
Paying for the first time
With Alipay, in shops, taxis or restaurants. 4 steps, with phrases in Chinese to show.
One tap
Step 1If they scan you
Open Alipay and tap Pay/Receive at the top of the home screen. A code appears. Show it at the till and they scan it. The easiest way.
- Step 2
If you scan them
In small shops and stalls there is a code on the wall. Tap Scan at the top left, point at it, type the amount and confirm. Show your screen to the seller.
- Step 3
Fees
Up to 200 yuan there is no fee. Above that there is usually 3%. Big items, like hotels, you already paid when booking.
- Step 4
If it does not work
Try again with data on. If it still fails, pay with WeChat Pay or cash. Always carry a little cash just in case.
Take it on your phone offline. Build your route and it is in My trip, with your hotel card in Chinese. Build my route
Get Alipay ready before you leave7 steps with your progress saved→More step-by-step guides
Landing and getting to the hotelFrom the plane to your room, calmly→
Metro and busYour code, the gate and the exit→
Taking a taxi or DiDiWithout speaking Chinese→
Boarding the bullet trainFrom the station door to your seat→
Ordering foodWith photos, codes and your allergies→
If something goes wrongWhat to do, calmly→