We recommend reading the Complete Guide to Mobile Payments in China for Foreigners overview article first to better understand this guide.
Installing and Logging into Alipay
- Search for Alipay in the Apple Store or Google Play
- Register using your mobile phone number (international numbers supported)
- You will automatically enter the Alipay homepage after registration
Identity Verification (Optional)
This step is optional. If you skip identity verification, your payment limits will be further restricted. Please refer to the Fees and Limits section for specific restrictions.
- Tap 【Me】>【Settings】>【Account & Security】>【Identity Information】
- Fill in your personal identity information and submit for review
Binding a Bank Card
- Tap 【Me】>【Bank Cards】
- Fill in your bank card information and submit to complete binding
- Currently supported card types include Visa, MasterCard, American Express, JCB, Discover, and Diners Club debit and credit cards
- During this process, Alipay will ask you to set a 6-digit payment password. Please remember this password, as you will need it when making payments.
Payment Fees and Limits
Please refer to the actual prompts during payment for specific limits and fees.
Fees
| Single Transaction Amount | Fee Rate |
|---|---|
| Less than or equal to 200 RMB | 0% |
| Greater than 200 RMB | 3% |
Limits (Verified Users)
| Type | Limit |
|---|---|
| Single Payment | 5000 USD |
| Annual Cumulative | 50000 USD |
Limits (Unverified Users)
For how to complete identity verification, please refer to the Identity Verification section.
| Type | Limit |
|---|---|
| Single Payment | 500 USD |
| Annual Cumulative | 2000 USD |
Using Alipay
There are currently two ways to pay with Alipay:
- If you see a QR code displayed by the merchant, you can use Alipay's "Scan" feature to scan it, enter the amount and payment password to complete the payment.
- If the merchant is holding a scanning device, you will need to have your QR code ready. Tap "Pay/Collect" to enter the page and show your QR code to the merchant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use cash or bank cards to pay in China?
Of course. It is illegal to refuse cash in China. However, since mobile payments are so widespread, you may encounter merchants who don't have change or don't support card payments. Therefore, we still recommend registering and using mobile payment, while keeping some cash as backup.
How can I avoid paying extra transaction fees?
For some large merchants, you can ask if they accept cash or your bank card. Alternatively, you can discuss with the merchant to split one order into multiple smaller orders to avoid fees.
Is Alipay secure?
Alipay has very high security—it uses bank-level encryption, device fingerprinting, biometric identification, and real-time risk control systems, among other multi-layered protections. As one of the world's largest digital payment platforms, processing billions of transactions daily in China, its security system is very mature. As long as users don't leak their verification codes and payment passwords, using Alipay is very safe.
What should I do if I encounter other problems?
Alipay has a customer service page within the app. You can enter the customer service page to ask questions directly, or follow the instructions to call for consultation.
Are there any restrictions for international users using Alipay?
International users have restrictions on personal transfers and receiving money. If needed, you can contact customer service for solutions.
Other payment apps?
WeChat Pay is another mainstream payment platform in China, operated by Tencent. Like Alipay, it covers both online and offline payment scenarios and is also very widely used in China. In daily life, most merchants support both Alipay and WeChat Pay, so both are among the most important mobile payment tools in China.
For how to register and use it, please refer to our other article Complete Guide to WeChat Pay Registration and Usage for Foreigners