How to Use Alipay if without Chinese Bank Card?

Alipay is a widely-used mobile payment app in China, owned by the Alibaba Group. It has become an integral part of the country's digital payment ecosystem, offering a convenient and secure way for individuals and businesses to make transactions. For foreigners visiting in China, having an Alipay account can be incredibly beneficial, as it provides access to a wide range of services and experiences that are deeply integrated into the Chinese lifestyle.

Some of the key benefits of using Alipay as a foreigner include the ability to make cashless payments at a vast network of merchants, access to popular e-commerce platforms, and the convenience of transferring funds between friends, famili and also your travel agents in China. Additionally, Alipay offers a variety of lifestyle services, such as booking transportation, hotels, and even medical appointments, all within the app's user-friendly interface.

Please feel free to share this article to your friends or families who are planning to visit or travel to China for a short time!

WHY SHOULD I OPEN AN ALIPAY ACCOUNT?

While Alipay was initially designed for Chinese citizens with domestic bank accounts, the platform has evolved to cater to the needs of foreigners as well. Opening an Alipay account without a Chinese bank card is quite easy for those who do not have access to a local banking system or prefer to use their existing foreign bank accounts for their transactions in China.

By setting up an Alipay account without a Chinese bank card, foreigners can enjoy the same level of convenience and accessibility as their Chinese counterparts, enabling them to seamlessly navigate the country's digital payment landscape since China is an almost cashless country. This is particularly valuable for travelers, expatriates, and those who engage in cross-border business activities, as it eliminates the need to carry large amounts of cash or constantly exchange currencies.

In order to make your China trip much easier and more successful, we will introduce how to set up the Alipay account without Chinese bank card.

PROCEDURES TO OPEN ALIPAY ACCOUNT

Step 1: Download  Alipay App

The first step in opening an Alipay account is to download the Alipay mobile app. The app is available for both iOS and Android devices and can be found on the respective app stores.

Step 2: Sign Up

You can sign up with 2 options: email and phone number. The procedure is easy and you can follow the notice accordingly. Because Aliapy carries out real-name system management, you will also need to provide some personal info such as name, email, passport. phone number and bank card info. Even if you sign up with email, it's strongly suggested to also link your phone number on it so it will be more convenient to contact you if there is any account issues.

Step 3: Add Bank Card

Once your identity has been verified, you can proceed to link a foreign bank card (credit or debit) to your Alipay account. Alipay accepts international bank cards issued by VISA, MASTER, DINERS CLUB, DISCOVER and JCB (Note: Dual currency cards and foreign currency single currency cards issued within China do not fall under the category of international credit cards.). This will enable you to make payments, transfer funds, and access the full range of Alipay's services. The process of adding a foreign bank card is straightforward and typically involves entering the card details, such as the card number, expiration date, and security code. After everything is seet, you can use it when you are physically in China.

FAQS

Q: Compared with Wechat, is Alipay better?

A: Alipay may be more friendly than Wechat regarding the payment function. Wechat is a comprehensive app including social, payment, trip, etc. But Wechat sometimes block your account if your ID is in overseas. Alipay may be more friendly for foreign travelers. It also has a translation function built in the app, which is especially designed for foreign users. If you don't find it, you can click: Setting→General→Translation Tool (turn on the function). After you turn on the service, there will be a translation icon on the interface and you can click it to translate all the Chinese in Alipay.

Q: How do I know the exchange rate of the transactions made with international bank cards on Alipay?

A: The exchange rate for International bank card is provided by the card scheme and issuing bank to which your card belongs. Please refer to the billing statement of your bank card.

Q: Is Alipay safe?

A: Yes! Alipay is widely recognized as a secure digital payment platform. Operated by Ant Group, a subsidiary of China’s Alibaba Group, Alipay boasts an exemplary reputation for safety and reliability. As pioneers in the mobile payment platforms globally, Alipay prioritises the implementation of robust security measures to safeguard users’ sensitive information. These measures encompass state-of-the-art data encryption techniques and SSL protocols, ensuring the integrity and confidentiality of transactions conducted through the platform. Users can rest assured that their financial data and transactions are shielded from unauthorised access and potential threats.

Q: Can I link other's card on my Alipay?

A: No. Alipay applies real-name registration. When you sign up, you will need to provide your personal info (eg. passport). When you link the bank card, it needs to match with your ID otherwise it will not work.