Alipay (International) — Set Up, Cards, Tour Card & Tips

Alipay is one of China’s most-used payment apps. Visitors can use the app’s International Version to pay by scanning QRs at most merchants, ride the metro, and buy tickets—without a mainland bank account. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Quick Start — International Version

Linking International Bank Cards

Alipay supports linking many international cards (e.g., Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Discover, Diners Club), and in 2025 American Express was added for global cardholders—handy for tourists and students. Availability and limits can vary by region and issuer. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

• Where to add: Me → Wallet/Money → Bank Cards → Add.
• Name match: Cardholder name must match your verified passport details. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
• Backups: Add two different cards if possible; issuers sometimes block first-time China transactions. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

Tour Card (Prepaid Mini-App) — Optional

If your card won’t link, you can use Alipay’s Tour Card (also called Tour Pass/TourCard), a reloadable prepaid option inside the app. It requires passport verification and a top-up via card, then works like a local wallet; note that top-up fees may apply. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

Where & How You’ll Use It

• Scan to pay at shops, restaurants, attractions, and many vending machines.
• Transit & tickets: Use Ride Code (乘车码) for metro/bus and buy train/attraction tickets within mini programs. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
• E-receipts/fapiao: Many merchants offer e-invoices through Alipay or a separate mini-program—follow the in-app prompts.

Fees, Limits & Practical Notes

Troubleshooting (Quick Fixes)

• Can’t add card: Re-check passport name match, try a different network/VPN off, or use another card brand. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
• Payment declined: Verify in-app limits and ask your bank to allow China transactions. Add a second card as backup. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
• Code won’t scan: Refresh the QR, increase brightness, or try another gate/reader.
• No card? Use Tour Card: Search “Tour Card” mini-app and top up after passport verification (fees may apply). :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}

Safety & Etiquette

• Confirm the merchant name and amount before paying.
• Never share your Pay PIN or SMS codes; Alipay staff won’t ask for them.
• Set spend alerts and review your transaction list regularly.

Useful Vocabulary

• 支付宝 (Zhīfùbǎo) — Alipay
• 国际版 — International Version
• 绑定银行卡 — link bank card
• 乘车码 — ride code (transit QR)
• 电子发票 — e-invoice
• 充值 — top up (Tour Card)

FAQ — Alipay (International)

Do I need a Chinese phone number?
Not strictly, but a stable mobile number helps for verification and recovery. Policies vary—follow the in-app prompts. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}

Can I use American Express?
Yes—since early 2025, Amex cardholders can link cards to Alipay for payments across mainland China (subject to issuer settings). :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}

What if my card still fails?
Try another brand/network, contact your bank, or switch to the in-app Tour Card prepaid option. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}