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Alipay is not just a payment app --- it's a super-app that replaces at least 5 standalone apps you'd otherwise need to download for traveling in China. With over 640 million monthly active users and acceptance at 80 million merchants, Alipay functions as your digital wallet, ride-hailing service (Didi), metro/bus pass, food delivery platform (Ele.me/Meituan), bike-sharing key, train ticket counter (12306), and even a translation tool --- all within a single app through its mini-program ecosystem. Since late 2023, foreigners can register with a passport and link international Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Diners Club, or Discover cards without needing a Chinese bank account. This guide shows you exactly which mini-programs replace which apps, how to set each one up, and how to navigate China with Alipay as your single indispensable tool.
Alipay. It handles payments at virtually every merchant in China, rides the metro and bus in 300+ cities, hails taxis via the built-in Didi mini-program, orders food delivery, rents shared bikes, books train tickets, and even translates Chinese menus --- all without downloading a single additional app. Set it up with your passport and international card before you fly, and you're ready for 95% of daily life in China. [[1]](https://letstraveltochina.com/how-to-use-alipay-in-china/) [[2]](https://www.trip.com/guide/phone/how-to-use-alipay.html)
Alipay Is the Only App You Need in China: How One Super-App Replaces 5 Travel Apps [2026]
Last Updated: March 2026 | Author: LyrikTrip Advisory Team | Reading Time: 17 minutes
Why Is Alipay a Super-App and Not Just a Payment App?
Which 5 Apps Does Alipay Replace?
App #1: Didi (Ride-Hailing) --- Built Right Into Alipay
App #2: Metro/Bus Transit Apps --- One QR Code for Every City
App #3: Ele.me / Meituan (Food Delivery) --- Order Takeout Without Downloading Anything
App #4: HelloBike / Shared Bikes --- Scan and Ride
App #5: 12306 (Train Tickets) --- Book High-Speed Rail Inside Alipay
Bonus: Translation, Attraction Tickets, and More
How Do I Set Up Alipay as a Foreigner?
What Are Alipay's Limitations for Tourists?
Frequently Asked Questions
Apple Pay and Google Pay are payment tools. Alipay is an entire digital ecosystem. The difference is fundamental: Western mobile wallets let you tap to pay at a terminal. Alipay lets you pay, yes --- but it also lets you hail a taxi, ride the subway, order lunch to your hotel room, rent a bicycle, book a train ticket, buy attraction tickets, translate a menu, check currency exchange rates, and top up your phone --- all without ever leaving the app. [[3]](https://www.topchinatravel.com/customer-center/how-to-use-alipay-correctly-in-china-for-foreigners.htm)
This is possible because of Alipay's mini-program architecture. Mini-programs (小程序) are lightweight apps that run inside Alipay, requiring no separate download, no separate registration, and no separate payment setup. When you open the Didi mini-program inside Alipay, you're using the full Didi ride-hailing service --- but your identity is already verified, your payment method is already linked, and your location is already detected. Zero friction. [[4]](https://www.yenkidinchina.com/latest-posts/what-apps-do-you-really-need-as-a-tourist-in-china-super-apps-and-mini-programs-unpacked-2025)
As one experienced China travel blogger put it: "For most travel purposes, you just need a couple of super-apps --- mainly Alipay and WeChat + a couple of specialty apps --- Trip and Amap. Most other apps can be accessed as integrated mini-programs through Alipay and WeChat." [[4]](https://www.yenkidinchina.com/latest-posts/what-apps-do-you-really-need-as-a-tourist-in-china-super-apps-and-mini-programs-unpacked-2025)
Alipay dominates China's digital payment landscape with numbers that dwarf any Western equivalent:
640+ million monthly active users (as of September 2024)
80 million merchants accepting Alipay across China
54% market share of China's mobile payment market (WeChat Pay holds 42%)
Over 95% of physical merchants in China accept both Alipay and WeChat Pay
45% of Chinese adults use Alipay every single day; another 41% use it weekly [[5]](https://coinlaw.io/alipay-vs-wechat-pay-statistics/) [[6]](https://coolest-gadgets.com/alipay-statistics/)
What this means for you as a traveler: anywhere you go in China --- from a Michelin-starred restaurant in Shanghai to a fruit vendor on a Chengdu side street --- Alipay works. The question isn't "does this place accept Alipay?" The question is "does this place accept anything other than Alipay?"
