Heading to China? Here’s an all-rounder guide on how to use Alipay. Simply follow our step-by-step guide to link your YouTrip card for competitive CNY exchange rates.
When heading to China, there are two apps you absolutely need on your phone — WeChat and Alipay. Although WeChat is regarded as the most commonly used app for purchases in China, it’s handy to have both!
Alipay offers a seamless and secure platform for users to make payments, transfer funds, and manage their finances. Plus, it’s convenient and now accessible to users worldwide.
Simply add your YouTrip card to Alipay to get the best CNY exchange rates all day — yes even without a bank account!
From exploring its features and benefits to setting up your account and making payments, we cover everything you need to know. Read more!
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📌 Table of Contents: Alipay (2025)
- What is Alipay?
- Can Foreigners Use Alipay?
- Is Alipay Free to Sign Up and Use?
- Alipay Features
- Alipay Transaction Fees & Surcharges
- How to Set Up Alipay (Step-by-Step)
- Alipay Tour Card
- Paying by QR Code in Alipay
- Alipay vs WeChat Pay: Which to use in China?
- Is Alipay safe?
- Alipay FAQs
What is Alipay? (支付宝是啥?)
Image credits: SmartShanghai
Alipay (支付宝) is China’s leading third-party mobile and online payment platform, widely used for everyday transactions — from buying coffee to booking trains.
Owned by Ant Group (an affiliate of Alibaba), Alipay has grown from an e-commerce solution into a full digital lifestyle platform with over a billion users globally.
If you’re heading to China from Singapore (or anywhere else), chances are you’ll need Alipay to pay for almost everything — food, public transport, shopping, and even tips at your hostel.
The good news? Foreigners can now use Alipay without needing a Chinese bank account — just link your YouTrip card for seamless payments and competitive CNY exchange rates.
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Can Foreigners Use Alipay?
Yes! Singaporeans can use Alipay in China. Alipay has opened its doors to international users. All you need is a passport and an international credit/debit card like your YouTrip Mastercard.
Can You Use Alipay Without a Chinese Bank Account?
Yes, you can use Alipay without a Chinese bank account or local phone number. Just download the app, verify your identity, and like your card. You can also consider using the Alipay Tour Card — a prepaid option specifically made for tourists.
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Is Alipay Free to Sign Up and Use?
Creating an Alipay account is completely free, and there are no registration fees involved. However, do note that there are fees for transferring money to a bank card or withdrawing from your Alipay balance if you exceed a certain amount — but more on Alipay transaction fees and surcharges below 👇
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Alipay Features
Alipay boasts a myriad of features designed to streamline financial transactions and your experience in China:
1️⃣ Mobile Payments: Pay seamlessly using the Alipay app on your smartphone — no more physical cash!
2️⃣ QR Code Payments: Pay by scanning the merchant QR code or allow merchants to scan your unique payment QR code.
3️⃣ Money Transfers: While primarily for domestic use, you can receive funds from others within the Alipay ecosystem. Direct international money transfers from Alipay for foreigners are limited, though.
4️⃣ Bill Payments: Settle various bills directly from your digital wallet, including:
- Utility bills
- Internet services
- Credit card payments
- Various other expenses (rent, insurance premiums, subscription services, etc).
Note that some may require a Chinese bank account.
5️⃣ Public Transport: Pay for buses and subways in over 50 Chinese cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Hangzhou, by scanning QR codes within the app’s ‘Transport’ section.
Alipay is also integrated with China’s official train ticket booking system (12306) and supports ride-hailing services.
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Alipay Transaction Fees & Surcharges
While creating and using an Alipay account is free, here are the key fees to note:
| Type | Fees |
|---|---|
| Account Setup | Free |
| Local Transactions | Free |
| International Card Payments | 3% surcharge for transactions over 200 CNY (~S$35.59) |
| Tour Card Top-Up | 5% fee |
| FX Conversion Fees | Varies by card (YouTrip = zero FX fees!) |
👉 Pro tip: Link your YouTrip card to Alipay to save on foreign exchange fees — YouTrip offers zero FX fees, so you only pay the flat Alipay 3% if you go beyond 200 CNY/day.
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How to Set Up Alipay (Step-by-Step):
1. Installing & Setting Up Your Alipay Account
Image Credits: Alipay
Here’s how to get started with Alipay:
1️⃣ Download Alipay from the App Store or Google Play Store.
2️⃣ Tap ‘Sign Up’ > Select ‘International User’
3️⃣ Enter your passport and personal details > follow the screen instructions until your account is set up.
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2. Verifying Your Identity
To add your YouTrip card to Alipay, you need to first verify your identity. Here’s how:
1️⃣ Go to ‘Me’ > ‘Settings’ (top right corner)
2️⃣ Tap ‘Account and Security’ > ‘Identity Information’
3️⃣ Verify your identity by providing personal information like your full name, passport number, and a photo of your passport.
4️⃣ Alipay will review your information for verification.
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3. Linking YouTrip to Alipay Account
Maximise your savings with YouTrip’s competitive FX rates by linking your card to Alipay:
1️⃣ Once your identity is verified, go to ‘Me’ > ‘Bank cards’
2️⃣ Tap the ‘+ Add Card’ symbol
3️⃣ Set up your 6-digit payment password
4️⃣ Enter your YouTrip Mastercard details
5️⃣ If your card appears on the screen, this means that it’s successfully linked
Note: You’ll need to verify your full details & passport first before you can link your YouTrip card to Alipay!
