How to Use Alipay in China: A Complete Guide for International Students

Using Alipay in China is easier than most newcomers expect — you can set it up with an international card in about ten minutes. This step-by-step guide covers registration, verification and everyday payments.

Last reviewed: September 2026 · Part of our Arrival & Settling In guide series.

• Paying in restaurants and shops
• Taking public transportation
• Ordering food
• Calling taxis
• Buying train tickets
• Paying bills
• Accessing city services

For international students, setting up Alipay early can make everyday life much easier. This guide explains how to create an Alipay account, connect payment methods, and use the most important features during your study experience in China.

Why International Students Need Alipay in China

Alipay is one of China’s largest mobile payment platforms. In daily life, many businesses use QR-code payments instead of traditional card terminals. You may use Alipay at:

• University cafeterias
• Convenience stores
• Supermarkets
• Restaurants
• Shopping malls
• Taxi services
• Public transportation

For international users, Alipay has introduced more support for overseas users, including passport verification and international bank card connections.

Before Setting Up Alipay: What You Need

Prepare the following:

1. Smartphone

Alipay is available on:

• iOS
• Android

Download it from:

• Apple App Store
• Google Play Store

2. Mobile Number

You can register with:

• International phone number
• Chinese mobile number

However, once you arrive in China, having a Chinese SIM card will make many services easier. A Chinese phone number is commonly needed for:

• Bank accounts
• University communication
• Online services

3. Passport

International students normally need passport information for identity verification. Prepare:

• Passport
• Visa information
• Residence registration documents (if required)

Step 1: Download and Create Your Alipay Account

Download the App

Search: Alipay
The official app icon is blue with a white logo. Open the app and select: Sign Up / Register
Choose your country or region. Enter:

• Phone number
• Verification code

After registration, you will have an Alipay account. However, payment functions require additional setup.

Step 2: Change Alipay Language to English

If the app appears in Chinese: Go to:

Using English mode can help international students understand important functions.

Step 3: Complete Identity Verification

Note: verification requirements, accepted documents and supported international cards change. If a step fails, Alipay’s in-app help centre is the current authority — check there before trying workarounds.

To unlock more features, complete identity verification. Usually you need:

1. Open Account settings
2. Select identity verification
3. Choose passport verification
4. Upload passport information
5. Complete facial verification

Identity verification helps improve account security and access payment functions.

Step 4: Add a Payment Method

There are two common options.

Option 1: Link an International Bank Card

Many international students can connect overseas cards. Supported cards may include:

• Visa
• Mastercard
• JCB
• Other supported international cards

The exact availability depends on Alipay’s current service conditions and your card issuer. Advantages:

• Easy before arrival
• No Chinese bank account required initially
• Useful during the first days in China

Suitable for:

• New students
• Short-term exchange students
• Students who have not opened a Chinese bank account yet

Option 2: Link a Chinese Bank Card

After arriving in China, many students open a local bank account. Common banks:

• Bank of China
• ICBC
• China Construction Bank
• Agricultural Bank of China

A Chinese bank account is useful for:

• Receiving scholarships
• Paying rent
• Managing daily expenses

After getting your bank card: Open:

Follow the instructions to connect your card.

How to Pay With Alipay

There are two main payment methods.

Method 1: Scan Merchant QR Code

Many shops display a payment QR code. Example: Restaurant counter:

Common places:

• Restaurants
• Convenience stores
• Markets
• Campus shops

Method 2: Show Your Payment QR Code

You can also let merchants scan your payment code. Open:

Show the QR code. The merchant scans it. Payment completes instantly.

Useful Alipay Features for Students

Alipay is more than a payment app.

1. Public Transportation

Many cities provide transportation services inside Alipay. You can use it for:

• Subway
• Bus
• Local transportation cards

Search inside Alipay:

or

2. DiDi Taxi

Alipay includes access to ride-hailing services. Useful when:

• Arriving at the airport
• Carrying luggage
• Traveling late

You can search:

inside Alipay.

3. Food Delivery

Many students use Alipay to access:

• Meituan
• Ele.me

You can order:

• Meals
• Drinks
• Daily necessities

4. Train Tickets

You can access railway services through Alipay mini programs. Useful for:

• Weekend travel
• City trips
• Holiday transportation

For frequent travelers, the official railway app 12306 is also recommended.

5. Paying Bills

Depending on your city, Alipay can help with:

• Mobile phone bills
• Utilities
• Other local services

Common Problems International Students May Experience

Problem 1: My Foreign Card Cannot Be Added

Possible reasons:

• Bank restrictions
• Card type not supported
• Incorrect information

Solutions: Try:

• Contacting your bank
• Using another international card
• Opening a Chinese bank account after arrival

Problem 2: Payment Failed

Check:

• Internet connection
• Card balance
• Verification status
• Payment limits

Keep a small amount of cash as backup during your first weeks.

Problem 3: My Name Does Not Match

Passport names can sometimes create verification issues. Make sure:

• Your information matches your passport
• Your university documents use consistent information

Alipay Tips for New International Students

Set It Up Before Arrival

Do not wait until you arrive at the airport. Complete: ✅ Download app
✅ Create account
✅ Verify identity
✅ Add payment method

Keep Some RMB Cash

Although mobile payment is extremely common, keeping some cash is still useful for emergencies.

Learn Basic Chinese Payment Words

Useful terms:

Chinese	Meaning
支付	Payment
付款码	Payment QR code
扫一扫	Scan
余额	Balance
银行卡	Bank card
添加银行卡	Add bank card

Frequently Asked Questions

Can international students use Alipay without a Chinese bank account?

Yes, many international users can start by linking eligible international cards. However, having a Chinese bank account can provide more functions for long-term students.

Do I need a Chinese phone number for Alipay?

You can register with an international phone number, but a Chinese number is highly recommended for living in China.

Is Alipay better than cash?

For daily life in China, mobile payment is usually more convenient. However, carrying some cash is still recommended as backup.

Should I also install WeChat Pay?

Yes. Most international students use both: Alipay
→ payments, transportation, services
WeChat
→ communication, university groups, social payments

Final Thoughts

Learning Alipay is one of the first steps toward adapting to life in China. Once it is properly set up, many daily activities become simple:

• Buying food
• Taking transportation
• Shopping
• Traveling
• Paying bills

For international students, mastering Alipay means becoming more independent and comfortable in China.

Official resources: Alipay Global — official guides for linking international cards.

Sources

• Alipay (official site) — account registration, verification and international card support (accessed 2026-09)
• People’s Bank of China — regulation of non-bank payment institutions and wallet limits (accessed 2026-09)

Disclaimer: Rules, prices and platform features in China change frequently and can vary by city, institution and individual circumstances. Always confirm with the relevant authority or provider before making arrangements.