How to Register an Alipay Account Outside China in 2026: Step-by-Step Guide

Last Updated: November 2026

Planning to visit China or buy products from Chinese suppliers? If you want to use Alipay but don’t have a Chinese phone number or bank account, you’re probably wondering whether you can register from another country.

The good news is that you can register an Alipay account outside China using an eligible international phone number. You can also link supported foreign bank cards, including Visa and Mastercard, to make purchases at participating merchants in mainland China.

And unlike older tutorials, you no longer need to rely on the old Alipay TourPass process to get started.

In this updated guide, we’ll explain how to register Alipay as a foreigner, verify your identity, add an international bank card, make payments, and solve common account problems.

Can You Register Alipay Outside China?

Yes. Foreign users can register an Alipay account outside China without having a Chinese phone number or Chinese bank account.

Alipay supports registration using eligible overseas mobile numbers. Once your account is created, you can complete any required identity verification and link a supported international bank card.

However, there is an important distinction:

• Registering an Alipay account: You can generally do this before traveling to China.
• Using Alipay to pay in China: You can use an eligible international card for purchases at supported merchants.
• Transferring money to individuals: International cards linked to Alipay generally do not support person-to-person transfers.
• Using Alipay outside mainland China: Availability depends on your account, identity verification, payment method, country, and merchant.

This guide focuses on registering Alipay from overseas and using it for eligible payments in mainland China.

What Do You Need to Register Alipay?

Before starting, prepare the following:

Requirement	Details
Smartphone	An iPhone or Android phone that supports the Alipay app
Mobile phone number	An eligible international number that can receive verification codes
Passport	A valid passport for identity verification when requested
Bank card	A supported international credit or debit card
Internet connection	A stable connection to download the app and complete verification

You do not necessarily need all these items just to create an account. However, identity verification and an eligible payment method may be required before you can use particular features.

نصيحة: If you’re planning a trip to China, consider setting up your account and adding your card before departure. This gives you time to resolve any verification problems.

How to Register an Alipay Account Outside China: Step-by-Step

Follow these steps to create your Alipay account using a foreign mobile phone number.

Step 1: Download the Official Alipay App

Start by downloading Alipay from a trusted source.

1. Open the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
2. Search for أليباي.
3. Check that you’re installing the official app.
4. Download and open the application.

You can also visit the official Alipay website.

Make sure you download the Alipay app intended for mainland China’s payment ecosystem. AlipayHK, for example, is a separate service.

Avoid downloading unofficial APK files or entering your financial information into unknown websites.

Step 2: Select Your Country or Region

When you open Alipay, choose the option to sign up or register a new account.

If the app asks for your country or region, select the correct location.

Choose the international experience or English language option if available.

The registration screens may look slightly different depending on your country, device, and app version.

Step 3: Enter Your International Phone Number

Next, enter the mobile phone number you want to associate with your Alipay account.

1. Select the correct international dialing code.
2. Enter your mobile phone number.
3. Review and accept the relevant terms if you agree.
4. Continue to the verification screen.

For example, users may register using an eligible number from the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Singapore, or other supported regions.

Important: Use a phone number that you own and will continue using. You may need it later to log in, recover your account, or confirm sensitive operations.

Step 4: Verify Your Phone Number

Alipay will normally send a verification code to your registered phone number.

Enter the code in the app to confirm that the number belongs to you.

If you don’t receive a code, check that:

• Your country code and phone number are correct.
• Your mobile service can receive international SMS messages.
• Your phone is connected to a working mobile network.
• You haven’t exceeded the allowed number of verification attempts.

Avoid repeatedly requesting codes in a short period, as this may trigger temporary security restrictions.

Once verification is successful, follow the remaining on-screen prompts to complete account registration.

Step 5: Complete Your Profile and Security Settings

After creating your account, you may be asked to complete additional account information.

Depending on your app version and account status, you may see options for personal details, security settings, or a payment password.

Follow the app’s instructions and make sure the personal information you provide is accurate.

You now have an Alipay account, but you may still need to complete identity verification and link a payment method before making purchases.

How to Verify Your Alipay Account With a Passport

Identity verification is an important part of using Alipay as a foreigner.

Alipay may request identity information to meet payment regulations, confirm account ownership, or enable particular services.

For international users, a valid passport is a commonly accepted identification document.

Step 1: Find the Identity Verification Option

Open Alipay and navigate to your account settings.

Depending on your version, look for options such as:

• Me or Account
• Settings
• Account and Security
• Identity Information or Real-Name Verification

The exact menu names may change with app updates.

Step 2: Enter Your Passport Information

If prompted, select the applicable document type and enter your details.

