Hey travelers! If you’re planning a trip to China, there’s some exciting news.
China’s new visa exemption policy is set to make your journey smoother and more enjoyable, but there’s one thing you need to know: China is a largely cashless society.
In this post, we’ll guide you through setting up an Alipay account for foreigners, so you can easily make payments and shop during your stay.
Alipay facilitates online payments, making it easier for foreign visitors to handle transactions without cash. Alipay is one of the most popular mobile payment methods in China, and having it set up before you go will make your trip much more convenient.
Why Alipay is Important for Mobile Payments
In China, cash is becoming a thing of the past. Most transactions are done through mobile payments, and Alipay is at the forefront. Imagine not having to worry about carrying cash or dealing with small change.
Alipay is essential for foreigners because many services—like hotel reservations, booking tickets, calling a cab, or ordering food—are handled online. Without Alipay or WeChat Pay, you might find yourself in a pinch. Trust us, setting up Alipay will make your life in China so much easier, allowing you to navigate the digital landscape effortlessly.
How to Sign Up for Alipay
Install the App: First, download the Alipay app from the Google Play Store or Apple Store. This is your gateway to seamless transactions in China.
Open Alipay: Once installed, open the app and agree to the privacy policy. This step is straightforward but crucial.
Login Options: You can log in using your phone number, Taobao account, or email. If you don’t have an account, click on “Sign Up.”
Sign Up: Choose to sign up with your email or phone number. Alipay for foreigners offers multiple options to make the process easy.
Personal Information: Enter your name, email, phone number, passport, and bank account or bank card information. This is for real-name verification and anti-money laundering compliance.
Verification Code: Alipay will send a code to your email. Enter this code to verify your account.
Complete Registration: Select your country based on your passport, and you’re all set. Close any unnecessary pop-ups and your Alipay account is ready to use.
Add Bank Card: Alipay accepts international bank cards, making it convenient for foreigners to link their existing accounts.
Adding International Bank Card
Add International Bank Card: Alipay accepts international cards like Visa, MasterCard, and others. While Alipay accepts transactions from major international card networks, topping up the account balance is only possible with a Chinese bank account. Adding your bank card allows you to enjoy seamless online and offline payments.
Open ‘Pay/Receive’, you will see your payment QR code; click default payment method, scroll down to the bottom and click ‘Add Bank’ Card.
Set Username and Password: For added security, set up a username and password. This also makes it easier for others to transfer money to you.
Using Alipay to Pay Things in China
One of the best features of Alipay for foreigners is its built-in translation tool. If you don’t understand Chinese, this feature will translate the app’s content to English, making it much easier to navigate.
Simply go to settings, click on “General,” and turn on the “Translation Tool.”
Alipay payments can be made in Chinese yuan, ensuring smooth transactions for both online and offline purchases.
Two ways to make payment using Alipay account: merchants scan your QR code; you scan the merchant’s QR code:
If merchant scans your code, open ‘Pay/Collect’ tab on top of Alipay account; select your preferred mobile payment method (the card you just linked in the above section); Put your QR code above the scanning tool; Waiting for about 2 seconds…. hooray, payment successful and it is in Chinese yuan!
If you scan merchant’s code, open your Alipay account and click ‘Scan’, wait for 3 seconds for processing; Select your credit or debit card;
Final Tips
If, for some reason, you find it challenging to use both Alipay and WeChat Pay while visiting China, it’s wise to have enough small cash on hand. Some places might still accept cash, but it’s rare. Preparing small bills can save you in a pinch, and remember, having Alipay set up can transform your travel experience, making it hassle-free.
Overseas travelers should also consider linking their overseas bank cards to Alipay for added convenience. For more insights or services related to the Chinese market, feel free to reach out.
Enjoy your trip and make the most of your time in China!