Yes, foreigners can use Alipay in China by following these steps: 1. Register using a passport or foreign phone number through facial recognition verification. 2. Provide a temporary local address or Chinese contact number. 3. Link an international credit card such as Visa, Mastercard, or American Express after account setup. 4. Use the app for daily payments at stores, online, or for person-to-person transfers, while being aware that some merchants may not support international cards. 5. Manage security by setting strong passwords, enabling biometric access, monitoring transactions, and keeping the app updated for optimal performance and safety.
If you're a foreigner in China and want to use Alipay, it’s definitely possible — but there are a few things you need to know before diving in. The main challenge is that Alipay was originally built for local users with Chinese bank accounts and phone numbers. However, with some adjustments and the right setup, you can still make it work.

Setting Up Alipay Without a Chinese ID
One of the first hurdles is registration. Traditionally, Alipay requires a Chinese ID number and a mainland mobile number. But now, foreigners can sign up using their passport or even a foreign phone number.

- You’ll need to download the Alipay app (available on iOS and Android).
- Choose the option to register with an overseas ID.
- Fill in your passport details and go through facial recognition verification.
- You may also be asked to provide a local address or a Chinese contact number temporarily — a friend's number usually works.
Once verified, you'll have access to a basic account, which allows limited functionality until you link a payment method.
Linking an International Credit Card
Alipay accepts several international credit cards, making it easier for tourists or expats to use without needing a Chinese bank account.

- Supported cards include Visa, Mastercard, and American Express.
- After setting up your account, go to “My Wallet” and choose “Add Bank Card.”
- Enter your card details carefully — double-check the expiration date and CVV code.
- A small verification charge (usually less than ¥1) will be made to confirm ownership.
Note: Not all international cards are accepted, so it's best to test this early. Also, transactions might incur foreign exchange fees depending on your card issuer.
Using Alipay for Daily Payments
Once your card is linked, you can start using Alipay just like locals do — whether it’s for paying at restaurants, booking taxis, or shopping online.
- At stores, simply open the app, tap "Pay," and show the QR code to the cashier.
- For person-to-person payments, you can scan someone else's QR code or send money directly if they’re in your contacts.
- Some places may require you to switch the default payment currency to RMB — you can change this in the app settings under "Payment Settings."
Keep in mind that while many merchants accept Alipay, not all of them support international cards. In such cases, you might see a message saying the payment method isn’t supported — having WeChat Pay as a backup is a good idea.
Managing Your Account and Security
Security is important, especially when you're dealing with international usage and unfamiliar networks.
- Set up a strong login password and enable fingerprint or Face ID for faster, safer access.
- Regularly check your transaction history to spot any unusual activity.
- If you're traveling in groups, avoid sharing your login info — instead, use the app’s built-in split bill feature to manage shared expenses.
Also, since Alipay often pushes updates and new features, keeping the app updated ensures better compatibility and security.
That’s basically how foreigners can use Alipay these days. It’s not 100% seamless yet, but with a bit of setup, it's more than usable for daily life in China.
The above is the detailed content of How to use Alipay as a foreigner?. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!

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