Here's the core insight that simplifies your entire China trip: instead of downloading and configuring 5+ separate apps, each with its own registration, verification, and payment setup, you can access all of them through Alipay's mini-program ecosystem with a single account.
| Standalone App | What It Does | Alipay Mini-Program Equivalent | Separate Download Needed? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Didi | Ride-hailing (China's Uber) | Didi mini-program inside Alipay | ❌ No |
| City Metro/Bus Apps | Subway & bus QR code pass | Alipay "Transport" (出行) section | ❌ No |
| Ele.me / Meituan | Food delivery | Ele.me & Meituan mini-programs | ❌ No |
| HelloBike / Didi Bike | Shared bicycle rental | Alipay "Transport" → Bicycle tab | ❌ No |
| 12306 | China Railway train tickets | 12306 mini-program inside Alipay | ❌ No |
Total apps eliminated: 5. Total apps you actually need: 1 (Alipay) + Trip.com for hotels and Amap for navigation. That's it. Three apps instead of eight.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- LyrikTrip Tip: The most common mistake first-time visitors make is downloading a dozen apps before their trip --- Didi, metro apps for each city, Meituan, Ele.me, 12306, HelloBike, and more. Each one requires separate registration, often with a Chinese phone number. Skip all of that. Set up Alipay once, and access everything through mini-programs. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Didi mini-program inside Alipay gives you the full ride-hailing experience --- including English interface support --- without downloading the standalone Didi app, without creating a separate Didi account, and without entering your payment details again. [[7]](https://wildchina.com/2025/10/a-guide-to-using-didi-in-china-2025/)
WildChina's 2025 travel guide specifically recommends this approach: "Didi is available on both platforms [Alipay and WeChat], but we recommend Alipay, as it does not require a Chinese phone number to use the Didi mini program." [[7]](https://wildchina.com/2025/10/a-guide-to-using-didi-in-china-2025/)
Open Alipay
On the homepage, find "Didi" (滴滴出行) --- it's typically displayed as one of the popular mini-programs on the main screen, or search "Didi" in the search bar
The Didi interface opens inside Alipay with your current location auto-detected
Enter your destination --- both English and Chinese addresses work; landmark names, hotel names, and metro station names in English are all recognized
Choose your ride type (Express, Premier, Taxi)
Confirm the ride --- payment is automatically handled through your linked Alipay card
Track your driver in real-time on the map
Why this is better than the standalone Didi app: The standalone Didi app requires a separate phone number registration and SMS verification. If you're using a foreign number, the SMS may not arrive reliably. The Alipay mini-program bypasses this entirely --- your Alipay identity is your Didi identity.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- LyrikTrip Tip: If the driver calls you (they often do to confirm pickup location), don't panic if you don't speak Chinese. The Didi mini-program has a built-in messaging feature with quick-translate phrases. You can also use Doubao to translate in real-time. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yes. Alipay's "Transport" (出行) section generates a digital transit QR code that works on metro turnstiles and bus card readers in 300+ Chinese cities. You don't need to buy a physical transit card, download a city-specific metro app, or figure out ticket machines with Chinese-only interfaces. [[8]](https://www.yenkidinchina.com/transport)
This is one of Alipay's most transformative features for travelers. In the past, every Chinese city had its own metro app --- Beijing Subway, Shanghai Metro, Guangzhou Metro, Chengdu Metro --- each requiring separate downloads and registrations. Alipay unified all of them into a single interface.
Open Alipay and tap "Transport" (出行) on the homepage
Click the "Metro" tab
Select the city you're in (e.g., Shanghai, Beijing, Chengdu)
Complete a one-time identity verification using your passport
Activate the digital metro card for that city
A QR code appears on your screen
Hold the QR code up to the scanner at the metro turnstile --- listen for the "beep" --- and walk through
Scan again when you exit to complete the fare calculation [[9]](https://www.babagoeschina.com/public-transport-in-china/) [[10]](https://chinaguidelines.com/en/posts/public-transport)
For buses: The process is nearly identical. Tap "Transport" → "Bus" tab → select your city → activate → scan the QR code when boarding. Some cities require you to scan again when exiting; others charge a flat fare.
