This guide is based on the AliPay setup I have done in March 2025 for my mum (this is important, since I already see a difference in the process compared to July 2023 when we first set up AliPay before our first trip)
If you already have WeChat set up, you might be wondering: do I really need AliPay? But I can assure you that having both is a smart choice.
While there is some overlap in the capabilities of both apps, each of them offers unique features that are not always available on the other.
And, guaranteed that from time to time one of them might not work, it is smart to have both of them installed and set up before your trip.
In this post I will guide you through the most important features and show you how to set up AliPay — make sure you do it before arrival!
Table of Contents
What is AliPay and why do you need it in China?
Alipay (支付宝 or Zhifubao in Chinese) is one of China's dominant mobile payment platforms, developed by Alibaba Group.
Launched in 2004 as a solution for secure online payments, it has evolved into a comprehensive financial ecosystem used by over 1 billion people in China.
While WeChat Pay dominates social-centered payments, Alipay remains the leader in financial services and e-commerce transactions.
Payment Market Leader
Alipay handles over 50% of China's third-party mobile payments, making it impossible to ignore for travelers. In many regions, especially areas with strong Alibaba influence, Alipay is more widely accepted than WeChat Pay.
Dedicated Tourist Solution
Unlike WeChat, Alipay has created a specific "Tour Pass" feature designed exclusively for foreign visitors, making it often easier for short-term travelers to use without Chinese bank accounts.
E-commerce Integration
If you plan to shop on Taobao, Tmall, or other Alibaba-owned platforms during your stay, Alipay provides seamless integration and often exclusive discounts and promotions.
Financial Services Hub
Beyond simple payments, Alipay offers money management, currency exchange, and other financial services that can be valuable for longer stays or frequent visitors to China.
Most Important Features
From my own experience, I have seen we have been using WeChat much more than AliPay.
Many of the features overlap — payments, mini programs, even messaging. However there are some situations where AliPay is either required, or better suited to do the job.
Transportation
Not that long ago, AliPay opened transportation functionality to foreigners. Once set up, you can scan the QR codes when entering the metro or a bus just as locals do — it is a huge improvement from queueing for the machines to get tickets, and often faced with the process not working without a Chinese ID.
I have described in detail how to use AliPay for buing public transport tickets here:
Magda Sawyer
Built-in translations
In AliPay, not only is the interface in English (same as WeChat), but there is also a translate function. This is useful when buying attraction tickets, because sometimes the native interface is in Mandarin, but you can seemlessly go through the purchace process because everything can be translated in English. I can tell you, it is very useful.
Step-by-step Set Up
Below you can find screenshots of all steps required to set up AliPay, including payments.
If you only want to use it for mobile payments and messaging, you don‘t need to verify your identity. However, you do need an ID check above a certain limit.
As you can see, up to 15,000 RMB (2000$), you don‘t need to provide any ID verification, however above this limit you will need to finish and ID check using your passport.
FAQ
Q: Is Alipay or WeChat Pay better for tourists in China?
A: Both have advantages. Alipay's Tour Pass feature is specifically designed for foreigners, making it slightly easier to set up without a Chinese bank account. However, WeChat may be more useful for overall communication. Many travelers use both – Alipay primarily for payments and WeChat for communication and social features.
Q: What if I need more than 15,000 RMB during my trip?
A: Up to 15,000 RMB you don‘t need to do an ID check — it is enough to add your international card. However, above that limit you will have to complete an ID check and you are good to go again.
Q: Do I need a Chinese phone number to use Alipay?
A: No, you can configure AliPay for paymentwith your foreign phone number, however some functionalities may require a local SIM card.
Q: What happens if my payment is declined or doesn't go through?
A: Always have a backup payment method. While Alipay is widely accepted, technical issues can occur. Carry some cash and configure WeChat as alternatives.
Q: Is Alipay safe for foreigners to use?
A: Yes, Alipay uses advanced encryption and security measures. Set up a strong payment password and enable biometric verification for added security. As with any financial app, be cautious on public WiFi networks and keep your phone secure.
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