Get Alipay ready in 7 steps
Download, card and passport, with your progress saved.
- Step 1Download Alipay
From your phone app store. It is free.
iPhone 
Android Scan it with your phone camera.
- Step 2Sign up at home with your number
The code arrives by SMS to your usual number, so do it before you leave. Choose a 6-digit payment code you will remember.
- Step 3Switch it to English
If it opens in Chinese, change the language like this.
Account›Settings›General›Language - Step 4Add your physical card
A physical Visa or Mastercard, with the name exactly as printed. Virtual cards often fail. Tell your bank you will pay in China.
Account›Bank Cards›Add Card - Step 5Verify your passport
A photo of your passport and a selfie. It can take up to 3 days, do it early. Without it you can still pay, with lower limits.
Account›Identity Verification - Step 6When you land, turn on the transport code
At the top of the home screen tap Transport, pick your city and pass the metro gate with your phone.
Transport - Step 7Make a first small payment
A bottle of water in a shop. Up to 200 yuan there is no fee, above that usually 3%.
- Card declined. Call your bank, it is almost always their security block.
- Still failing. Try another physical card, Visa often works best.
- A stall will not take your payment. Always carry some cash.
Checked on 12 October 2026. We review it every week.
Frequently asked questions
How do I set up Alipay?
Download it at home, sign up with your phone number, add your Visa or Mastercard and verify your passport with a photo and a selfie. When you arrive, make a small test payment first.
Do I need WeChat Pay too?
It is a good backup. It also takes foreign cards, and some small places only use WeChat. Install it and add your card before you go.
Are there fees?
Payments up to 200 yuan, about €27, are free. Above that, there is a 3% fee on the whole amount. Your bank may also charge for currency exchange, so a card with no foreign fees saves money.
Should I bring cash?
Yes, about 500 yuan, around €65, for small places or if your phone fails. Bank of China ATMs usually take Visa and Mastercard.
Should I tip?
Tipping is not customary. You do not tip in restaurants or taxis. On private tours some guides appreciate it, but it is optional.
Can I pay by card directly?
In big hotels, malls and some chains, yes. Almost everywhere else you pay by QR code. That is why Alipay is the first thing to set up.