Important note: You need to activate the transit card separately for each city you visit. This takes about 30 seconds per city --- just select the new city and follow the prompts. Once activated, it stays in your Alipay permanently for future visits.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- LyrikTrip Tip: Set up the metro QR code for your first destination city before you arrive --- you can do this from anywhere in the world as long as you have Alipay installed and verified. When you land, your transit pass is already ready. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
App #3: Ele.me / Meituan (Food Delivery) --- Order Takeout Without Downloading Anything
Yes. Both Ele.me (饿了么, now rebranded as Taobao Flash Purchase) and Meituan have mini-programs inside Alipay that let you order food delivery directly to your hotel room. This is particularly valuable because the standalone Meituan app requires a Chinese phone number for registration --- a barrier that the Alipay mini-program can help you bypass. [[11]](https://thechina.travel/apps/food-delivery/) [[12]](https://chinaguidelines.com/en/posts/food-delivery)
Ele.me is the easiest option inside Alipay because both Ele.me and Alipay are owned by Alibaba. The integration is seamless --- you'll find the Ele.me icon (labeled "Takeout" or with an "e" logo) directly on Alipay's homepage. [[13]](https://www.yenkidinchina.com/latest-posts/how-to-order-food-delivery-in-china-simplified-guide)
Open Alipay
Find the "Takeout" (外卖) icon on the homepage, or search "饿了么" (Ele.me) or "美团外卖" (Meituan Takeout)
The mini-program opens showing restaurants near your location
Browse restaurants --- many have photos of dishes; use Alipay's built-in translation button (look for "翻译" in the mini-program menu) to translate Chinese menus to English
Add items to your cart
Enter your delivery address (your hotel address in Chinese --- ask the front desk for a card with the address)
Choose your payment method (your linked international card via Alipay)
Confirm the order --- delivery typically arrives in 30-45 minutes
The translation feature is a game-changer. WeChat and Alipay mini-programs now include built-in translation buttons supporting 18 languages. Click the ⋯ menu → "翻译" for instant full-page translation. This means you can read restaurant names, dish descriptions, and delivery instructions in English without leaving the app. [[11]](https://thechina.travel/apps/food-delivery/)
A Reddit user shared this exact workflow: "In China, people commonly use apps like Meituan and Ele to order takeout. Here's a method that allows you to do it all within the Alipay app using the built-in Meituan mini-program." The post received 169 upvotes, confirming this is a widely used and reliable approach. [[14]](https://www.reddit.com/r/travelchina/comments/1mbz5ng/practical_guide_how_to_order_takeout_with_meituan/)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- LyrikTrip Tip: Save your hotel address in Chinese on your phone's clipboard. You'll paste it repeatedly when ordering food delivery. Ask the hotel front desk to write it down or send it to you via WeChat --- include the full address with building name, room number, and any delivery instructions (e.g., "leave at front desk" = "放前台"). -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yes. Alipay's Transport section includes a "Bicycle" tab that lets you unlock and ride shared bikes (primarily HelloBike and Didi Bike) by scanning the QR code on the bike --- no separate bike-sharing app needed. [[8]](https://www.yenkidinchina.com/transport)
Shared bikes are everywhere in Chinese cities --- parked on sidewalks, outside metro stations, along riverbanks. They come in different colors (blue for HelloBike, green/orange for Meituan Bike, blue-green for Didi Bike), but the process through Alipay is the same regardless of brand.
Open Alipay → tap "Transport" (出行)
Click the "Bicycle" (骑行) tab
Find a bike on the street
Use Alipay's scan function to scan the QR code on the bike
The bike unlocks automatically
Ride to your destination
Park the bike in a designated area and lock it --- the fare is automatically deducted from your Alipay
Cost: Shared bikes in China are extraordinarily cheap --- typically ¥1.5-3 (\$0.20-0.40) per 30 minutes. There's no deposit required when using Alipay (deposits are waived for verified Alipay users with good credit scores, which includes international users with linked cards).
