How to Pay Alipay

Using Alipay as a Tourist

Create an Alipay account. You can download the Alipay app for free from the Google Play Store or App Store. You'll need to sign up with your mobile phone number so you can start using Alipay immediately. When you enter a number other than a phone number from China, you'll be prompted to use the international version of the app. Tap Yes to continue with the international version, which will be valid for 90 days.

Choose the amount to fill up your Tour Pass. You can always fill up your Tour Pass again at a later time. When you first fill up your Tour Pass, you'll need to enter your personal information including your bank account number, Passport number, and Chinese visa photo so the Bank of Shanghai can verify your identity. Only VISA, MasterCard, Diners Club International, and JCB cards are approved bank cards. Once you are done filling up your card, you'll see the amount you filled it up with on the digital, prepaid card.

Scan the code offered by the merchant or let the merchant scan your Alipay code. You'll find these QR codes or a scanner under "Scan" and "Pay." For example, if you're at a restaurant and need to pay, you can scan the QR code on the bill to pay from your Alipay account. They could also ask you to pull up your Alipay QR code (found in "Pay") and they can scan the bill to you.

Using Alipay Online

Look for the Alipay option. If a website accepts Alipay, there should be an “Alipay” icon on the page near the credit card icons. Click on the Alipay icon to continue.

Log into your Alipay account. To authorize the payment, enter your email address and password to continue.

Choose a way to pay. If you don’t have any funds in your Alipay account, you’ll be asked how you want to pay. You can select from the list of linked bank accounts, credit, or debit cards to pay. Credit cards are limited to $50,000 USD per transaction.

Complete the transaction. Review the transaction details and then submit your purchase by clicking on the “Pay Now” button (which can say something similar like "Purchase" instead).