ALIPAY IS ACCEPTED BY LOCAL MERCHANTS TOO 

[[nid:467228]]

You may notice that there are local merchants with 'We accept Alipay' signs in Singapore. Examples of such merchants include ComfortDelGro, Universal Studios, Resorts World Sentosa and Robinsons among many others.

These are usually targeted at Chinese visitors who are visiting or living here. With the prevalence of Alipay, these Chinese visitors can enjoy the convenience of using their existing cashless payment methods in Singapore.

Singaporeans can also apply for an Alipay account to use locally. However, you would require a Chinese mobile number and credit card in order to transfer funds to your Alipay mobile wallet. Alipay benefits you the most if you're a Singaporean who lives in China, as you will be able to use the same payment wallet in both countries.

For some Singaporeans who don't want to miss out on the convenience of Alipay, they can get friends from China to help top up their Alipay accounts without the hassle of creating a Chinese bank account. Interestingly, WeChat pay has also recently opened up its mobile payment services to foreign visitors as well, suggesting that China's cashless payment ecosystem is slowly opening up to the world.

This article was first published in Dollars and Sense . 

Alipay Now Open to International Tourists in China

• Skip to content
• Company News
• Businesses & Investments
• All Stories
• Retail & E-Commerce
• Emerging Tech
• Sustainability
• Sports & Entertainment
• Philanthropy & Entrepreneurship
• Trending Topics
• Special Reports

Support Turkey Earthquake Emergency Relief

Alipay, the mobile payments and lifestyle platform owned by Ant Financial, is opening its platform to international travelers in China for the first time.

Starting Tuesday, tourists visiting China will be able to download and use the app during their trip, giving them access to the most popular form of payment – and the most popular mobile-payments provider – in the country.

Visitors will need just an overseas phone number, a visa and their bank card to sign up for Alipay’s “Tour Pass” mini-program. They can top up in increments of as much as RMB2,000 ($285), and use the service to not just make offline payments but also hail cars, purchase train tickets and book hotels, among other features available within the Alipay app. Access to Tour Pass lasts three months, and then any leftover funds are refunded automatically.

Mobile payments are the norm in China, where virtually every mainstream business in the country accepts them – even street hawkers. But before today, a local phone number and Chinese bank account was required to access Alipay, which precluded short-term international visitors from using the app.

In a note to media, Alipay said that inbound tourists to China are increasing every year, thanks to eased visa requirements to boost tourism. In 2018, 30.5 million international visitors arrived from overseas, an increase of 4.7% from a year earlier, according to government data .These tourists are also spending more, with expenditure in areas such as hotels, shopping, and food rising 5.1% to a total of US$73.1 billion last year, the data showed.

Alipay was launched in 2004 to facilitate payments between buyers and sellers on e-commerce marketplace Taobao. Today, together with its local e-wallet partners in Asia, Alipay is used by more than 1.2 billion users.

Ant Financial is an affiliate company of Alibaba Group. In September, Alibaba purchased a 33% stake in the fintech company.

Never Miss a Story

Popular stories.

Alibaba Cloud Launches English-language Version of Open-Source AI Model Hub ModelScope

Alibaba Cloud, Covestro Partnership Improves Supply Chain Transparency of Recycled Plastics 

Alibaba News Roundup: AliExpress UEFA EURO 2024 Events Kick Off; Alibaba Joins DOT Europe

Alibaba’s 2024 Global Math Competition Announces Preliminary Round Results

Sign up for our newsletter.

Stay updated on the digital economy with our free weekly newsletter

Is Alipay Safe? How Does Alipay Work?

You’ve heard of a payment app called Alipay and want to use it. Chances are, you are already an Alipay user.

Alipay is convenient. It is easy. Alipay is one of the most popular mobile payment apps in the whole world with more than a billion users. When traveling to China, you can pay for almost everything with Alipay.

But a question might pop up in your mind: is Alipay safe?

Also, if you are a keen person, you might wonder, how does Alipay work?

In this blog, I am going to talk about the safety concerns of Alipay, how Alipay works, and the payment methods available.