Beijing's official government guide for foreigners specifically highlights this feature: "Shared bikes are available in three colors: blue, yellow, and turquoise. Each belongs to one of three different companies and each has its own merits. However the most foreign-language friendly one is Alipay, a catch-all payment app." [[15]](https://english.beijing.gov.cn/latest/specials/essentialtipsfornewarrivals/transportation/202408/t20240830_3785706.html)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ LyrikTrip Tip: Shared bikes are perfect for the "last mile" problem --- when your destination is 1-2 km from the nearest metro station. Ride the metro to the closest stop, then grab a bike for the final stretch. It's faster than walking and cheaper than a Didi. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
App #5: 12306 (Train Tickets) --- Book High-Speed Rail Inside Alipay
Yes. The official 12306 mini-program launched inside Alipay as the first external official channel for China Railway, meaning you can search, book, and pay for train tickets without ever visiting the 12306 website or downloading the 12306 app. [[16]](https://m.traveldaily.cn/article/138825)
This is significant because the standalone 12306 app has a notoriously complex passport verification process that can take 3-5 business days for foreigners. The Alipay mini-program streamlines this by leveraging your existing Alipay identity verification.
Open Alipay → tap "Transport" (出行) on the homepage
You'll see a "Train Tickets" (火车票) option, or search "12306" in the Alipay search bar
Enter your departure city, destination city, and travel date
Browse available trains --- high-speed trains (G/D series) are shown with travel times and prices
Select your preferred train and seat class
Enter your passport information (name exactly as it appears on your passport, passport number, nationality)
Pay with your linked international card
Receive an electronic ticket --- show your passport at the station to board
Important caveat: While the 12306 mini-program works for booking, some travelers report that passport verification within the mini-program still requires manual approval, which can take time. For guaranteed, hassle-free train bookings, Trip.com remains the most reliable option for foreigners --- it has an English interface, accepts international cards directly, and handles all the 12306 verification on your behalf. The trade-off is a small service fee (typically ¥20-40 per ticket). [[1]](https://letstraveltochina.com/how-to-use-alipay-in-china/)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ LyrikTrip Tip: Use the Alipay 12306 mini-program for simple point-to-point bookings on popular routes (Beijing-Shanghai, Shanghai-Hangzhou, Chengdu-Xi'an). Use Trip.com for complex itineraries, multi-leg journeys, or if you need English-language customer support. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alipay's utility extends far beyond the five core app replacements. Here are the bonus features that make it indispensable:
Alipay includes a translation function that works within mini-programs. When you're browsing a Chinese-language mini-program (attraction ticket booking, restaurant menu, etc.), look for the "翻译" (translate) button --- it converts the entire page to English instantly. This is particularly useful when buying attraction tickets, where the booking interface is often Chinese-only. [[17]](https://www.babagoeschina.com/alipay-for-tourists-guide/)
Many Chinese attractions --- including Shanghai Disneyland, the Forbidden City, Yu Garden, and the Great Wall --- sell tickets through Alipay mini-programs. Search the attraction name in Alipay, open its official mini-program, select your date and ticket type, and pay. You'll receive a QR code that you scan at the entrance. No paper ticket, no waiting in line. [[1]](https://letstraveltochina.com/how-to-use-alipay-in-china/)
Alipay shows real-time exchange rates for your linked card's currency against RMB. Before making a purchase, you can quickly check how much you're actually spending in your home currency.
Scan the QR code on any vending machine or portable power bank rental station (found in malls, restaurants, and train stations) with Alipay to pay instantly. These machines don't accept cash or foreign cards --- Alipay is often the only option. [[18]](https://www.medbridgenz.com/how-to-set-up-use-alipay-for-medical-travel-in-china)
If you have a Chinese SIM card, you can top up your phone balance directly through Alipay without visiting a carrier store.
Through the Fliggy (飞猪) mini-program inside Alipay, you can book hotels and flights. However, for foreigners, Trip.com generally offers a better experience with English support and guaranteed foreigner-friendly hotels.
