Everything You Need to Know About Alipay China Payment Services

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Smartphone displaying Alipay app on open laptop with online shopping site.
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Alipay allows users to link their bank cards, making it easy to transfer money and pay bills. This feature is a major convenience for locals and tourists alike.

One of the most impressive features of Alipay is its mobile payment capabilities. Users can simply scan a QR code to make a payment, eliminating the need for cash or cards.

In China, Alipay is often used in conjunction with WeChat Pay, another popular payment service.

What Is Alipay China?

Alipay is the most popular e-Wallet service in Asia, used by millions of people in China every day.

It allows residents to make payments in-store, online, and by money transfer using their smartphone's digital wallet.

Alipay is part of the Alibaba group and partners with various financial institutions, including online shops and money transfer companies like WorldRemit.

It supports a wide range of currencies, so you can create Alipay payments in the currency of your country, such as AUD or EUR.

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The default local currency for Alipay is CNY, and customers also see their purchase amount in CNY.

Alipay is a leading third-party online payment platform that facilitates various financial transactions, including online shopping, bill payments, and money transfers.

It offers a convenient and secure way to manage your finances, whether it's purchasing goods overseas, splitting bills with friends, or sending money to family members.

Alipay is an indispensable tool for foreigners visiting China, and it's highly recommended to set up an Alipay account to make payments throughout your trip easily.

You can use Alipay to purchase souvenirs, get something from a convenience store, or take public transport.

Payment Methods

To use Alipay for online payments, simply download the app and sign up for a free account. You'll need to add and save your credit and debit card details, verify your identity, phone number, and bank information, and top up with a minimum of 100 yuan and a maximum of 2000 yuan at any one time.

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There are two methods for making in-store payments with Alipay: the merchant-presented mode, where you scan the merchant's QR code on your phone, and the customer-presented mode, where the merchant scans the payment code presented by you.

For customers to pay you via Alipay, they need to load funds greater than 100 yuan into their Alipay Wallet and use the app to pay you. If you're using a point of sale (POS) machine, you'll need to scan a QR code to confirm the transaction.

You can pay via QR code in two convenient options with Alipay: scan the merchant's QR code using your app or click 'Pay' to allow merchants to scan your payment QR code.

Is Safe?

Alipay is a well-established and secure service, especially when it comes to mobile payments. They are even safer than paying with your credit or debit card.

Alipay's security features are impressive, including advanced encryption technology, real-time risk monitoring, and security protection, which includes compensation for unauthorized transactions and 90-day payment protection.

Credit: youtube.com, Surviving Cashless China: AliPay or WeChat Pay? How to prepare digital wallet before visiting China?

The platform's advanced encryption technology secures your private data, making any payments safe. This encryption is a key factor in keeping your financial information confidential.

Alipay's risk management system analyzes user behavior and transaction patterns in real time to identify suspicious transactions and flag them for review. This system assesses risk using factors such as device data, IP address, location, user habits, and seller account characteristics.

Some of Alipay's notable security features include:

  • Advanced Encryption
  • Real-Time Monitoring
  • Risk Management
  • Security Protection, including compensation for unauthorized transactions and 90-day payment protection

Alipay's commitment to user security is underscored by its continual investment in innovative security technologies and stringent adherence to industry best practices.

Features and Benefits

Alipay is a convenient and widely recognised e-Wallet service in China.

It's safe to use Alipay, with a PIN required to authorise every transaction, and the option to use fingerprint authentication for added security.

You can make payments online or in-store with Alipay, and the app also allows you to top up your mobile airtime, order and pay for a taxi or takeaway.

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Alipay is widely accepted in China, making it a great choice for tourists and business travellers.

You can receive remittances quickly through Alipay's partnership with WorldRemit, which allows for almost instant transfers from overseas.

Alipay boasts a myriad of features designed to streamline financial transactions and enhance user experience.

Mobile payments are facilitated through Alipay's mobile app, allowing you to make payments using your smartphone.

QR code payments are also available, enabling you to pay for transactions by scanning QR codes at participating merchants.

Money transfers can be made effortlessly within the Alipay ecosystem, and users can also transfer funds to external bank accounts.

Bill payments can be settled directly from the Alipay app, making it easy to pay for utility bills, internet services, and other expenses.

Alipay is a payment option for public transport in over 50 Chinese cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou.

Account and Payment Options

To set up an Alipay account, you can download the app from the app store and sign up for a free account. You'll need to add and save your credit and debit card details within your account to start making mobile payments. This process is the same for using Alipay's 90-day tour pass service.

Credit: youtube.com, How to use your foreign bank card on Alipay without a Chinese bank account

You can top up your Alipay account with a minimum of 100 yuan and a maximum of 2000 yuan at any one time. This makes it convenient for travelers to manage their expenses while in China.

Here are the steps to link your foreign bank account or credit/debit card to your Alipay account:Download and install the Alipay app on your App Store or Google Play StoreFill in your personal details and follow the screen instructions until your account is successfully createdOnce your identity is verified, you can link your foreign bank account or credit/debit card to the Alipay

Account Setup

To set up an Alipay account, you can download the app from the app store and sign up for a free account. Just fill in your personal details and follow the screen instructions until your account is successfully created.

You can download the Alipay app from either the App Store or Google Play Store. This is the first step in the process of setting up your account.

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Credit: pexels.com, China Cargo Airlines Boeing 747 flying during daytime, showcasing transportation and aviation.

Once you've downloaded the app, you'll need to add and save your credit and debit card details within your account to start making mobile payments. This will allow you to link your cards to your Alipay account.