You may need to provide:

• Full name as shown on your passport
• Passport number
• Nationality
• Date of birth
• Passport expiration date

Make sure the information matches your official identification document.

Inconsistent names or incorrect passport numbers can cause verification problems.

Step 3: Upload Your Passport and Complete Verification

Depending on your account and the service you’re using, Alipay may ask you to:

1. Photograph your passport information page.
2. Upload the image through the app.
3. Complete a facial recognition or selfie check.
4. Wait for the verification result.

Follow the instructions displayed in your account.

Security reminder: Only submit passport images through the official Alipay app or another verified official channel. Never share your password, security codes, or full identity documents with strangers offering account verification services.

Can You Use Alipay Without Passport Verification?

Some basic registration functions or qualifying low-value payments may not require full identity verification immediately.

However, additional verification can be required depending on the transaction, account risk assessment, and payment product.

If you’re planning to use an international bank card, it’s best to have your passport available and complete any verification requested by Alipay.

How to Link a Foreign Bank Card to Alipay

One of the biggest improvements for international users is that Alipay supports eligible bank cards issued outside mainland China.

You no longer need to open a Chinese bank account simply to make supported everyday merchant payments.

Which International Bank Cards Does Alipay Accept?

Depending on your card issuer and Alipay’s current eligibility rules, supported payment networks may include:

Card Network	Availability
Visa	Supported for eligible international cards
Mastercard	Supported for eligible international cards
American Express	Supported for eligible international cards
JCB	Supported for eligible international cards
اكتشف	Supported for eligible international cards
Diners Club	Supported for eligible international cards
UnionPay	Available for eligible cards and payment products

Important: A supported card logo does not guarantee that every card issued under that network will work.

Your card-issuing bank must also authorize the connection and subsequent payments.

Step 1: Open the Bank Card Section

In your Alipay account, look for Bank Cards, Add Card, or Add Now.

These options may appear on your home screen or under your account settings.

Choose the option to add a new bank card.

Step 2: Enter Your Card Details

Follow the instructions to provide the requested information.

This may include:

• Card number
• Cardholder’s name
• Expiration date
• Security code
• Billing information

Always enter your details directly into the official app.

Step 3: Complete Bank Verification

Your card issuer may require additional authentication.

For example, your bank might send a one-time verification code or ask you to approve the connection in its banking app.

Complete the verification process as instructed.

If your card is rejected, check with your bank whether online and international transactions are enabled.

Step 4: Confirm That Your Card Is Linked

Once the process is successful, your card should appear in Alipay’s payment method section.

You can then select it when making an eligible purchase.

Keep in mind that successfully linking a card does not guarantee approval for every transaction. Merchant eligibility, account verification, transaction limits, and your bank’s security rules still apply.

How to Use Alipay Without a Chinese Bank Account

After registering and linking your international bank card, you can use Alipay for many everyday purchases in mainland China.

Typical supported scenarios include:

• Shopping at participating retail stores
• Paying at restaurants and cafés
• Purchasing goods at supported supermarkets
• Booking eligible transportation services
• Paying for certain hotel, travel, or ticketing services

There are two common ways to pay.

Method 1: Scan a Merchant’s QR Code

1. Open Alipay.
2. Select the Scan function.
3. Scan the merchant’s supported payment QR code.
4. Enter the amount if requested.
5. Review the recipient, amount, fees, and payment method.
6. Confirm the transaction.

If your international card is eligible for that payment, Alipay will process the purchase using the selected card.

Not every QR code is compatible with international card funding. Personal collection codes and certain unsupported merchant categories may not work.

Method 2: Show Your Payment Code to the Merchant

Some merchants prefer to scan the customer’s payment code.

In this case:

1. Open Alipay.
2. Select Pay or the relevant payment-code option.
3. Choose your eligible linked bank card if necessary.
4. Show the payment code to the cashier.
5. Confirm that the correct amount has been charged.

Never share a screenshot of a live payment code or send your security credentials to another person.

Can You Use Alipay Before Arriving in China?

You can generally register and prepare your account while overseas, provided your region and account are supported.

However, international-card-funded Alipay payments are primarily designed for eligible purchases in mainland China.

Registering overseas does not automatically mean you can use the same account to pay at stores in your home country.

Alipay Fees and Payment Limits for Foreigners in 2026

Before using an international card with Alipay, it’s important to understand the possible transaction fees and limits.

Does Alipay Charge Fees for Foreign Cards?