You need three things: a smartphone, a passport, and an international bank card (Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Diners Club, or Discover). No Chinese bank account required. No Chinese phone number required. [[19]](https://www.travelofchina.com/alipay-setup-guide/)
iOS: Search "Alipay" in the App Store
Android: Search "Alipay" in Google Play Store
The app is free
Open Alipay and select "Sign Up"
Enter your international phone number (for receiving a verification code)
Set a login password
Tap "Me" (bottom right) → Settings (gear icon) → "General" → "Language" → "English"
The main interface and many mini-programs will now display in English
Tap "Me" → your profile → "Identity Verification"
Select "Passport" as your ID type
Enter your full name (exactly as it appears on your passport), passport number, nationality, and date of birth
Take a photo of your passport's information page
Complete a facial recognition scan
Tap "Me" → "Bank Cards" → "Add Card"
Enter your Visa, Mastercard, or other supported card details
Confirm the small verification charge
Scan any QR code (even a random one in a photo) to verify the scan function works
Check that the "Transport" section shows your city options
Verify that the Didi mini-program loads on the homepage
Alipay's TourCard (previously called Tour Pass) is a prepaid digital wallet designed specifically for foreign tourists. You load money onto it from your international card, and it functions like a local Chinese payment balance. The advantage is that some services and personal vendor QR codes that don't accept direct foreign card payments will accept TourCard balance. [[20]](https://ltl-school.com/alipay-for-foreigners/)
Paying small street vendors whose personal QR codes don't support foreign cards
Using certain mini-programs that require Alipay balance rather than direct card payment
Transactions under ¥15,000 don't require additional ID verification
Paying at any merchant with a business QR code (the vast majority)
Using Didi, metro, and most major mini-programs
Shopping at chain stores, restaurants, and supermarkets
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- LyrikTrip Tip: Start with just your linked international card. If you encounter a vendor or service that won't accept it, load ¥500-1,000 onto TourCard as a backup. Most travelers never need TourCard for a trip under 2 weeks. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alipay is extraordinarily powerful, but it has specific limitations that travelers should understand:
Foreign users cannot send money to or receive money from individual Chinese Alipay users. You can only pay merchants and businesses. If you need to split a bill with a Chinese friend, they'll need to pay and you reimburse them in cash or through another method. [[18]](https://www.medbridgenz.com/how-to-set-up-use-alipay-for-medical-travel-in-china)
Small vendors sometimes use personal QR codes (as opposed to business merchant codes). These personal codes may not accept payments from foreign-linked cards --- only Alipay balance or Chinese bank cards. Solution: Load some money onto TourCard, or carry a small amount of cash (¥200-500) for these situations.
Alipay requires an active internet connection for all functions. Unlike a physical transit card, your Alipay metro QR code won't work if your phone has no signal. Solution: Get a Chinese SIM card or eSIM with reliable data.
Alipay itself doesn't charge a fee, but your bank may charge a foreign transaction fee of 1-3% on each payment. Some banks waive this fee for travel cards. Check with your bank before your trip.
Payments with a linked foreign card have a per-transaction limit of approximately ¥35,000 (\~\$5,000). For most tourist spending, this is more than sufficient. TourCard has a separate limit of ¥15,000 without additional verification. [[21]](https://www.trip.com/blog/how-to-use-alipay-with-a-foreign-credit-card/)
If you make several large purchases in rapid succession, Alipay's security system may temporarily freeze your account. This is rare but can happen. Solution: Space out large purchases, and contact Alipay's English customer service at +86-571-2688-6000 if blocked. [[22]](https://realchinatrip.com/blogs/tips/alipay-for-foreigners-how-to-pay-in-china-2026-updated-realchinatrip)
For a trip under 2 weeks: Alipay alone is sufficient for payments and services. WeChat is useful primarily for communication (messaging Chinese contacts, scanning QR codes in social contexts). Alipay is more foreigner-friendly for payments --- it has the Tour Pass feature specifically designed for tourists, better international card support, and doesn't require a Chinese phone number for most functions. WeChat Pay requires more setup steps and is harder to configure with a foreign card. The recommended approach: use Alipay for payments and services, WeChat for communication and social features. [[17]](https://www.babagoeschina.com/alipay-for-tourists-guide/)
Virtually yes. Over 95% of physical merchants in China accept Alipay. From luxury malls to street food carts, from five-star hotels to rural village shops, Alipay QR codes are ubiquitous. The rare exceptions are some very old-fashioned businesses that only accept cash, and some government offices that require specific payment methods. For all practical tourist purposes, Alipay covers everything. [[5]](https://coinlaw.io/alipay-vs-wechat-pay-statistics/)
Yes. Alipay uses bank-grade encryption, biometric verification (fingerprint/face), and payment passwords for every transaction. It's regulated by the People's Bank of China and has been processing international transactions since 2004. Set up a strong payment password, enable biometric verification, and you'll have the same level of security as any major banking app.