Also, I’ll share some tips on how to avoid Alipay scams.

So, why wait? Let’s get started.

What is Alipay?

Alipay is one of the most popular free payment apps and digital wallets. That means you can send and receive money via the Alipay app, like Venmo . Alipay is the epitome of cashless payments.

Alipay has numerous payment methods. Besides, they created an ecosystem with in-store payments and online payments. Which is incredibly convenient for users. Over the years, they have evolved this Alipay app into a Superapp . This means you can do other stuff inside the app. For example, calling a taxi, getting credit cards, and even buying insurance.

Alipay is from the famous Chinese group Alibaba . Alipay wallet is extremely popular in China. And they have one of the largest user bases, with more than a billion users, and growing every day.

How does Alipay work?

Alipay was designed for Chinese users and businesses. That’s why you need a Chinese bank account to use Alipay in the long term.

However, Alipay for foreigners visiting China provides a short-term pass called the Alipay Tour Pass . Which allows users to sign up and use the Alipay app for 90 days .

To pay with Alipay –

• Download the Alipay app
• Create an account
• Insert your credit card or debit card information

Then you can use your mobile phone to make payments and transactions. Moreover, you can even receive international money transfers from people overseas.

Alipay is used for different types of payments: online payments and in-store payments .

Online payment

The Alipay mobile banking app is used for online payment processing. Alipay’s online payment services include Checkout Payment, Easy Pay, Scan to Bind, Auto Debit, and Subscription Payment .

In-store payment

You can also make payments when visiting a store. For example, scanning QR codes from merchants with the app. In-store payments include User-Presented Mode Payment, Order Code Payment, and Entry Code Payment.

Is Alipay safe?

Yes. Alipay is way safer than other payment mediums.

Generally, mobile payments are more secure than your card or cash payments. Alipay safety measures are adequate to prevent fraud and any type of scam that might occur. Alipay Wallet uses three types of security measures to ensure payment safety.

Alipay safety measures are:

• Advanced encryption
• Biometric verification
• Risk monitoring

Advanced encryption:

When you make a payment to a merchant, the merchant will not receive your bank account number or any details. Rather, they will receive an encrypted payment ID that confirms your payment.

This is very important because hackers and fraudsters are after your account details. Due to encrypted information, they don’t get those details. Therefore, it is safe to make payments via Alipay.

Biometric verification:

Alipay has a two-factor biometric verification process to make the payments secure. Not only will you have to insert a password, but you’ll also have to make a biometric scan to make any transactions. It can be your fingerprints or face ID verification .

Additionally, they implemented a feature called Liveness Detection . In case anyone wants to use your photo to log in, it detects whether it’s you or just a photo of you. If it’s a still photo, it won’t let them log in to your account.

Risk monitoring:

Alipay checks for any unusual activity with your account. They call it risk monitoring. What it does is analyze the real-time big data in your account.

And then it uses machine learning algorithms to learn your usage behavior. And when they see something that doesn’t match your behavior, they flag it for a review. And you get a notification.

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Join the crowd for more promotional offers, product updates, fundraising tips and tricks.

How to avoid Alipay scam?

While Alipay security is fraud-proof, you have to keep an eye on some technical aspects. Like the QR code , PIN, and passwords. These are not meant to be shared.

Usually, there are two types of QR codes used inside the Alipay app. One is a payment code to pay the merchants. And the other one is a collection code to collect payments from buyers.

As QR codes are simple and convenient, they are also prone to theft and falsification. Here are some scam-proof measures you can take:

• While setting up the Alipay app, enable two-factor authentication.
• Before making a payment, confirm the merchant’s QR code to avoid making the wrong payment.
• Make sure no other people can scan your QR code when you are about to show the payment code.
• Check for unusual activity inside the app. And check security notifications.
• Set up a strong password for your account.

Alipay payment methods

Whether you are using the Alipay international app or other Alipay services, you must know about the payment methods they offer. And there are plenty of payment methods available. All of these payment methods share a similar user experience.

