AliPay for Tourists: All You Need To Know (2026)

This guide is based on the AliPay setup I have done in March 2025 for my mum (this is important, since I already see a difference in the process compared to July 2023 when we first set up AliPay before our first trip)

If you already have WeChat set up, you might be wondering: do I really need AliPay? But I can assure you that having both is a smart choice.

While there is some overlap in the capabilities of both apps, each of them offers unique features that are not always available on the other.

And, guaranteed that from time to time one of them might not work, it is smart to have both of them installed and set up before your trip.

In this post I will guide you through the most important features and show you how to set up AliPay — make sure you do it before arrival!

What is AliPay and why do you need it in China?

Alipay (支付宝 or Zhifubao in Chinese) is one of China's dominant mobile payment platforms, developed by Alibaba Group.

Launched in 2004 as a solution for secure online payments, it has evolved into a comprehensive financial ecosystem used by over 1 billion people in China.

While WeChat Pay dominates social-centered payments, Alipay remains the leader in financial services and e-commerce transactions.

Payment Market Leader
Alipay handles over 50% of China's third-party mobile payments, making it impossible to ignore for travelers. In many regions, especially areas with strong Alibaba influence, Alipay is more widely accepted than WeChat Pay.

Direct International Card Support
The old "Tour Pass" mini-app that tourists used for years has been retired — you no longer need it. Since 2023 you simply link your international Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Diners or (more recently) Amex directly to AliPay and pay like a local. Payments under ¥200 carry no fee; above that a 3% international card fee applies, with a US$5,000 single-transaction and US$50,000 annual cap — more than enough for a holiday.

E-commerce Integration
If you plan to shop on Taobao, Tmall, or other Alibaba-owned platforms during your stay, Alipay provides seamless integration and often exclusive discounts and promotions.

Financial Services Hub
Beyond simple payments, Alipay offers money management, currency exchange, and other financial services that can be valuable for longer stays or frequent visitors to China.

Most Important Features

From my own experience, I have seen we have been using WeChat much more than AliPay.

Many of the features overlap — payments, mini programs, even messaging. However there are some situations where AliPay is either required, or better suited to do the job.

Transportation

Not that long ago, AliPay opened transportation functionality to foreigners. Once set up, you can scan the QR codes when entering the metro or a bus just as locals do — it is a huge improvement from queueing for the machines to get tickets, and often faced with the process not working without a Chinese ID.

I have described in detail how to use AliPay for buing public transport tickets here:

Using Public Transport in China as a Foreigner

A simple how-to guide on how to use public transport as a foreigner in China

Baba goes China!Magda Sawyer

Built-in translations

In AliPay, not only is the interface in English (same as WeChat), but there is also a translate function. This is useful when buying attraction tickets, because sometimes the native interface is in Mandarin, but you can seemlessly go through the purchace process because everything can be translated in English. I can tell you, it is very useful.

Step-by-step Set Up

Below you can find screenshots of all steps required to set up AliPay, including payments.

If you only want to use it for mobile payments and messaging, you don‘t need to verify your identity. However, you do need an ID check above a certain limit.

You can start paying with just your card linked, but after a fairly low cumulative spend AliPay will ask you to verify your identity with your passport (a quick photo + selfie check, usually approved instantly). My advice: do the passport verification upfront, at home on good WiFi — not at a checkout in China with a queue behind you.

FAQ

Q: Is Alipay or WeChat Pay better for tourists in China?
A: Both work well with foreign cards these days and neither needs a Chinese bank account. AliPay tends to be a touch more foreigner-friendly for payments, transport QR codes and its built-in translation; WeChat is essential for communication and mini programs. Set up both — when one refuses to work (it happens), the other saves the day.

Q: Are there limits or fees when paying with a foreign card?
A: Payments under ¥200 have no fee; above ¥200 a 3% international card fee applies. Limits are US$5,000 per transaction and US$50,000 per year — plenty for any trip. After a small cumulative spend you'll be asked to verify your passport in the app, so do it before you travel.

Q: Do I need a Chinese phone number to use Alipay?
A: No, you can configure AliPay for paymentwith your foreign phone number, however some functionalities may require a local SIM card.

Q: What happens if my payment is declined or doesn't go through?
A: Always have a backup payment method. While Alipay is widely accepted, technical issues can occur. Carry some cash and configure WeChat as alternatives.

Q: Is Alipay safe for foreigners to use?
A: Yes, Alipay uses advanced encryption and security measures. Set up a strong payment password and enable biometric verification for added security. As with any financial app, be cautious on public WiFi networks and keep your phone secure.

Last updated: September 2026