Overview

Alipay is China’s most popular mobile payment platform. In 2026, foreign travelers can now directly bind international credit/debit cards to Alipay without needing a Chinese bank account. For those who prefer prepaid options, TourCard (the successor to Tour Pass) provides an alternative.

:::info 2026 Update: The old “Tour Pass” has been replaced by TourCard. However, direct card binding is now the recommended method for most travelers due to lower fees. :::

Dois Metodos de Pagamento Comparados

Method 1: Direct Card Binding (Recommended)

Supported Cards

• ✅ Visa
• ✅ Mastercard
• ✅ American Express
• ✅ JCB
• ✅ Discover
• ✅ Diners Club

Step-by-Step Setup

1. Download Alipay

   • iOS: App Store
   • Android: Google Play or Alipay official website

2. Select Language

   • Switch to “International Version” in settings

3. Register Account

   • Use your international phone number (+1, +44, etc.)
   • Receive and enter SMS verification code

4. Verify Identity (Real-Name)

   • Go to “Me” → “Authenticate Identity”
   • Upload passport photo (photo page)
   • Complete face verification scan
   • Wait 1-5 minutes for approval

5. Link Card

   • Go to “Me” → “Bank Cards” → “Add Card”
   • Enter card details
   • Complete 3D Secure verification with your bank
   • Card ready in minutes

Transaction Fees (2026)

:::tip Cost-Saving Tip: Split large purchases into multiple payments under ¥200 to avoid the 3% fee. Example: ¥600 purchase → 3x ¥200 = ¥0 fees instead of ¥18. :::

Transaction Limits (After Passport Verification)

What You CAN Do

• ✅ Pay at any merchant accepting Alipay (99% of stores in major cities)
• ✅ Use Transport QR code for metro and buses
• ✅ Book Didi rides
• ✅ Order food delivery (Meituan, Ele.me)
• ✅ Pay for tickets (tourist attractions, movies)
• ✅ Online shopping

What You CANNOT Do

• ❌ Peer-to-peer transfers (red packets to friends)
• ❌ Withdraw cash
• ❌ Purchase financial products
• ❌ Use in Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan

Method 2: TourCard (Prepaid Option)

TourCard is a prepaid virtual card issued by Bank of Shanghai, accessible via Alipay mini-program. Use this if direct card binding fails or you need features requiring a local card.

Step-by-Step Setup

1. After identity verification, search “TourCard” in Alipay
2. Open the TourCard mini-program
3. Submit passport details (name, number, DOB, expiry)
4. Link international card for top-ups
5. Top up ¥100-10,000 (5% fee per top-up)

TourCard Fees

Using Alipay

QR Code Payments

Scan Merchant QR:

1. Open Alipay → tap “Scan” (top right)
2. Scan merchant’s QR code
3. Enter amount → confirm
4. Payment complete!

Show Your QR (Merchant Scans):

1. Go to “Pay” on home screen
2. Show QR code to merchant
3. Merchant enters amount
4. Confirm with password or Face ID

Transport Code

For metro and buses, use the Transport QR:

1. “Pay” → “Transport”
2. Select your city
3. Activate city-specific code
4. Show code at metro gates or to bus driver

Troubleshooting

Card Linking Fails

Solutions:

1. Verify your bank allows international transactions
2. Contact your bank to enable “overseas online payments”
3. Try a different card (Visa/Mastercard have highest success rate)
4. Use TourCard as fallback

Payment Declined

Common causes:

• Bank blocked transaction (suspected fraud) → Contact bank, try again
• Exceeded daily limit → Wait until next day or verify identity
• Merchant doesn’t accept foreign cards → Use TourCard or cash

App Not Working

• Update to latest Alipay version
• Check internet connection (VPN may help abroad)
• Clear app cache and restart

Pro Tips

• Do verification BEFORE arrival - Complete passport verification at home with stable internet
• Keep backup cards - Link two cards in case one fails
• Carry ¥200-500 cash - For emergencies and small vendors
• Notify your bank - Tell them you’ll be in China to avoid fraud blocks
• Save merchant QR codes - Screenshot for repeat visits
• Monitor limits - Set calendar reminders if near limit

Comparison: Alipay vs WeChat Pay

Related Guides

• WeChat Pay for Tourists
• Cash and ATMs in China
• First-Hour Survival Guide
• Essential Apps in China