Alipay is a Chinese app used for a number of things, but primarily, paying for goods and services . Alipay is mainly used by Chinese nationals in shops/restaurants and convenience stores to buy goods. It can also be used to pay for utilities, buy movie tickets and even purchase flight tickets.

Tourcard is a mini-app inside of Alipay. This mini-app allows you to set up an online bank account with the BANK OF SHANGHAI that has a limit of 10,000CNY.

Tourpass is now discountinued. It has been rebranded as Tourcard and is a way for foreigners to spend money without using cash in China. The Tourcard has a limit of 10,000CNY and closes after 180 days of use. Previously, Tourpass worked for only 90 days and had a limit of 2,000CNY.

Can I use Wise (formerly TransferWise) in China?

Yes you can. With Wise you can convert many currencies to CNY and then use it in China.

Are there limitations to Tourcard?

Unfortunately yes! 1 - There is a 10,000CNY limit. 2 - There is a 5% top-up service charge. 3 - It is only active for 180 days. 4 - Only Visa, Mastercard, Diners Club and JCB account holders can use Tourcard. Check out this article to find out some alternate solutions.

Can I link my foreign bank card to Alipay?

Yes you can! It's super easy to do and there is no limit on the amount you spend.

Do I need a Chinese bank account to travel around China?

No you don't. With the news that you can link a foreign bank account to Alipay, this means you can gain all the benefits of the Alipay app and start spending in China without needing cash.

Can foreigners use Alipay in China?

Yes, Alipay is available for everyone to use in China , you can use it in English or Chinese meaning it is also convenient for most to use.

How do I set up Alipay in China?

You simply download Alipay from your App Store on your device. You will need to register a mobile number and set up your account. Once this is complete just link your bank card (Chinese account or now a foreign account is also possible) and you are good to go.

How do I top up Alipay with foreign credit card?

You will need to link a bank card to Alipay which you can do so by visiting your profile and then BANK CARDS. If you linked your Chinese bank account to Alipay there is no need to top-up your account. It is simply linked to your bank account. If you linked your foreign bank account to Alipay the same applies, but it may or may not work (there is no way of knowing until you try and make that first transaction). If you topped up your Tourcard you have a 10,000CNY cap and you can top up by visiting the Tourcard mini-app inside of Alipay.

Is Alipay the only payment app in China?

No, WeChat is the primary payment app in China and these two dominate the market.

How to avoid 3% charge on Alipay?

To avoid the 3% currency conversion fee that Alipay applies to foreign Visa or Mastercard transactions, top up an Alipay TourCard instead of linking your foreign card for direct payment. Fund the TourCard using a card with zero foreign transaction fees, such as a Wise card , so you convert your currency once at the mid-market rate, and your in-China spending through the TourCard itself carries no per-transaction 3% surcharge.