Nationwide essentials · Before You Go
Set up and use Alipay
Register, add a card and understand the two ways to pay.
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Practical steps
Install the official app and register
Download Alipay from the Apple App Store or Google Play, check the publisher and open the app. Select your country or region code, enter your own mobile number and complete the SMS check. An overseas number works before arrival; if you later buy a mainland SIM, update the registered number inside Alipay rather than creating a second account.
Inside the full guidance
Have these ready before you begin
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Step 2 · Set the language and complete identity prompts
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Step 3 · Link an eligible international card
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Step 4 · Understand what the linked card can pay for
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Step 5 · Scan the merchant's QR code
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Step 6 · Let the cashier scan your payment code
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Step 7 · Check the card, fee and limit before confirming
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Step 8 · Use Alipay for transport and mini programs carefully
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Try one small payment first
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Protect the payment code and verification messages
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Troubleshooting
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Keep three layers of payment
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My Essentials
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