Alipay payment methods are:

• Alipay+ payment method
• Mobile banking app
• Bank transfer
• Online banking

Alipay+ payment method :

This payment method includes all the payment methods that have a partnership with Alipay+. Payment gateways are different for various regions. And you can check them out in the “Alipay+ payment method” section on their website.

Alipay offers digital wallets for easy money transfers. Wallets are considered separate accounts in the Alipay app. You can make online or in-store payments by using only your wallet account.

Mobile banking app :

This specific payment method comes in handy while making a payment in a bank app. You just enter the app password, and the payment is done. And check the supported regions to see if you are eligible for this method.

Bank transfer :

The bank transfer payment method for Alipay gives you the chance to make a payment with the reference code obtained on Alipay’s checkout page. You can pay via online transfer or ATM transfer. You just need the reference code from the Alipay account.

Online banking :

Online banking payment methods are ways to pay for things via the Internet. And this is done by giving permission to use your bank’s website. They support these payment methods in different regions. Just check before you use them.

Cards are the ultimate medium for your transaction. And Alipay lets you use your card as a payment method. You can use a debit card that is issued by local networks. Additionally, you can use international cards issued by big card companies.

OTC stands for over-the-counter payments. This happens in two steps. First, you start the payment processing online, and you get a reference code. And then you pay with cash at a physical counter.

Ready to get started?

Experience WordPress payment and donation like never before. Try Paymattic now!

Benefits of using Alipay

Alipay is one of the industry leaders when it comes to cashless transactions. It can be the Alipay international version. Or the Alipay Chinese version. It doesn’t matter. Let’s look at the benefits of using Alipay:

Alipay payments are cashless. You don’t have to carry a physical card. Or a huge amount of money with you. This reduces the chance of getting robbed with a sizable amount of cash. And the app itself is password-protected, which only you know.

• Fast payments:

Alipay is mostly used via the Alipay app. Where you just scan a QR code with your phone camera and make payments. All it needs is your PIN and biometric verifications in just a few seconds. Without the app, you just need the password and verification codes to pay with Alipay.

• Wide availability:

Alipay is one of the most popular e-wallet services. Alipay has around 54% of the market share in China. With their in-store and mobile app availability, mobile payments with Alipay are on the rise and booming. You can pay with Alipay for almost everything.

• A Superapp :

The Alipay app is one of the industry leaders in creating a superapp. The app provides you with more services than a simple payment app. You can book a cab and get a credit card. You can also get insurance from the app. Which is very easy and convenient for the user.

Accept Alipay payment in WordPress

WordPress plugins, like Paymattic , make it really easy to take payments from Alipay in WordPress.

For easy demonstration, we are going to use the Stripe payment method. This payment method comes free with the plugin. You don’t have to buy the pro version.

Let’s see how you can take Alipay payments on your WordPress website in just 4 steps:

Step 1: Install the Paymattic plugin

Go to your WordPress plugin directory. And search for “Paymattic”. This plugin lets you take payments from Alipay directly to your website. “ Install ” the plugin and “ Activate ”.

Step 2: Create a payment form with Paymattic

To take payments from Alipay, create a payment form with Paymattic. Go to “ Add New Form ” and choose any of the templates.

Add necessary fields. For example: Name, Email, Address.

Step 3: Add Stripe payment methods

From the “ Payment Method Fields ”, choose the Stripe payment option.

Step 4: Activate Alipay on your Stripe account

From the browser, go to your Stripe account, and activate Alipay on your Stripe account . You are done.

Now save the payment form. You can use shortcodes to add the form to your desired page.

To conclude

From what we have seen, the Alipay wallet is quite fraud-proof and secure. It uses big data analysis to make your account and payments secure.

If you’re still wondering, is Alipay safe to use? Don’t worry. Till now, there has been no significant data breach record for Alipay.

To learn more about online transaction safety, read how to secure online giving .

We inspire you to go cashless. And thank you for your patience!