According to the Shanghai government’s September 2026 payment guidance, the following general rules apply to overseas cards linked to Alipay or Weixin Pay:

Transaction Amount	General Platform Fee Rule
RMB 200 or less	Usually no additional platform service fee
More than RMB 200	A 3% service fee may apply to the full transaction amount

Certain promotions, exemptions, or product-specific rules can change the amount charged.

Always review the final payment screen before confirming your purchase.

Your bank may also charge a foreign transaction fee or apply its own currency-conversion terms.

These bank charges are separate from any Alipay platform service fee.

What Exchange Rate Does Alipay Use?

When you pay in RMB with an international bank card, the final amount on your bank statement depends on the applicable card network and card issuer exchange-rate arrangements.

For example, if you use a US-issued card, the merchant generally receives payment in RMB, while your bank may bill you in US dollars.

Check your bank statement for the final converted amount and any additional fees.

What Are the Payment Limits?

Public guidance for overseas visitors has described general limits of up to:

• USD 5,000 per transaction
• USD 50,000 in cumulative annual payments

These figures are general published limits, not a guarantee that every account or card can transact up to those amounts.

Your actual limits may be lower depending on your verification status, issuing bank, card type, merchant, and Alipay’s current rules.

For the latest applicable conditions, refer to the official Shanghai government payment guide.

Is Alipay TourPass Still Available in 2026?

If you’ve read older tutorials about registering Alipay outside China, you may have come across a feature called TourPass.

TourPass was an earlier solution that allowed certain international visitors to use a prepaid payment arrangement for purchases in China.

Older instructions described topping up a temporary card, managing a prepaid balance, and dealing with an expiration period.

ومع ذلك, TourPass should no longer be treated as the standard registration method for new international users.

Instead, the current mainstream approach is much simpler:

1. Download the regular Alipay app.
2. Register using an eligible overseas phone number.
3. Complete any required identity verification.
4. Link a supported international bank card directly.
5. Use the card for eligible merchant purchases in mainland China.

If you see an older article telling you to search for TourPass and add money to a temporary wallet, be aware that the instructions may no longer apply.

You can review the current setup process on the official Alipay+ guide for payments in mainland China.

Common Alipay Registration Problems and How to Fix Them

Even though registering Alipay has become easier for international users, some people may still encounter verification or payment problems.

Here are several common issues and possible solutions.

1. Alipay Is Not Sending My Verification Code

If you’re not receiving the SMS code:

• Confirm that you’ve selected the correct international dialing code.
• Make sure your mobile number is active.
• Check whether your carrier supports international verification messages.
• Try switching to a stable mobile network.
• Allow time between verification attempts.

If the problem persists, contact Alipay support or your mobile service provider.

Avoid using temporary or public SMS numbers, as they can create account security and recovery problems.

2. Alipay Says “Too Many Attempts”

This message may appear after repeated login, registration, or verification attempts.

Stop retrying continuously and allow time for any temporary security restriction to clear.

Make sure you’re using the latest official app and a stable network.

If access doesn’t recover, contact Alipay customer service.

Do not try to bypass security restrictions using fabricated account information or someone else’s identity.

3. Alipay Won’t Accept My Passport

If identity verification fails:

• Confirm that your passport is valid.
• Make sure your name matches your passport exactly.
• Check that the passport image is readable.
• Avoid reflections, cropped corners, and blurry photographs.
• Follow any additional instructions shown in the app.

If your application is rejected despite providing accurate information, use Alipay’s official support channels to find out what additional verification is required.

4. Alipay Won’t Accept My Foreign Bank Card

A card may fail to link for several reasons.

Your card may be unsupported, your bank may decline the authorization, or the account may require additional verification.

Try the following:

1. Confirm that your card network is supported.
2. Check that your card information is correct.
3. Make sure international and online payments are enabled.
4. Approve any verification request from your bank.
5. Contact your card issuer if authorization fails.

If possible, prepare a second eligible card as a backup.

5. My Card Is Linked, but the Payment Fails

This can happen when a merchant, transaction type, or payment channel doesn’t support the linked international card.

A personal payment QR code, for example, may not be eligible for a foreign-card-funded transaction.

You should not assume that every Alipay QR code supports the same payment functions.

Try an eligible merchant payment method, review any error message, and contact your bank or Alipay support if necessary.

6. My Alipay Account Is Restricted or Frozen

If your account is restricted, follow the instructions displayed inside Alipay.

You may be asked for additional identity verification or supporting information.

Contact official Alipay customer service rather than paying a third party who claims they can unlock your account.

Can You Use Alipay to Pay Chinese Suppliers?

This is an important question for international buyers who source products from China.

