How to Set Up Alipay

Outside of WeChat itself, Alipay is among the most popular and useful Chinese apps you could have. Not only can you use Alipay to make your life easier in China, but now you can also use Alipay in select countries and stores abroad as well! Here you can find out how to set up Alipay to get takeout, top up your phone, pay your bills, book travel tickets, and so much more!

In this article, we will take you through how to set up Alipay. (You might want to set up WeChat Pay as well.)

All you need is:

1. Your passport
2. a phone number
3. and a Chinese bank account (registered under your Chinese phone number)
   -OR-
   a foreign credit card

Setting up Alipay can be done in three easy steps:

How to Set Up Alipay with a Chinese Bank Card

Step 1: Set Up Alipay

Download the Alipay app. Input your phone number. You will receive a verification code via text message. If you are prompted with a User Agreement, click “Accept” (同意).

If your Alipay is in Chinese, you can switch it to English if you prefer. Simply go to 我的 (Me),

then click on 通用 (General).

Finally, select 多语言 (More Languages).

Step 2: Add a Card

In Alipay, go to the “Me” section. Select “Bank Cards” from the list of options.

Click “Add bank card”. Input your bank card number.

Input all the required information. Make sure you input your name exactly as it appears on your bank records!

You will then receive a verification code via text message. You can then set your six-digit Alipay payment password.

Step 3: Go Shopping

That’s it, you’re all done!

How to Set Up Alipay with an International Card

There are two ways to use international cards with Alipay: by linking your Mastercard to your Alipay account or use Alipay's Tour Card mini-program.

Method 1: Paying directly with International Cards through Alipay

According to Ant Group, Alipay's parent company, Alipay will support all major international bank cards such as Visa, Mastercard, Diners Club International, and Discover in the near future.

However, at the time of writing, it seems like only Mastercard cards can be directly linked to your Alipay account.

To connect your MasterCard to your Alipay, follow the same steps for adding Chinese Bank cards to Alipay as mentioned above. Once you've successfully added your MasterCard to your Alipay, you will be able to pay like a local and have your purchases directly charged to your card without needing to top up your Alipay wallet.

Method 2: Paying with International Cards through Alipay's Tour Card

Another alternative to using Alipay with credit cards is via Alipay's Tour Card mini program. Tour Card, the revamped version of the old Tour Pass, is a mini app within Alipay that allows foreign users to obtain a digital bank card from the Bank of Shanghai which could be topped up with their international debit or credit card.

In order to use Alipay with an international card, you will need to download the international version of the app.

Step 1: Search Tour Card

If the Tour Card option does not appear on your Alipay home screen, you can find it under “More” or simply search for it in the search bar.

Open Tour Card.

Click "Enter"

Step 2: Verify your information

Click on " Use Now"

Follow the prompts on the page to verify your personal info. You will be asked to provide your name, overseas address and phone number, and upload a photo of your passport information page and a selfie for verification purposes.

Step 3: Top Up Your Virtual Card

Select the amount you wish to load. Currently, Tour Card only supports VISA, MasterCard, Diners Club International, and JCB. It will support American Express in the future.

Your digital card is only valid for a period of 180 days. Each user may top up their virtual card with a maximum amount of 10,000RMB. Once you reach this limit, you won't be able to top up your card further within this period; you'd have to wait until the 180 days elapse, cancel your expired virtual card, and apply for a new digital card in order to top up again.

Lastly, a 5% charge would be applied for each top up, meaning you will be charged an additional 500RMB when topping up your virtual card with 10,000RMB.

Step 4: Go Shopping

That’s it, you’re all done! You can now pay with your Tour Card QR code.

Important Information about Alipay Tour Pass

Note that the Tour Card is valid for 180 days, with a maximum of 10,000RMB for the 180-day period. This may not be ideal, however it's a huge improvement compared to the 2000RMB limit for a 90-day period under the old Tour Pass.

At the end of the 180-day period, any unused funds will be returned to your international card. The Tour Pass function does not allow transfers to friends (see Method 1, 2 and 4 under “Ways to Pay” below).

How to Pay with Alipay?

1. Scan the QR Code

If a vendor offers a payment QR for you to scan, simply open Alipay and click “Scan” at the top.

2. Payment Code

Stores or restaurants will occasionally scan your payment QR code instead. To access this QR, click “Pay” at the top of your Alipay.

3. Transfer to a Friend

Click on “Transfer”.

Choose either “To Alipay Account” or “To Bank Card”. Enter the relevant information, set the amount you wish to send, and click “Confirm”.

4. In-app Mini-Programs

Book flights, buy movie tickets, top up your cell phone, and more!

Fair warning: most of these mini-programs are in Chinese.

5. Online

If you have Alipay, it will automatically connect to Taobao. Download Taobao and input your phone number (use the same number you used for Alipay). You will get an authentication code via text message. After that, you are ready to shop, shop, shop! Your payment password for Taobao is the same as for Alipay.

Can foreigners use Alipay?

Yes, foreigners can set up an Alipay account and use it to pay for things. You can simply use the passport linked to your bank account when registering for your Alipay account.

Can I use Alipay without a Chinese Bank Card?

Yes, Alipay accepts several International bank cards. If you want to create an Alipay account without a Chinese bank card, simply follow these steps.

We wish you luck with your new Alipay account! If you have more questions about China or the Chinese language, sign up for Chinese classes.

About the Author

Eden has been learning Chinese since 2008. She fell in love with the language, food, and culture and never looked back! Eden lived in China for six years, including in Harbin, Beijing, and Dali.