Join the thousands already enjoying Paymattic

Product Content Marketer @WPManageNinja. I've been in digital marketing for the past 3 years, and I've written content and crafted content strategies for WordPress products. I love to read geeky stuff in my free time.

Similar Posts

Cloudflare Turnstile Security in WordPress: Best ReCAPTCHA Alternative

Read this blog to know how you can integrate Turnstile security in WordPress form. Cloudflare Turnstile security is the latest anti-spam tool that you can use on your website as a ReCAPTCHA alternative. Click to know more.

Offline Payment Unveiled | Everything You Need To Know

This is a complete guide to offline payments. In this in-depth guide, you’ll learn about offline payment, payment methods, advantages, and disadvantages

WordPress Spam Protection with Paymattic – Honeypot Security, Form Captcha & Turnstile Security

Security is a vital feature of any plugin. Read this blog and know about the WordPress spam protection features of the Paymattic WordPress payment plugin.

How Google ReCAPTCHA Works in Data Protection?

Protect your website from almost half of the non-human traffic. Unlock the magic of Google ReCAPTCHA and protect your valuable data from malicious attacks!

How to Configure Google ReCAPTCHA For Your Website Security?

Protect your website from unwanted spam with Google ReCAPTCHA. Click here to learn how you can configure Google ReCAPTCHA in WordPress

if we pay through alipay to purchase an equipment. And if after receiving money seller do not ship the equipment (for which the money is transfered). Will alipay help in recovering money back in this case?

Yes, Alipay can help you recover your money back if the seller doesn’t ship the equipment after receiving the payment.

Here’s how:

1. Alipay holds payments: Alipay typically holds the payment until the buyer confirms they have received the order. This means the seller doesn’t get access to the funds immediately.

2. Dispute resolution: Alipay offers a dispute resolution process where you can claim that the item wasn’t delivered. You’ll have to provide evidence of the purchase and your attempts to contact the seller.

For more details on this, you can check the Alipay Dispute Resolution link: https://global.alipay.com/docs/ac/dispute .

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Dynamic Features
• Priority Support
• Easy onboarding

Let’s Begin Your Payments Journey At Zero Cost!

Build smart form and start collecting money worldwide with the best wordpress payment and donation plugin, before you go, subscribe to stay ahead., drop your email address to receive the latest product updates, exclusive discounts, and informative articles right in your mailbox.

We don’t share your information with anyone.

Suggested companies

Alipay   Reviews

Visit this website

Company activity See all

Write a review

Reviews 1.5.

Most relevant

Crooked crooked crooked

I returned a faulty automatic watch that i purchased from ali express. Ali Pay UK ltd requested via PayPal for me to return the faulty watch to a German adress, which I did. The return address is still logged against the case I opened in PayPal. Two and a half weeks later the faulty watch has been and come back from Germany with a message stating "incorrect address". Simply the address ali pay had advised as the return address does not exist. On Google Street it is a second hand junk store. All for a £10 refund this giant of a company has lied to me and wasted my time and cost of postage. This company must be run by small minded individuals. Companies like this do not have a long life. To live off peoples misery will bring bad karma to corporates such as this who live off immoral earnings. "Keep my £10 ali pay. You need it more than I do."

Date of experience : February 01, 2024

Complete scam

Complete scam. Received an empty box. for the $500 graphics card I ordered. Alipay denies claim and I'm out. Period. I'm working the Paypal angle but not holding out hope. Be forewarned - DON"T USE ALIPAY, ALIEXPRESS, OR ALIBABA. ACTIVE SCAMMERS!!!

Date of experience : March 15, 2024

Fast and easy

Been using Alipay since 2008. I am aware that there are some complications and restrictions for users residing outside of China. But their services are generally easy and fast.

Date of experience : November 30, 2022

Could be better if we can actually use Alipay as a foreigner

First its not easy to verify identity on Alipay, second even if you verify you still can't use the Tour Pass if you are from Pakistan (I came to know there are many other countries that aren't on the list in app). Chinese apps do not welcome google pay/playstore in-app purchases, alipay is the only way that could work but they decided to exclude many countries.

