China is the world's largest cashless society. In major cities, almost nobody carries a wallet — street vendors, taxi drivers, hospital billing desks, and even temple donation boxes all accept mobile payments. For foreign visitors, this creates a problem: your credit card won't work at most places.
Until 2023, Alipay required a Chinese bank account. That changed when Alipay opened international card linking for travelers. Now you can download the app, link your Visa or Mastercard, and pay almost anywhere in China.
If you are coming to China for medical treatment, setting up Alipay before your trip is not optional — it is essential.
Step 1: Download and Install Alipay
Alipay is available on both iOS and Android. Search for "Alipay" in the App Store or Google Play. The app supports English, Japanese, Korean, and several other languages.
- Download the Alipay app (blue icon with white Chinese characters "支").
- Open the app and register using your phone number — international numbers are fully supported.
- After registration, you will be taken directly to the Alipay home screen.
Step 2: Identity Verification (Optional)
This step is optional, but without it your payment limits will be significantly reduced. See the Fees and Limits section below for details.
- Go to Me → Settings → Account and Security → Identity Information.
- Fill in your personal identity information and submit for review.
- Alipay accepts both passport and foreign permanent resident ID for verification.
- Review takes up to 72 hours, but is usually completed within 24 hours or even faster.
Step 3: Link Your Bank Card
- Go to Me → Bank Cards.
- Tap Add Bank Card and enter your card details.
- Supported card types: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, JCB, Discover, Diners Club (both debit and credit cards).
- During this process, Alipay will ask you to set a 6-digit payment password — remember this password, as you will need it every time you make a payment.
Fees and Limits
Actual limits and fees may vary — always refer to the prompt shown at the time of payment.
Transaction Fees
| Transaction Amount | Fee |
|---|---|
| ≤ 200 RMB | 0% (free) |
| > 200 RMB | 3% |
Payment Limits
Verified Users (identity verification completed):
| Type | Limit |
|---|---|
| Single payment | 5,000 USD |
| Annual cumulative | 50,000 USD |
Unverified Users:
| Type | Limit |
|---|---|
| Single payment | 500 USD |
| Annual cumulative | 2,000 USD |
Step 4: How to Pay
Alipay works in two ways:
Option 1: Scan the Merchant's QR Code
If you see a QR code displayed at the checkout, use Alipay's Scan function to scan it. You will be taken to the payment page — enter the amount and your payment password to confirm.
Option 2: Show Your Payment Code
If the merchant has a handheld scanner, tap Pay/Collect to display your QR code, and let the merchant scan it.
Both methods take just a few seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use cash or a bank card in China?
Yes. Refusing cash is illegal in China. However, since mobile payment is so dominant, you may encounter merchants who do not have change or do not support card payments. It is recommended to register and use mobile payment, while keeping some cash as a backup.
How can I avoid extra transaction fees?
For larger merchants, you can ask if they accept cash or direct card payment. Alternatively, you can negotiate with the merchant to split a single order into multiple smaller payments to stay under the 200 RMB free threshold.
Is Alipay safe?
Very safe. Alipay uses bank-grade encryption, device fingerprinting, biometric authentication, and real-time risk control systems. As one of the world's largest digital payment platforms, it processes billions of transactions daily in China. As long as you do not share your verification code or payment password, using Alipay is extremely secure.
What should I do if I have other issues?
Alipay has a built-in customer service page — go to Me → Help Center to submit questions directly, or follow the instructions to call for assistance.
Are there restrictions for international users?
International users have limited access to personal transfers and receiving functions. If you need these features, contact Alipay customer service for solutions.
What about WeChat Pay?
WeChat Pay is China's other major payment platform, operated by Tencent. Like Alipay, it covers both online and offline payment scenarios. In daily life, most merchants accept both Alipay and WeChat Pay. For medical tourists, Alipay alone is usually sufficient. If you plan to stay long-term or communicate with Chinese contacts, adding WeChat Pay is useful.
What You Can Pay for with Alipay
Once set up, Alipay covers nearly every daily expense in China:
- Transportation: Metro (tap your phone at the gate), buses, taxis, DiDi rides
- Food: Restaurants, street food stalls, convenience stores, supermarkets
- Shopping: Clothing, electronics, souvenirs
- Hotels: Most hotels accept Alipay, though some high-end international chains may prefer credit cards
- Hospitals and clinics: Registration fees, consultation fees, pharmacy purchases
- Entertainment: Movie tickets, tourist attractions, parks
Tips for Medical Tourists
Before your trip:
- Download Alipay and register with your phone number.
- Complete identity verification with your passport for higher limits.
- Link your international card and set up your 6-digit payment password.
- Enable Face ID or fingerprint for faster payments.
At the hospital:
- Ask your medical coordinator which payment methods the hospital accepts.
- For large bills, confirm whether international card limits apply.
- Keep your Alipay payment history — you may need it for insurance claims.
Backup options:
- Carry some cash (RMB) for emergencies.
- International credit cards work at hotels and some large stores.
- Visa and Mastercard contactless payments are slowly expanding in major cities.
Getting Help
If you run into issues with Alipay, the app has built-in customer support (tap Me > Help Center). For medical tourists, your hospital coordinator can also help troubleshoot payment issues on-site.
Alipay has made a significant effort to become foreigner-friendly since 2023. The process is smoother than it was even a year ago, and most patients find it works reliably for their entire stay in China.