You may be able to use Alipay for some legitimate merchant purchases. However, an overseas bank card linked to a personal Alipay account is not a general-purpose method for paying Chinese suppliers.

There are several reasons.

International Cards Don’t Support Ordinary Personal Transfers

According to Alipay’s official international-user guidance, linked international cards are intended for eligible merchant purchases.

They generally cannot be used for:

• Person-to-person transfers
• Sending red packets
• Certain financial services
• Unsupported personal QR-code collections

This means you shouldn’t assume you can pay any supplier simply by scanning their personal Alipay QR code.

Supplier Payments May Require Different Methods

If you’re purchasing inventory, paying factory deposits, or placing large wholesale orders, you’ll need to consider more than just payment convenience.

Important factors include:

• The supplier’s legal business identity
• The payment recipient’s verified account details
• Invoices and purchase agreements
• Currency conversion and bank charges
• Payment records and refund terms
• The payment method’s transaction limits
• Applicable cross-border payment and trade requirements

Depending on the transaction, an appropriate business bank transfer, an approved cross-border payment service, or an eligible B2B payment channel may be more suitable.

Never split payments or misrepresent business transactions just to work around Alipay’s payment restrictions.

A Better Approach for International Buyers

If you’re buying products from China, separating personal spending from business purchasing can make your payment process clearer and easier to manage.

Alipay can be useful for certain everyday purchases, while supplier orders may call for a more formal commercial payment arrangement.

If you need help with product sourcing or coordinating purchases from Chinese manufacturers, explore MySourcify’s Product Sourcing & Purchasing services.

We can help you explore sourcing solutions for your China purchasing needs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Alipay for Foreigners

Can I create an Alipay account in the USA?

Yes. Eligible users can register Alipay using a supported US mobile number while outside China.

However, successfully registering does not guarantee that every payment feature will be available.

Can I register Alipay without a Chinese phone number?

Yes. Alipay supports eligible international mobile numbers for account registration.

You should use a number that can receive verification messages and that you can access in the future.

Can I register Alipay without a Chinese bank account?

Yes. A Chinese bank account is not necessary for the supported international-card payment process.

You can link an eligible foreign bank card to make qualifying purchases in mainland China.

Can I use Alipay with Visa or Mastercard?

Yes. Alipay supports eligible internationally issued Visa and Mastercard cards, along with certain cards from other payment networks.

Individual card acceptance depends on the card issuer and applicable Alipay rules.

Can I use Alipay without a passport?

Basic account registration may be possible without immediately completing passport verification.

However, foreign users may be required to provide a passport or another eligible identification document before accessing certain payment features.

If you don’t have a passport, check which documents Alipay currently accepts for your account type and region.

Can I transfer money from Alipay to a Chinese friend?

Not through the ordinary international-card payment feature.

International cards linked to Alipay generally support qualifying merchant purchases rather than person-to-person transfers.

Additional account features may have different eligibility requirements.

Can I pay a Chinese supplier with Alipay?

Some qualifying business merchants may accept Alipay payments, but this depends on the payment channel, merchant account, card eligibility, and transaction rules.

For wholesale purchasing or supplier deposits, confirm the merchant’s accepted payment methods before sending money.

Can I use a Wise card or another international debit card with Alipay?

Possibly.

A card’s compatibility depends on its payment network, issuing institution, supported card type, and Alipay’s approval process.

Having a Visa or Mastercard logo does not guarantee successful linking or payment.

Check the card’s terms and try linking it through the official Alipay app.

Can I use Alipay outside China?

Some Alipay products and accounts support international payment scenarios, but the overseas visitor experience with a linked international bank card is primarily intended for eligible purchases in mainland China.

Don’t assume that creating an Alipay account gives you access to international merchant payments everywhere.

Is Alipay Safe to Use?

Alipay provides account security and payment verification features, but no digital payment service is completely risk-free.

Protect your account by downloading the official app, safeguarding your login and verification codes, checking payment details, and avoiding suspicious QR codes.

Never give your account password or one-time verification code to anyone claiming to be customer support.

What Should I Do If Alipay Still Doesn’t Work?

First, check whether the problem relates to your phone number, identity verification, bank card, or a specific merchant.

You can then contact Alipay through the official in-app Help Center.

Alipay’s official international payment guide also lists customer service at +86 571 2688 6000 for callers outside China. Check the official website for current contact details and service hours.

Final Thoughts: Setting Up Alipay Outside China Is Easier Than Before

Registering Alipay outside China is now more straightforward for many international users.

You can create an account with an eligible overseas phone number, complete the required identity verification, and link a supported international bank card without opening a Chinese bank account.