Date of experience : April 16, 2021

Bloatware mobile app, junk web portal

Most functions of Alipay are only available through their mobile app, which is a bloatware that quickly fills up your phone storage. Whenever you check out using a bank card, Alipay compels you to link that card to your Alipay account. No option given. Auto debit-> deduction without your knowledge. Website is a piece of juink. Server frequently ‘overloaded’. Whatever you do, be prepared to suddenly have the QR code to download their mobile app pop up with no options to continue the web. Avoid. Avoid. Avoid.

Date of experience : October 17, 2023

Think before you buy

I have been registered with AliExpress for the last 2 months. The experience had been both good & bad. The Cardinal rule is never devulge your bank accoumt. I make all my payments using PayPal and not my personal bank account. This company AliExpress is based in mainland China. The number one country for hacking. As such any purchase is going to be through PayPal or other third party account and NOT your personal account. Goods purchased are normally sent via ordinary post and it can take anywhere between 3 and 12 weeks. As such look at the approximate delivery time. Don't get carried away. Things may look cheap but sometimes on the paying page, you will notice exorbitant shipping cost. They charge UK VAT, but when you get the item, the price of the value is somewhat reduced. I believe this is to evade UK full tax. You will have to be sure what you are purchasing as returns can be a nightmare. Since I am quite well acquainted with returns, I got my returns into my PayPal account within 8 days. Yes your read it right. Handle your returns professionally. It must be damaged. In Chinese language it classified as "Broken" Take photographs of the damaged item and paste in their complaint page and they will definitely get back. Take Notice that Aliexpress is like ebay. Don't write long essay of complaints as they are Not very proficient in English. Keep it short like, Broken or damaged goods or not working and that's it. You must understand that there is no Consumer Statutory rights, like the one practiced by Ebay & Amazon. Chinese rules are "Buyer be Aware". Ha Ha. However before buying on AliExpress, check on ebay or Amazon for the same item and maybe the item may a pound or two more. You don't have to wait too long unless necessary. In a nutshell Don't use your personal bank account and be 100% positive and read before you hit the PAY BUTTON. Overall I give them 3/5 cos AliExpress website is too confusing and very tedious to search on the complaint page. AliExpress need to simplify their Web page. Downloading of pages can be a nightmare. Good Luck

Date of experience : February 10, 2022

Processed credit card transaction as an unauthorized "cash advance"

Made two small purchases on Ali Express which uses Alipay for payment. They processed my credit card payment as a "Cash Advance" so each purchase incurred a $10 transaction fee when it reached my credit card company. Terrible experience trying to straighten this out. Could not get anyone to help at AliPay or Ali Express. No more purchases for me using anything that starts with "Ali".

Date of experience : November 07, 2020

We purchased equipment from Qingzhou…

We purchased equipment from Qingzhou Tongda Packaging through Alibaba and payment thru Alipay. The video the Company's agent (Bill Smith) sent us to demonstrate how our piece of equipment was working was not the machine we received. We sent numerous emails, also hired an Chinese interpreter to contact manufacturer and no resolution ever came about to get the equipment to run properly. We now have equipment that does not work and suffered lost of business.

Date of experience : March 17, 2022

Non of my orders from alipay have been…

Non of my orders from alipay have been delivered despite my chasing them for 4 weeks.I believe that is it a fraudulent company!!!

Date of experience : January 02, 2024

If you have a UK number you can't use…

If you have a UK number you can't use alipay ! At registration they have every dialling code for all countries except the UK (+44). This has caused quite an issue as I can't travel around china and pay for things, without completing registration by verifying my phone number. Although loads of articles say it accepts foreigners and UK people this isn't the case at all! Disappointing.

Date of experience : July 09, 2019

A truly bad experience with Alipay and Didi.

Alipay sucks Why would Alipay take credit card information and then decline it as international card when it starts with international card on Didi? Didi is in the same boat. They have international card option but when you put in the card its declined. How is one supposed to work in this country and build a business relationship with factories when everything is stacked against you doing so. No credit cards, no maps, taxi drivers that want to rip you off all the time and no way to find your way back on your own. China is doing great except making things easier for people who are making things happen for it.