Alipay For Foreigners: How To Use Alipay In China — Here’s a step-by-step video on how to add your YouTrip card to Alipay
4. Alipay in Chinese: How to switch to English Support
The app generally allows you to set your preferred language upon initial setup or through: ‘Settings’ > ‘General’ > ‘Multiple languages’ menu.
While Alipay offers an international version with English support, some prompts or specific functions, especially within mini-programs, might still appear in Chinese.
If you encounter Chinese text, you can try using your phone’s translation features or ask a local for assistance.
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Alipay Tour Card
Image Credits: The Shutterwhale
If linking your direct credit/debit card doesn’t work, try the Alipay Tour card. The Alipay Tourcard is a convenient alternative for foreigners. It’s essentially a 90-day prepaid card issued by the Bank of Shanghai via Alipay.
This is different from linking your YouTrip card directly to Alipay, as it requires an additional step of loading money before usage.
How to use the Alipay Tour card:
1️⃣ In Alipay, switch to the International Version
2️⃣ Search for ‘TOURCARD‘
3️⃣ Open the Tourcard mini-app
4️⃣ Tap ‘Enter’ > verify your personal information
5️⃣ Top up your desired amount (Add your YouTrip card to top up)
6️⃣ Follow the in-app instructions to complete the top-up
✅ Limits and Fees of Alipay Tour Card
- Accepted cards: Visa, Mastercard (including YouTrip!), JCB, Discover, Diners Club and UnionPay.
- Maximum top-up limit: 10,000 CNY (~S$1,780)
- Top-up fee: 5% fee on top-up amount
- Valid for 6 months.
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Paying by QR Code in Alipay
Image credits: Unsplash
Making payments with Alipay is straightforward:
1️⃣ Scan the merchant’s QR code: Tap the ‘Scan’ button on your ‘Home’ tab and scan the QR code displayed by the merchant.
2️⃣ Allow merchants to scan your QR code: Tap ‘Pay’ to generate your unique payment QR code for the merchant to scan.
❗️Always confirm the denomination before authorising payment with your 6-digit payment password.
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Alipay vs WeChat Pay: Which to use in China?
Both Alipay and WeChat Pay are dominant mobile payment platforms in China, and it’s highly recommended to have both for comprehensive coverage. However, they have slightly different focuses:
- Alipay: Often seen as more focused on financial services, e-commerce (especially for Alibaba-related platforms like Taobao and Tmall), and utilities.
Its English interface is generally considered more robust and user-friendly for foreigners. - WeChat Pay: Intergrated with the WeChat social media app, it’s often preferred for daily expenses, person-to-person transfers, and social interactions.
Many people already have WeChat installed, making it a natural choice for quick payments.
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Should I Use Alipay or WeChat in China?
For tourists, Alipay often provides a smoother initial setup and better English support. However, some smaller merchants or more local establishments might predominantly use WeChat Pay. Having both ensures you’re covered for almost all payment scenarios across China.
Alipay For Foreigners: How To Use Alipay In China — Find out more about adding your YouTrip card to Alipay and WeChat here
Is Alipay safe?
Yes. Alipay is one of the most secure fintech platforms in the world. It uses:
- End-to-end encryption
- Two-factor authentication
- Secure SSL protocols
- Real-time fraud detection
Plus, your YouTrip card adds an extra layer of protection with no link to your main bank account.
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Alipay FAQs
Q: Can Singaporeans use Alipay?
A: Yes, Singaporeans can register and use Alipay with just a passport and international card.
Q: How do I top up my Alipay account in Singapore?
A:
- Link a foreign debit/credit card (like YouTrip): As shown above, this allows you to pay directly from your linked card.
- Use the Alipay Tour Card: Top up the Tour Card within the Alipay app via your international debit/credit card.
Q: Is there an Alipay transaction fee?
A: Yes, Alipay charges a 3% fee on international card payments exceeding ¥200/day. The Alipay Tour Card also has a 5% top-up fee.
Q: What’s the difference between Alipay and WeChat Pay?
A: Both are widely accepted. Alipay is more finance-focused and user-friendly for tourists; WeChat Pay is better integrated with social features.
Q: Is Alipay better than WeChat Pay for tourists?
A: In most cases, yes. Alipay’s Tour Card option and user interface make it easier for non-residents.
Q: Can I use my YouTrip card with Alipay?
A: Absolutely. Just link your YouTrip Mastercard to Alipay for seamless payments and zero FX fees.
Final Thoughts: Should You Use Alipay in China?
Yes — and preferably with your YouTrip card. Whether you’re hopping on a metro in Shanghai or grabbing hotpot in Chengdu, Alipay is your go-to for hassle-free cashless payments. YouTrip makes the experience even better by eliminating nasty exchange markups.
So before you fly, download Alipay, set it up, and link your YouTrip card. You’ll be tapping to pay in China like a local in no time.
Not a YouTrooper yet? Singapore’s go-to multi-currency wallet helps you save with great FX rates and zero fees. Skip the money changer and get a free YouTrip card + S$5 YouTrip credits with code <YTBLOG5>.
Then, head over to our YouTrip Perks page for exclusive offers and promotions — we promise you won’t regret it. Join our Telegram (@YouTripSG) and Community Group (@YouTripSquad) for travel tips, event invites, and more!
Happy travels!
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