Created in 2004 by Ant Financial (an Alibaba subsidiary), Alipay has revolutionized financial transactions in China, where cash is becoming increasingly rare. Today, the app is expanding internationally, and foreign travelers can even use it without a Chinese bank account.
In this practical guide, we explain:
- How Alipay works and who can use it,
- How to download the app and create an account as a foreigner,
- What advantages it has over conventional means of payment.
Whether you are planning a trip to China or are simply curious about fintech innovations, Alipay is a key player to know.
1. What Is Alipay?
Alipay (支付宝, Zhīfùbǎo) is China's leading mobile payment service, launched in 2004 by Alibaba Group to secure transactions on its e-commerce platform. Now run by Ant Group, it has more than 1.3 billion users, mainly in China, but also in several Asian countries and at many international tourist sites.
These payment solutions have revolutionized the behavior of Chinese customers.
Alipay holds 54% of the mobile payment market in China, ahead of WeChat Pay (40%).
Main features:
✔ Online and in-store payments (via QR code)
✔ Money transfers (between individuals or to bank accounts)
✔ Bill payment (electricity, water, phone)
✔ Service bookings (taxis, train tickets, hotels)
✔ Financial management (savings, investments, insurance)
✔ Social credit system (Sesame Credit) for Chinese users
Why Is Alipay So Popular?
- An alternative to cash: In China, digital payments dominate (90% of transactions in cities).
- Enhanced security: Data encryption, two-step verification and fraud insurance.
- Bonuses and discounts: Frequent promotions with partners (restaurants, online stores).
Alipay is not just a payment app, it is a complete financial ecosystem built into everyday life in China.
2. How Does Alipay Work?
Alipay turns electronic payment into a simple, secure experience thanks to its innovative technology. Here is how it works:
The Heart of the System: QR Codes
Alipay uses QR codes in two ways:
- To pay: The customer scans the merchant's code, enters the amount and confirms with a fingerprint or password.
- To receive: The seller scans the code generated by the customer's app.
This method removes the need for a payment terminal, which is particularly practical for small businesses.
Connecting Payment Methods
The app accepts several options:
- Chinese UnionPay bank cards
- International Visa/Mastercard cards (available since 2021)
- The "Tour Pass" system, which lets you preload a balance without a local account
Beyond Payments
Alipay has grown into a multifunctional platform offering:
- Money transfers between individuals through the messaging app
- Bill payment (utilities, phone)
- Booking of transport and leisure (ticket purchases)
- Personal finance management
Enhanced Security = Secure Payment
The system includes several layers of protection:
- Two-factor authentication (SMS + biometrics)
- Real-time transaction monitoring
- Fraud guarantee
Example of use:
In a restaurant, the waiter presents a QR code to scan. After confirmation by facial recognition, the payment goes through instantly, without physical contact. Collecting customer payments has never been so simple.
Why it works:
- Speed (a transaction in 3 seconds)
- Universality (accepted by 80% of Chinese shops)
- Flexibility (no need for exact change)
- Easy payment processing
3. Who Uses Alipay?
Alipay has become the go-to digital wallet in China, with adoption across all segments of society and now extending onto the international stage.
In China, nearly 90% of consumers in cities such as Shanghai or Beijing use Alipay and digital payment for their daily transactions, whether buying a coffee at Starbucks, paying for a Didi taxi or settling their electricity bills.
The mobile app has won over all generations, from young online shoppers to seniors who use it to send money to their grandchildren at Chinese New Year. During major events such as Taobao's Singles' Day (November 11), Alipay records impressive figures: in 2022, no fewer than 1.48 billion transactions were processed in just 24 hours.
Chinese merchants, from major international retailers such as Galeries Lafayette to modest street stalls, are just as dependent on payment apps and QR code payments.
More than 80 million merchants now accept it, attracted by its competitive transaction fees and built-in management tools. Even street vendors at night markets now display their Alipay QR code next to their products.
For foreign travelers, Alipay has developed practical solutions such as the "Tour Pass" feature, which lets you preload up to 10,000 RMB (about €1,300) with an international bank card. This innovation, combined with the service's gradual expansion in tourist areas around the world (from Parisian department stores to duty-free shops in Dubai), makes it an increasingly useful travel companion.
Alipay's influence now extends beyond China's borders thanks to strategic partnerships with local payment services in Asia, such as GrabPay in Malaysia and KakaoPay in South Korea. Although adoption remains modest in Europe and North America, its presence in stores frequented by Chinese tourists continues to grow year after year.
4. How to Download and Install the Alipay App?
Getting Alipay on your smartphone is a simple process, but it requires a few precautions for users outside China. Here is the complete procedure:
Step 1: Download the App
Alipay is available on:
- App Store (iOS): Search for "Alipay" and check that the publisher is "Ant Group"
- Google Play (Android): Make the same check to avoid counterfeits
Important tip: Make sure you download the international version (in English/Chinese) and not "AlipayHK" or other regional versions.
