Alipay - Mobile Payment for Tourists
Alipay is the most accepted mobile payment option and is widely used across cities and tourist areas.
Quick answer
Alipay lets visitors pay almost everywhere by linking a foreign card and using QR-based payments.
Why Alipay is essential
Alipay is accepted at restaurants, shops, transport hubs, and tourist attractions. It is often the easiest payment method for visitors.
The app also includes mini programs for taxis, metro tickets, and utility payments.
Linking a foreign card
Add your passport details and a supported card inside the app. Verification may include a small authorization charge.
Complete the setup before you travel, and test it with a low-value purchase to confirm it works.
- Use your passport for verification
- Confirm supported card types
- Test a small transaction
Daily payment flow
Open the app, tap pay, and present the QR code to the merchant. In some cases you will scan the merchant code instead.
Keep your phone charged because payment is almost entirely mobile-first.