How to Set Up Alipay with a Foreign Card (2026)

Two Main Options: Tour Pass vs. Full Account

First, decide which type of Alipay account you need. Here’s a quick comparison:

| Feature | Tour Pass (TourCard) | Full Alipay Account | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Best For | Short-term tourists & visitors | Students, expats, long-term residents | | Setup Time | ~2 minutes | 10-15 minutes | | ID Required | Passport scan | Passport + Chinese phone number | | Spending Limit | ¥10,000 (total top-up) | Much higher, varies with verification | | Validity Period | 90 days from activation | Permanent | | Top-Up Method | International debit/credit card | Chinese bank card, int'l cards (fees may apply), friends | | Key Limitation | Cannot receive money; expires | Requires local SIM for full features |

💡 Quick Tip: If you're staying less than 3 months, Tour Pass is likely your best bet. For anyone studying, working, or living in China, the Full Account is worth the setup effort.

How to Set Up Tour Pass (TourCard)

This is the fastest way to start paying.

1. Download & Open: Get the Alipay app from your phone's app store. Open it and tap "Sign Up."
2. Use Your Phone Number: Enter your home country mobile number. You'll receive a verification code.
3. Find TourCard: In the app's search bar (at the top), type "TourCard" and select the official mini-program.
4. Verify Your Identity: Follow the prompts to scan your passport photo page. The system uses automated verification.
5. Top Up & Activate: Agree to the terms, enter an amount (e.g., ¥500), and pay with your international Visa, Mastercard, or JCB. A small service fee applies (around 5%).
6. You're Ready! The money loads onto your TourCard balance. You can now scan QR codes to pay.

⚠️ Warning: The Tour Pass balance expires after 90 days. Any remaining funds will be refunded, but the process can take weeks. Try to spend it all before you leave.

How to Set Up a Full Alipay Account

This unlocks all features and is essential for daily life in China.

1. Get a Chinese Phone Number: This is the most crucial step. You need a local SIM card for SMS verification. Here's our detailed guide on getting a SIM card in China.
2. Download & Register: Install Alipay and sign up using your new Chinese phone number.
3. Complete Identity Verification: Go to Me (我) > Settings (设置) > Account & Security (账户与安全) > Real-Name Verification (实名认证). Scan your passport as instructed.
4. Add a Payment Method (Crucial):
   • Best Option: Link a Chinese bank card (e.g., from ICBC, Bank of China). You'll need your passport and a Chinese phone number to open a bank account.
   • Alternative: You can add an international credit/debit card (Visa, Mastercard) under Me > Bank Cards (银行卡). It works in many places but not for all services like transferring money to friends.
5. Set a Payment Password: You'll create a 6-digit password used to confirm all transactions.

✅ Why it's better for students/expats: You can receive money (e.g., from a part-time job or friends splitting bills), pay utility bills, book train tickets directly, and enjoy higher transaction limits.

Where Can You Use Alipay?

Once set up, you can pay with Alipay almost everywhere by scanning a QR code (扫码 sǎomǎ):

• Daily Life: Restaurants (饭店 fàndiàn), coffee shops, supermarkets, convenience stores (便利店 biànlìdiàn like FamilyMart), street food vendors.
• Transportation: Taxis (滴滴 Didi), subways and buses (via local transit QR codes in Alipay), bike-sharing (哈啰 Hello Bike).
• Shopping: All major online platforms, especially Taobao (淘宝). Alipay is the default and preferred payment method on Taobao and Tmall.
• Services: Booking high-speed train tickets (火车票 huǒchēpiào) via the app, paying for mobile phone bills, electricity, and water.

💡 Final Pro Tips:

• Always ensure your phone has data or is connected to WiFi when paying.
• For a Full Account, use the "Scan (扫一扫)" function to pay merchants, and the "Pay/Collect (付/收钱)" function to transfer money to friends.
• Keep your passport handy during initial setup and when opening a bank account.
• If your Tour Pass expires, you can simply apply for a new one if you're still in the country.