Step 2: Install and Set Up
After downloading:
- Open the app and select the language (English is available)
- Accept the terms of use
- The app will automatically detect your region
Step 3: Create Your Account
For foreign users:
- Choose the "Registration for international visitors" option
- Enter your (international) phone number
- Confirm with the SMS code you receive
- Complete your profile with your personal information
Step 4: Link a Payment Method
Available options:
- International bank card (Visa/Mastercard)
- Tour Pass prepaid account (up to 10,000 RMB)
- Chinese bank account (if you have one)
Practical advice: For first-time use, the Tour Pass is often the simplest solution for travelers.
Final Checks
Before you can pay:
- Check that your profile is complete
- Activate additional security (fingerprint or facial recognition)
- Test with a small payment if possible
Important: Some advanced features (such as transfers between individuals or currency purchases) may be limited for foreign accounts.
5. Creating an Alipay Account: A Step-by-Step Guide for Foreigners
Want to use Alipay without a Chinese bank account? Good news: it is possible! Here is the complete method for opening an account as an international user.
Before You Start
To create your account, you will need:
- A valid passport (mandatory for verification)
- An international mobile phone number (some countries are not supported)
- A valid Visa/Mastercard card (issued outside China)
Detailed Registration Process
- Choose the Right Type of Account
-
- In the app, select "Registration"
- Choose "Foreigner" rather than the Chinese version
- The interface will automatically switch to English
- Identity Verification
-
- Photograph your passport (photo page + information page)
- Take a verification selfie (to compare with the passport photo)
Tip: Take the photos in good light, without shadows
- Link a Phone Number
-
- Enter your international number (e.g. +33 for France)
- Receive and enter the verification code by SMS
Warning: Virtual numbers (Google Voice, etc.) are not accepted
- Add a Payment Method
-
- Select "Add International Card"
- Enter your bank card details
- Confirm with your bank's 3D Secure code
Alternative Solution: Tour Pass
If you run into difficulties:
- In the app, search for "Tour Pass"
- Create a prepaid wallet (up to 10,000 RMB)
- Top up with your international card (money transfer by card)
- Use this balance for all your payments
First Use and Limits
- Initial limit: About 1,000 RMB/day
- After verification: Up to 50,000 RMB/year
- Limited features: No transfers between individuals
Security tip: Activate two-step verification in your account settings right away.
Common Problems and Solutions
- "Card not supported": Try another Visa/Mastercard card
- Verification failed: Check that your passport photos are perfectly legible
- SMS not received: Contact your carrier to allow international SMS
Important: Your account will be automatically deactivated after 90 days of inactivity. Remember to make at least one small transaction every 3 months.
6. The Benefits of Alipay: Why Adopt It?
Alipay is more than a simple payment system. Here is why hundreds of millions of users in China and abroad have adopted it:
1. An All-in-One Solution for Daily Life
Alipay goes well beyond financial transactions. The app lets you:
- Pay in physical stores and online
- Settle bills (electricity, water, phone)
- Book transport (taxis, train/metro tickets)
- Access government services (driving license, taxes)
2. Enhanced Security
Unlike traditional wallets, Alipay offers:
- Biometric authentication (facial recognition, fingerprint)
- Automatic insurance against fraud and payment errors
- Real-time notifications for every transaction
- Data protection with bank-grade encryption
3. Savings and Exclusive Benefits
Users regularly enjoy:
- Discounts with partners (restaurants, cinemas, online stores)
- Cashback on some purchases
- Built-in loyalty programs
- Special offers during Chinese holidays (New Year, 11.11)
4. Accessibility for International Customers
Unlike many Chinese services, Alipay offers:
- An English interface
- Support for international cards (since 2021)
- The Tour Pass system for travelers without a Chinese account
5. Unique Social Integration
Alipay connects with:
- Groups of friends (to share expenses)
- Local merchants (reviews and promotions)
- Public services (tax returns, etc.)
Alipay: The Mobile Payment Revolution Transforming China and Beyond
In this article, you have seen how the Alipay wallet has revolutionized the way Chinese customers pay, becoming much more than a simple payment app. With more than a billion users, this all-in-one payment platform has become an indispensable daily companion for Chinese consumers and international travelers alike.
For Chinese tourists abroad and expats in China alike, Alipay simplifies life with innovative features:
- Simple QR code scanning to pay for purchases in seconds
- Automatic currency conversion for cross-border payments
- The Tour Pass system, ideal for paying without a local bank account
Every day, millions of transactions are processed securely, with facial recognition authentication for optimal protection. Unlike paying with WeChat, Alipay stands out for its versatility: bill management, investments, bookings…
As the world moves toward a society without cash or ATMs, Alipay embodies this transition through:
-> An intuitive interface on mobile devices
-> Good banking security practices
-> Seamless integration with the local currency
Thibault has been living in Beijing since 2014 and has quickly established himself as one of the leading international digital experts in China. With his extensive expertise, he assists large corporations, institutions, and high-end brands in their digital development by offering strategic solutions tailored to the Chinese market.
