Alipay

Last checked 2026-10-10 · Sources

Alipay's rules, limits and customer-service hours change. Check the app before you pay.

Foreign visitors can register with a non-mainland number and bind an international card. A mainland bank account is not required.

Before you fly, install both Alipay and WeChat Pay and bind a real international card in each. Some merchant codes take only one wallet — having both ready avoids a stuck checkout. This is practical prep, not a legal requirement.

Install Alipay (Ant Group) from your home store, not AlipayHK, unless you already use an Alipay+ home wallet.

In 2026, add your card directly in the main Alipay app.

You can link an eligible bank card issued outside the Chinese mainland. You don't need a mainland bank account. Shanghai government: Pay with overseas bank cards (English, 21 Sep 2026)

Limits for overseas cards: up to USD 5,000 per payment and USD 50,000 a year. Check the app for the limits on your account. Shanghai government: Pay with overseas bank cards (English, 21 Sep 2026)

Payments of RMB 200 or less are generally free of the platform's service fee. Above RMB 200, a 3% fee on the full amount may apply. Check the payment page before you confirm. Shanghai government: Pay with overseas bank cards (English, 21 Sep 2026)

Foreign-card wallets: merchant payments yes; person-to-person transfers no. Alipay English hotline +86-571-2688-6000.

Alipay English hotline: Alipay+ — Pay in the Chinese mainland (Ant International)

Alipay English hotline: Payment guide for foreigners (PBOC, via PRC embassy, Jul 2026) (Chinese)

Alipay English hotline: Payment guide for foreigners (PBOC, via PRC embassy, Jul 2026), English PDF

Shanghai government: Pay with overseas bank cards (English, 21 Sep 2026)

When a payment fails

Fees

If Alipay restricts or declines a payment

FAQ

Can tourists use Alipay without a Chinese bank account?

Foreign visitors can register with a non-mainland number and bind an international card. A mainland bank account is not required. In 2026, add your card directly in the main Alipay app. Source: Shanghai government (English), 21 Sep 2026; PBOC payment guide (Jul 2026). Last checked: 2026-10-10.

Should I set up Alipay before I fly?

Yes. Install Alipay (Ant Group) from your home store — not AlipayHK, unless you already use an Alipay+ home wallet — and bind a real international card before you fly. Also bind WeChat Pay. This is practical prep, not a legal requirement.

Is Alipay alone enough?

No. Some merchant codes take only one wallet. Install both Alipay and WeChat Pay and bind a real international card in each so a WeChat-only or Alipay-only QR does not stop checkout.

Which card can I bind to Alipay?

An eligible bank card issued outside the Chinese mainland. You don't need a mainland bank account. Source: Shanghai government (English), 21 Sep 2026. Last checked: 2026-10-10.

What if a shop QR is WeChat-only?

Some merchant codes take only one wallet. Having WeChat Pay ready as well avoids a stuck checkout. That is practical prep, not a legal requirement.