To link your cards, you'll need to verify your identity, phone number, and bank information. This is an important step in the process, as it will help ensure that your transactions are secure and accurate.

If you're using Alipay's 90-day tour pass service, you can top up with a minimum of 100 yuan and a maximum of 2000 yuan at any one time. This will give you the flexibility to make payments as needed during your trip.

Here's a summary of the steps to set up an Alipay account:

  1. Download the Alipay app from the app store
  2. Sign up for a free account and fill in your personal details
  3. Add and save your credit and debit card details
  4. Verify your identity, phone number, and bank information

Add Card to YouTrip

To add a card to your YouTrip account, you can follow these steps.

First, go to the app and click on 'Me' > tap 'Bank cards'.

Select the '+ Add Card' symbol and set up your 6-digit payment password.

You'll then need to verify your full details and passport before linking your card.

If your card appears on the screen after completing the process, it means it's successfully linked.

Using Without a Bank Account

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You can use Alipay without a Chinese bank account, as it has expanded its services to cater to international users. Non-Chinese users can create Alipay accounts and link them to their foreign bank accounts or credit/debit cards.

Alipay was initially designed for Chinese users, but it's now accessible to people worldwide. You can access Alipay's features and make payments using your foreign bank account or credit/debit card.

The Alipay Tour Card is another convenient payment solution for foreigners visiting China. It's a 90-day prepaid card provided by Shanghai Bank that can be used within the Alipay app.

You can search for 'TOURCARD' in the Alipay app to find the Tour Card mini-app. This is a great option for tourists who want to enjoy cashless transactions in China without a local bank account or mobile number.

Alipay's expansion to international users has made it a go-to payment solution for travelers. With its convenient features and payment options, you can save on fees and enjoy a hassle-free travel experience.

Limits and Fees

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So you're planning to use Alipay in China, and you're wondering about the limits and fees. Alipay typically doesn't charge users for making payments or transferring funds within the platform. However, there are some fees to be aware of.

For transactions over 200 CNY, Alipay charges a 3% fee, which also applies to foreign cards. Certain services, like currency conversion or withdrawals to external bank accounts, may incur nominal fees based on the transaction amount and currency exchange rates.

If you're using a foreign card, you can minimize FX fees by adding your YouTrip card to Alipay. The Tour Card, on the other hand, has its own set of fees and limits.

Here's a breakdown of the Tour Card's limits and fees:

International Payments

Alipay makes it easy to send money abroad with WorldRemit, allowing you to transfer funds to and from China quickly and securely.

Transactions are processed within seconds, and funds are usually available in your Alipay account immediately after the transaction is completed. However, cross-border transactions may take a day or two.

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You can transfer money directly into an Alipay account, which is convenient for Chinese nationals living in the diaspora who want to send money to their family back home.

If you're transferring funds from your Alipay account to a bank account, the processing time can take up to 1-3 business days, depending on the bank's processing times.

WorldRemit's Partnership

WorldRemit partnered with Alipay to make it easier and more convenient for Chinese nationals living in the diaspora to transfer money back home.

This partnership allows users to transfer money directly into their Alipay account, making it a fast and seamless process.

If you need to send money to your family in China, you can use your WorldRemit account to transfer money into their Alipay account.

Providing that your receiver has set up their Alipay account to receive remittances, they should receive your money transfer in a matter of minutes.

This convenient service is perfect for those who want to send money to their loved ones in China quickly and easily.

Tour Card

Credit: youtube.com, Surviving Cashless China: Try 'TourCard', a service to bind int'l bank cards to mobile payments

The Alipay Tour Card is a prepaid card that can be used within the Alipay app for 90 days.

You can find the Tour Card by searching for 'TOURCARD' in the Alipay app, which includes hundreds of mini-apps.

Using the Alipay Tour Card is a convenient way for foreigners to enjoy cashless transactions while traveling in China without needing a local bank account or mobile number.

It's essentially a prepaid card provided by Shanghai Bank, making it a great option for tourists.

To use the Alipay Tour Card, follow the instructions on the Alipay app to complete the top-up process.

You can sign up for a complimentary YouTrip card with a free S$5 credit, which is a great alternative to dealing with long queues at money changers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Alipay still used in China?

Yes, Alipay is still widely used in China, with tens of millions of merchants accepting it as a payment method. You can easily use Alipay at checkout counters across the Chinese mainland.

Can US citizens use Alipay?

US citizens can use Alipay at select merchants, primarily those that cater to Chinese tourists or have a significant Chinese customer base. To use Alipay in the US, users can scan a QR code to complete transactions.

Can tourists use Alipay in China?

Yes, tourists can use Alipay in China, but the setup and topping up process may differ from locals. Learn how to use Alipay as a tourist in China here.

Can you use Alipay without a Chinese bank account?

Yes, you can use Alipay without a Chinese bank account through their Tour Pass service, which allows international users to link their foreign banking information. This 90-day service is designed for tourists and non-Chinese users.

What is Alipay in Mandarin?

In Mandarin Chinese, Alipay is known as "Zhī fù bǎo", which translates to "trust deposit" or "trust fund". This name reflects Alipay's role as a secure online payment platform.

Eric Hintz

Lead Assigning Editor

Eric Hintz is a seasoned Assigning Editor with a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling. With a background in journalism, Eric has honed his skills in selecting and assigning compelling articles that captivate readers. As a seasoned editor, Eric has a proven track record of identifying emerging trends and topics, including the inner workings of major financial institutions, such as "Banking Headquarters".

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