Contact your bank to authorize international online transactions in China --- many banks block Chinese transactions by default as a fraud prevention measure
Try a different card --- Mastercard often works where Visa is declined, and vice versa
Load money onto TourCard as a bridge payment method
Try a different card network (JCB, Diners Club, Discover)
As a last resort, carry cash (¥1,000-2,000) for situations where digital payment fails
Yes, and you absolutely should. Everything --- registration, identity verification, card linking, and even transit card activation --- can be done from anywhere in the world. Setting up Alipay on the plane or in the airport arrival hall is stressful and time-consuming. Do it at home, test it, and arrive in China ready to go.
Homepage shortcuts --- The most popular mini-programs (Didi, Takeout, Transport) are displayed directly on Alipay's homepage
Search bar --- Tap the search bar at the top and type the name of the service (in English or Chinese): "Didi", "12306", "Meituan", "Ele.me", "HelloBike"
Transport section --- Tap "Transport" (出行) on the homepage to access metro, bus, bike, taxi, and train ticket services in one unified interface
Alipay is the domestic Chinese app. Alipay+ is a cross-border payment platform that connects overseas e-wallets (like GCash, Touch 'n Go, KakaoPay) to Chinese merchants. If you already use one of Alipay+'s 10+ partner wallets from countries like Malaysia, South Korea, Singapore, Thailand, or the Philippines, you can scan Chinese Alipay QR codes directly with your home wallet --- no need to download the Chinese Alipay app at all. However, this only works for payments, not for mini-programs. For the full super-app experience (Didi, metro, food delivery, etc.), you still need the Chinese Alipay app. [[23]](https://english.beijing.gov.cn/specials/paymentservices/news/202404/t20240429_3645653.html)
| I Want To... | Where in Alipay | How |
|---|---|---|
| Pay a merchant | Homepage → "Pay" or "Scan" | Show your barcode OR scan their QR code |
| Hail a taxi | Homepage → "Didi" mini-program | Enter destination → confirm ride |
| Ride the metro | "Transport" → Metro → select city | Show QR code at turnstile |
| Take a bus | "Transport" → Bus → select city | Show QR code to bus scanner |
| Order food delivery | Homepage → "Takeout" (外卖) or search "饿了么" | Browse → order → pay |
| Rent a bike | "Transport" → Bicycle | Scan QR code on bike |
| Buy train tickets | "Transport" → Train Tickets or search "12306" | Enter route → book → pay |
| Buy attraction tickets | Search attraction name | Open mini-program → select date → pay |
| Translate a menu | Open any mini-program → tap ⋯ → "翻译" | Full-page translation to English |
| Check exchange rate | Search "exchange rate" | Real-time rate display |
Download Alipay from App Store or Google Play
Register with your international phone number
Switch language to English (Me → Settings → General → Language)
Complete identity verification with your passport
Link your international card (Visa/Mastercard/JCB)
Activate metro QR code for your first destination city
Test the Didi mini-program --- verify it loads and shows a map
Locate the Ele.me/Takeout icon on the homepage
Save your hotel address in Chinese on your clipboard
Optional: Load ¥500-1,000 onto TourCard as backup
Total setup time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Apps eliminated: 5+. Stress reduced: Immeasurable.
This guide was last updated in March 2026. Alipay features and mini-program availability evolve rapidly. Always update to the latest version of Alipay before your trip for the best experience.
Have questions or updates to this guide? Contact the LyrikTrip Advisory Team.
