Alipay, operated by Ant Group under Alibaba, is one of China’s dominant mobile payment systems. It’s woven into daily life, letting people purchase everything from a bowl of noodles at a night market to booking a five-star hotel — all with a smartphone.
If you’re a foreigner visiting China, setting up Alipay can dramatically simplify your trip. With China’s rapid move toward a cash-free society, the app becomes your all-in-one tool for paying merchants, shopping online, booking transportation, and more.
Why Alipay Matters for International Visitors
Originally, Alipay required a Chinese ID and a domestic bank account, making it tricky for travelers. Now, the platform has expanded its features to accommodate international users — no local bank card, no Chinese phone number required.
With an Alipay account, you can:
-Make mobile payments anywhere from luxury malls to roadside food stalls
-Shop on Chinese e-commerce platforms with ease
-Send money to friends, relatives, or service providers
-Book trains, flights, hotels, and tickets directly in the app
Step-by-Step: Creating an Alipay Account Without Chinese Banking or SIM Access
Step 1 — Install the App
Get the Alipay app from the App Store (for iOS) or Google Play (for Android). Choose the international edition, as it’s designed with overseas users in mind for a smoother experience.
Step 2 — Adjust Language & Region Settings
When you open the app:
-Switch the interface to English (unless you’re comfortable with Chinese)
-Select your home country to activate the global registration pathway
Step 3 — Create Account
Registration can be done with either an email address or a mobile number. You’ll be prompted to enter:
-Full legal name
-Passport details
-Email address
-Phone number (local or international)
-Bank card info
Tip: Even if you choose email registration, adding a phone number can make account recovery smoother later.
Step 4 — Sign Up Without a Chinese Phone Number (Optional)
If you don’t have a Chinese SIM card, you can still receive the verification code through a temporary virtual number:
Use a service like Second Number that offers temporary numbers for SMS verification
1) Create an account and top up credit if required
2) Choose a number from the UK or Sweden (rentable from one week to a year)
3) Retrieve the verification code from your provider’s dashboard
4) Once you’re past the initial setup, you won’t need that number for regular logins.
Step 5 — Identity Verification
China’s payment platforms operate under a real-name policy. Alipay will ask you to:
-Upload a clear photo of your passport
-Complete a live face scan through the app
-Ensuring good lighting and sharp images will help speed up approval.
Step 6 — Connect an International Bank Card
After verification, you can link a credit or debit card issued outside of China. Accepted card networks include: VISA, Mastercard, Diners Club, Discover, JCB Cards. issued within mainland China (even dual-currency ones) are not eligible. Payments will be processed in RMB, with your bank applying the exchange rate.
Long-Term Use Without a Local Number
Once set up, you can log in using your email, QR code, or biometric authentication. If an SMS verification is ever required again, simply rent a temporary number from a service like Second Number for as long as needed — from a week to a year.
All you need is your passport, a smartphone, and an international bank card to effortlessly join China’s cashless system—whether you’re enjoying tea in Beijing, visiting temples in Bangkok, or organizing your upcoming journey from Berlin.
Q: Between Alipay and WeChat Pay, which is more user-friendly for foreigners?
A: Many visitors prefer Alipay. It offers a built-in translation feature (accessible via Settings → General → Translation Tool) and generally supports non-Chinese identification documents more readily.
Q: Where can I check the exchange rate used for transactions?
A: The exchange rate is determined by your bank or card issuer. You can verify the exact rate by reviewing your bank statement after the transaction is completed.
Q: Can I trust the security of the app?
A: Absolutely. Alipay implements advanced encryption methods and secure technologies to protect users’ personal and financial information.
Q: Is it allowed to add a bank card that belongs to someone else?
A: No, that’s not permitted. The bank card holder’s name must match exactly with the name on the registered identification.
