Yes, tourists can use Alipay now — you don't need a Chinese bank account. China runs almost entirely on QR payments, so setting up Alipay before your trip is one of the most useful things you can do.
How to set up Alipay (before you fly)
- Download the Alipay app and register with your phone number.
- Verify your identity with your passport.
- Add an international Visa/Mastercard in payment settings (or use the built-in Tour Pass mini-program).
- Do this at home on reliable Wi-Fi — the download and verification are easier before you land.
What you can pay for
Just about everything: taxis and Didi, metro and buses, restaurants and street food, convenience stores, shops, attraction tickets. You scan a merchant's QR code (or show yours) and you're done. Cash is increasingly rare, so this is how daily spending works in China.
You'll need mobile data
Alipay needs a live internet connection to generate and scan payment codes — you can't rely on hunting for Wi-Fi at a taxi stand or a noodle shop. A China travel eSIM gets you online the moment you land, so you can pay from the airport onward. Bonus: our China eSIM also lets you use Google, WhatsApp and Maps without a VPN.
Set up WeChat Pay too
Many travelers add both as a backup. See how to use WeChat Pay as a tourist.
Frequently asked questions
Can foreigners use Alipay in China?
Yes. Since 2023 Alipay lets international visitors pay by binding a foreign Visa, Mastercard or other supported card — no Chinese bank account needed. You register with your passport, add your card, and pay by QR code almost everywhere in China.
How do I set up Alipay as a tourist?
Download the Alipay app, register with your phone number, verify your identity with your passport, then add an international card under the payment settings (or use the built-in 'Tour Pass' mini-program). Do this before you fly, while you still have easy internet access.
What can I pay for with Alipay in China?
Almost everything — taxis and Didi, metro and buses, restaurants, street food, convenience stores, shops, tickets and more. China is heavily cashless and QR-based, so Alipay (and WeChat Pay) are how most day-to-day spending happens.
Do I need internet for Alipay to work?
Yes. Alipay needs a live data connection to generate and scan payment QR codes. A travel eSIM gives you reliable mobile data the moment you land, so you can pay from the airport onward without hunting for Wi-Fi.
Alipay or WeChat Pay — which should a tourist use?
Both now accept foreign cards and work almost everywhere. Alipay's foreigner setup is often a little smoother, but many travelers set up both as a backup. See our WeChat Pay guide for that one.
Skip the VPN — get a China eSIM that just works
Our China travel eSIM routes your data internationally, so Google, WhatsApp, Gmail and Maps work the moment you land — no VPN. Instant delivery, no roaming fees, bilingual support from a real NYC store since 2001.
