Go2China
Setup Guide
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Download Early
Install from your home country App Store before departing. The international setup flow requires a stable connection and works best outside China.
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Use the International User path — not the standard one
On the home screen, tap the globe icon (top left) or look for 'International User' to enter the foreign visitor flow. Do NOT use the standard identity verification path — it will ask for a mainland China bank card, which will fail for foreign users.
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Identity verification with passport
In the International User flow: tap Me → Verify Identity → choose 'Passport'. Upload a clear photo of your passport in even indoor lighting (no glare, no flash). Your name must match the passport exactly including middle names. If it keeps failing, try the Alipay Mini Program inside WeChat — search '支付宝' in WeChat and use that verification flow instead, which is sometimes more lenient.
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Link International Card
After identity verification: Me → Bank Cards → Add Card. Visa, Mastercard and Amex are supported. If you see 'does not support foreign bank cards', make sure you are in the International User section, not the standard flow. Call your bank before your trip to whitelist China transactions — many banks block foreign charges by default.
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Alipay Tour Pass (alternative if card linking fails)
If card linking still fails, use Tour Pass instead: search 'Tour Pass' on the Alipay home screen. This is a prepaid RMB wallet — you load it with your foreign card in one transaction and spend from the balance. It bypasses per-transaction foreign card issues entirely.
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Translate Menus with the Camera
Open Alipay → Scan → tap the 'Translate' tab at the bottom. Point your camera at any menu or sign for real-time English overlay.
Field Notes
Real-world tips from users in China
- Verification stuck on 'mainland China bank card only'? This is a GDPR geo-block: Alipay disables facial recognition for users with EU/US IP addresses, leaving bank card as the only option — which foreigners don't have. Fix: verify on a VPN set to a non-EU/US country (Southeast Asia works), or wait until you arrive in China and verify on local mobile data.
- In China: open Alipay → tap the globe icon (top-left) → switch to International User mode → complete identity verification there. Face recognition will be available. This stays active after you return home.
- Card declined inside the app? Call your bank before your trip and ask them to whitelist China transactions — most banks block unfamiliar foreign charges by default.
- Can't get card linking to work at all? Use Tour Pass instead — search 'Tour Pass' on the Alipay home screen. Load it once with your foreign card and spend from the RMB balance. No full identity verification required.
UI Navigator — Key Buttons Translated
Show your QR code for the merchant to scan
Your QR code for others to pay you
Scan any QR code
Your savings balance (earns interest)
Send money to a contact
Pay your credit card bill
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I set up Alipay before arriving in China?
Yes, and it is recommended. Follow the guide steps to install and verify your identity at home. Identity verification is much easier on fast, unrestricted internet before you travel.
Do I need a Chinese bank card for Alipay?
Not always. Alipay supports linking some foreign cards and offers a tourist version for visitors. However, a Chinese bank card unlocks more features and higher spending limits.
Can tourists use Alipay to pay in stores in China?
Yes. Once set up, Alipay works at most Chinese stores, restaurants, and taxis via QR code scanning. The tourist version is designed specifically for short-term visitors.
Is Alipay better than WeChat Pay for foreigners?
Both work similarly for QR payments. Alipay offers a dedicated tourist onboarding path, while WeChat Pay is built into WeChat. Many travelers set up both for maximum convenience.
Build your complete China app kit — all Alipay (支付宝) alternatives in one place