How to Use Alipay and Pay in China 2026

Alipay is one of the most popular mobile payment tools in China. Almost all stores, restaurants, scenic spots and means of transportation can use Alipay for payment. For Australians, knowing how to use Alipay can not only make your travel in China more convenient, but also help you avoid carrying a large amount of cash. Today, we will provide a detailed introduction on how to use Alipay in China.

Why You Need Alipay in China

Cash is Sidelined

Over 95% of everyday transactions in China happen via mobile payment apps. Whether you are buying street food, dining at a restaurant, or shopping at a local convenience store, the standard way to pay is by scanning a QR code.

• International credit cards cannot be swiped or tapped at local shops, taxis, or family-run restaurants.

Generous 2026 Transaction Limits

To make traveling in China smoother, transaction limits for verified international users have been significantly expanded:

• Higher Limits: The single-transaction limit for verified foreign tourists is up to $5,000 USD (approximately $7,000 AUD), meaning you can use it for both small snacks and high-end luxury purchases.
• Low Fees: Transactions under 200 RMB (~$40 AUD) are generally free of service charges on Alipay. For transactions over 200 RMB, a standard 3% platform fee typically applies.

Only for reference

An All-In-One "Super App" for Transit and Services

Alipay is far more than just a digital wallet; it hosts integrated "Mini-Programs" that handle almost every aspect of travel logistics:

• Ride-Hailing: You can access DiDi (China’s Uber) directly inside Alipay. The app will handle the automatic payment through your linked international card, eliminating language barriers with taxi drivers.
• Public Transport: You can activate a "Transport Code" within the app to scan directly at subway turnstiles and on local buses in major cities like Shanghai, Beijing, and Shenzhen—no physical transit cards or paper tickets required.
• Train & Hotel Bookings: You can buy high-speed rail tickets directly through integrated booking features.

How to Set Up Alipay for Foreigners

If you are an Australian tourist, you can set up and use Alipay in China through the following steps:

Download Alipay: First, you need to download the Alipay App from the App Store (for Apple) or Google Play (for Android).

• iOS: Search for "Alipay" in the App Store.
• Android: Find it on Google Play.

Register an account: Use your email address or mobile phone number to register an Alipay account. Although Alipay usually requires a mobile phone number from Chinese mainland for verification, you can register an Alipay account and log in with an overseas mobile phone number.

• Select your country/region and then follow the prompts to verify your number.
• Click "My" at the lower right corner, "Settings", then click "Version Switch" to switch to the international version

Real-name authentication: Alipay requires users to undergo real-name authentication, and a passport can be used for verification. You just need to upload a photo of your passport as prompted for facial recognition verification.

• Go to Me > Settings > Account and Security > Authentication > Upload Passport and Verify Face.
• Upload your passport photo and fill in your personal details. This step is mandatory for higher transaction limits.

Binding a bank card: You can bind a bank card from Malaysia or top up your account through Alipay's recharge methods (such as using a credit card, debit card, etc.).

• Click on "Bank Card" under the "Me" TAB.
• Add your Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Discover or Diners Club card. Alipay now supports most major foreign cards.
• Confirm through your bank's identity verification process (such as an OTP text).

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Eligible cards:

Add funds (optional)

• Although you can make payments directly with your associated card, you can use services such as TourPass (prepaid digital wallet) to top up your Alipay balance for wider acceptance.

Can I Use Alipay without a Chinese Phone Number?

Source from Unsplash

You can still use Alipay without a Chinese phone number. Alipay allows foreign users to register with overseas mobile phone numbers and supports real-name authentication using passports. As long as the real-name authentication is completed, foreign users can use Alipay for payment normally.

• Register with your international phone number (most countries/regions are acceptable).
• You need it to receive SMS verification codes.
• Exception: Some features (such as certain discounts) may require a Chinese number, but basic payments do not need a Chinese number.

How to Pay with Alipay in China - For Shopping & Booking

When shopping in China, almost all merchants support Alipay payment. When making the payment, just follow these steps:

• Merchant QR code payment: Open Alipay, enter the "Scan" function, and scan the merchant's Alipay QR code. Just enter the payment amount and confirm the payment.
• Your own QR code: Some merchants will ask you to show your Alipay QR code. After the merchant scans your QR code, you only need to confirm the payment amount, enter the payment password, and complete the payment.
• Booking hotels and tickets: In China, it is very convenient to book hotels, scenic spot tickets, etc. through Alipay. Open Alipay, enter the "Alipay Life Account" or the relevant merchant page, select the required service and make the payment, and the reservation can be completed.

Use Alipay In the store

• Open Alipay, click on "Pay", and ask the merchant to scan your QR code and make the payment using the card you have associated.
• Or, click the "Scan" icon to scan the merchant's QR code and enter the amount.

New Payment Method-Alipay Tap

Source from Asian Tech

If you see the blue device (shown in the picture) at the counter, it means you can use Alipay Tap. Alipay Tap is Alipay's new contactless feature that allows users to pay instantly by simply unlocking their phone and tapping it against a merchant's payment device. It skips the traditional steps of opening the app and scanning a QR code.

How It Works:

1.Unlock your phone: Ensure your phone is unlocked and the screen is active (NFC must be turned on in your phone settings).

2.Tap the devic: Bring the back of your phone close to the merchant’s Alipay Tap device (usually a small, blue circular sensor).

3.Confirm payment: The payment interface will instantly pop up on your screen. Verify the amount, and you're good to go!

Use Alipay for Online Payment

Book hotels, trains or flights on platforms like Trip.com using Alipay.

Why Choose Trip.com for Your China Travel

Trip.com (Ctrip) is the best English travel App in China, leading the way in hotel reservations, transportation ticketing and travel packages. Its built-in map function is also quite reliable - it can accurately locate scenic spots, hotels and restaurants across the country.

The real advantage of this app lies in its one-stop service - you can book accommodation and flights, purchase train tickets, and even easily get discounted passes without having to switch between different apps. We cover over 5,000 hotels and flights in more than 45 cities across China!

In addition, Trip.com offers you great deals through its over 3,000 partners across China, helping you save a significant amount on your travel expenses. Both iOS and Android versions are available for download - definitely worth adding to your treasure trove of China travel.

How to Pay with Alipay in China For Transport

Alipay for Transport in China​

Alipay has also been widely used in China's transportation system:

• Subways and buses: In many cities, subways and buses can be boarded by scanning a code with Alipay. At the entrance of the station, open Alipay, click on "Ride Code", and scan the QR code on the turnstile to enter and exit.
• Taking a taxi: You can directly pay the taxi fare using Alipay. Open Alipay, select the "Taxi" function, choose the taxi you want to take and complete the payment.
• Shared bikes: When using a shared bike, open Alipay and scan the QR code on the bike. After entering the deposit or rental fee, you can start riding.

Alipay vs. WeChat Pay: Which is easier for Foreigners?

Source from Marketing Agency in China

Alipay and wechat Pay are the two major mainstream payment platforms in China. When foreigners choose between the two, they can decide based on their own usage habits:

• Alipay: Alipay is frequently used in tourist attractions, shopping malls and convenience stores in China, especially for foreign tourists. Alipay has a higher level of support and internationalization. The tap-to-pay feature is available on Alipay, but not on WeChat Pay.
• Wechat Pay: wechat Pay is more suitable for people who have been living in China for a long time. It is closely integrated with the wechat social platform and is suitable for daily social interaction and payment.

For short-term tourists, Alipay may be more convenient as it offers broader support in the tourism industry and among foreign merchants. Moreover, the interface of Alipay is more concise and the operation is relatively simple.

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