The key is understanding what your account can and cannot do.

For everyday purchases at participating merchants in mainland China, Alipay can be a convenient payment option.

For personal transfers, wholesale orders, or payments to Chinese suppliers, other payment methods may be required.

If you’re preparing to visit China, set up Alipay before your trip and check that your card is ready for eligible payments.

And if you’re planning to source products from Chinese manufacturers, contact MySourcify to discuss your product sourcing and purchasing requirements.

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Official References

For current eligibility, identity verification, fees, and payment rules, consult these official resources:

1. Alipay+ — Pay in the Chinese Mainland
2. Shanghai Government — Pay With Overseas Bank Cards (September 2026)
3. Chinese Government — Guide to Working and Living in China

Disclaimer: Payment features, supported countries, card networks, fees, and transaction limits can change. Always follow the information displayed in the official Alipay app and confirm applicable conditions with your card issuer. This guide provides general information and does not replace financial or legal advice.

1. How to register an Alipay account outside China?

Step 1 Preparation

• Prepare your passport and phone number
• Download the Alipay app on your App Store
• Choose a language

You should make sure your passport is valid, and use an overseas phone number instead of a Chinese phone number. 

Step 2 Register an Alipay account

• Choose the country or region you’re living in
• Enter your area code and mobile phone number

Remember that this phone number should be the one you use regularly, because we are going to use it later.

• Click on the agreement, then click “sign up”

As you have entered your phone number, Alipay will send you a message with a verification code.

• Enter the four-digit verification code
• Choose “yes” when it asks if you want to use the international version of Alipay

Step 3 Verify your Alipay account

Identity verification is a must on Alipay. With a verified account, your payment and personal information will be more secure. Besides that, you have access to more Alipay features.

To verify, you can take the following steps.

After you’ve done all the steps above, you now have a verified Alipay account.

Keep reading to learn how to use your Alipay without a Chinese bank card or bank account!

2. How to use Alipay without a Chinese Bank card or account?

Though Alipay is available nearly around the world, it is hard to take this payment method with a Chinese bank card as a foreigner. Luckily, you don’t have to apply for a Chinese bank card or bank account now. The mini-app TourPass will help you pay via Alipay without any hassles.

What is “Tour Pass”?

“Tour Pass” is like a prepaid card from the Bank of Shanghai. It allows you to use Alipay with bank cards of your own country. But this Alipay mini-app is for payment only. You can‘t transfer money to another bank account through it.

To use Tour Pass, you will also have to provide your passport information to verify your credit card or debit card. And make sure your bank card is a VISA card or Master Card, or other cards that Alipay accepts.

After you verify your TourPass account, you can top up it. The minimum top-up amount is 100 CNY(US$14.34), and the accumulated maximum top-up amount is 10000 CNY(US$1434.34). A 5% service fee will be charged for every transition.

With a valid date of about 90 days, Tour Pass is quite nice when on tour. After it expires, your remaining balance will be returned to your bank account without any service fee. If you still need to use it, you can reactivate your account.

How to Use “Tour Pass”?

• Click “Tour Pass” on the first page of Alipay

If TourPass doesn’t show on the Alipay homepage, you can search it on the search box and then add it to the home page.

• Choose the country or region you’re living in

Remember that all your information must be 100% real. Otherwise, it won’t work.

• Fill in your passport number, your name and birth date as required.
• Upload a photo of your passport
• Fill in the information of the credit card you are going to use
• Then you can top up money to your Alipay account

3. How to use Alipay to pay?

FAQs

1. Is Alipay safe to use?

Yes, it is safe to use.

Alipay is a mobile and online payment platform founded by علي بابا Group in China in 2004. Since then, it has been developing and scaling its reach across the globe. In 2013, Alipay overtook PayPal as the world’s largest mobile payment platform. In 2021, the number of worldwide users of Alipay was around 1671.7 million. So Alipay has proved popular and trustworthy to use.

In addition, Alipay adopts advanced encryption to safeguard your payment and personal information. People around me have used Alipay for many years. Up to now, there have been no things like scams or frauds.

2. Can I transfer money to another account through أليباي?

If you want to transfer money to another account through Alipay, you need to have a Chinese bank card. But if you don’t want a Chinese bank card and you need to pay a Chinese supplier, you can ask them to give you their QR code for payment. Then you can pay them through Tour Pass, as it becomes a payment action. One thing is that the money you can pay with Tour Pass is limited.

3. What can I do when it says I have made too many attempts in the registration process?

In this case, you may

• Check if there is something wrong with your network
• Clear your cache on the browser and try again
• Download the Alipay app from the Alipay website

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