Date of experience : October 20, 2019

Alipay does not help you if anything goes wrong.

I've orderd products with Alipay on Alibaba thinking that they stick to their promise and refund my shipment if anything is wrong. After having mayor issues with my shipment Alipay did nothing. They eventually closed the case after dodging the argument 4 times coming with this closing statement: ''Based on your current evidence, we cannot learn the root cause of the problem. It may be caused by many factors like improper operation or transportation. We have tried hard to contact seller to negotiate solution many times, however, seller refused to refund as buyer's request. '' The product i bought has a single way of operation and i've provided multiple video's and photo's with one of the products even smoking after use. Please use paypal or creditcard and never trust in Alipay.

Date of experience : July 07, 2020

Warning about overseas purchases -- using PayPal

Nothing went wrong with my purchase from AlieExpress, products were good and speedily delivered! HOWEVER, three weeks after those three purchases - - someone attached to the AliPay system removed almost 400,000 awarded bank points from my personal bank account via a PayPal payment, (all three purchese were UNDER $20 each,) from my personal bank account. Aliexexpress needs to clamp down on the thievery going on within their selling system. Sellers are offering ridiculously low price -- not to sell their products to you,,,,but to get access to you bank account information. I was surprised to find out that ONLY the bank account was attacked,but PayPal shows no record of the withdrawal. I strongly recommend to buyers NOT under any circumstance to us PayPal to buy anything outside of the USA! Overseas criminals have now found a way to directly access our personal bank information and withdraw money in the way of any awarded points from that account WITHOUT PayPal's knowledge. I will never ever us AliExpress again , and have closed my 20 year old plus PayPal account!! BUYER BEWARE!!!!!!!

Date of experience : October 16, 2023

-1=zero star☆ 👎🏽👎🏽👎🏽

-1=zero star☆ 👎🏽👎🏽👎🏽 I ORDERED FROM ALIEXPRESS DO NOT ORDER FROM THIS COMPANY and ALIPAY RECEIVED MY FUNDS!! MY EXPERIENCE, I WORK FROM HOME AND WAS TOLD MY PACKAGE/ORDER WAS DELIVERED....NOT! THEY ARE LIARS AND THIEVES. Order placed in February 2023.

Date of experience : March 13, 2023

Scam. They took payment but never sent any email confirmation etc. Item didn't arrive. No way to contact. Contacted bank who luckily managed to claim my money back.

Date of experience : November 28, 2021

Beware when using Alipay on Aliexpress

Beware when using Alipay on Aliexpress. I added 40 euros to my account and now Alipay just comes up with excuses to prevent me from using the money. I am just accepting that the money is lost and moved to open a dispute through the European Online dispute center.

Date of experience : June 23, 2021

Locked account before I finished opening it

Would give negative stars if possible. I downloaded it, put in my phone number, and it instantly said my account was locked and I had to call to unlock it. Called them, they said it would take 3 working days to unlock. I haven't even made an account and you've already locked it? They wouldn't explain why this occurred. Will not be trusting them with my money when they can't handle something as simple as setting up an account.

Date of experience : January 18, 2021

This morning I woke up to fraudulent…

This morning I woke up to fraudulent activity on my bank account. I have (9) transactions totaling $1049 from Alipayusinc. I have never used or heard of this company. Now I have to make a claim and wait to get my money back. I am unemployed and not receiving benefits so they took all my money. They stole all my money.

Date of experience : June 29, 2021

WARNING ALIPAY money transfer is a FRAUD

WARNING ALIPAY money transfer is a complete FRAUD. Two weeks ago my wife used Alipay to international transfer money to my commbank account. The money was not credited to my account; but, it has been taken from her account.

Date of experience : September 25, 2020

Decent but nothing to rant about

Decent but nothing to rant about! Super complicated for English speakers

Date of experience : January 30, 2020

Is this your company?

Claim your profile to access Trustpilot’s free business tools and connect with customers.