Alipay Application: Set Up Before You Arrive

No published figure yet. The authority does not publish this cost in a form we could verify and quote, so this guide covers the procedure only: what to bring, in what order, and where it goes wrong. We will add the figures the moment there is a source for them.

In order

1. Download the Alipay app — Search for 'Alipay' in your app store and install the official app.
2. Open the app and select 'Register' — Choose your country code and enter your foreign mobile number.
3. Enter the verification code — Type the code from the text message to confirm your number.
4. Set your login password — Create a strong password that you will use to log in.
5. Complete identity verification — Upload a photo of your passport and take a live selfie as instructed.
6. Add a payment method — Link an international credit card or wait until you have a Chinese bank card.
7. Set your payment password — Choose a separate password for transactions, different from your login password.
8. Test a small payment — Try buying a low-cost item at a store that accepts Alipay to confirm everything works.

Alipay is essential for daily transactions in China, from groceries to utilities. This guide walks you through the application process so you can pay before you have a local bank account. Follow the steps in order to avoid common registration pitfalls.

Before You Start

You need a smartphone with an app store that works in your home country, and a passport that is valid for your entire stay. Have your passport and a foreign mobile number that can receive text messages ready. If you already have a Chinese bank account, keep those details handy. If not, you can still register and use Alipay with a foreign card, but some features will be limited until you add a local account.

Download and Install

Open your app store and search for ‘Alipay’. The official app is published by Ant Group. Download it and allow notifications, as Alipay sends verification codes and payment alerts. If you are in China, you may need to switch your app store region to your home country to find the international version. The international version has an English interface.

Register Your Account

Launch the app and choose ‘Register’. Select your country or region code and enter your foreign mobile number. You will receive a text message with a verification code; enter it to proceed. Next, set a login password. Use a strong password that you do not use elsewhere. You will also be asked to set a payment password later—this is separate and used for transactions.

Verify Your Identity

Alipay requires identity verification to unlock full functionality. Go to your profile and select ‘Identity Verification’. You will need to take a photo of your passport’s data page and a live photo of your face. The verification may take a few minutes to a few days. Until it is approved, you can browse the app but cannot send or receive money. Do not attempt to bypass this step; it is mandatory for all users.

Add a Payment Method

After verification, go to ‘Cards’ or ‘Payment Methods’ and add a card. You can link an international credit card (Visa, Mastercard, or Amex) for online payments, but note that some merchants may not accept foreign cards. For full functionality, you will eventually need to add a Chinese bank card. You can do this after you open a local bank account. Until then, use your foreign card for purchases where accepted, or ask a friend to transfer money to your Alipay balance.

Confirm before you act

Fees and processing times change. This page was checked on 2026-11-09; confirm the current rule with the authority named in each source above before you rely on a deadline.

Last checked 2026-11-09, next review 2027-05-08. Every figure above names its source and the date it was read. This page is a guide, not legal, tax or immigration advice — confirm with the authority before acting on a deadline.

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