Alipay Singapore: How to use Alipay on your trip to China

26 Aug 2025

8 mins read

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Mobile payments are becoming the norm in China, so if you’re heading there for work or fun, you’ll likely need to use digital payments to pay for your expenses.

Heard the rumours? Mastercard and Visa are like myths in China, and you need a local WePay or Alipay account—something not everyone has easy access to. And flashing cash might get you some side-eye!

So, it’s no surprise that one of the top questions before heading to China is, “How do I pay as a Singaporean?”

In this blog, we’ll cover how to use Alipay and how to set up Alipay in Singapore so that you can use Alipay in China.

Alipay for foreigners: What is Alipay Singapore

For foreigners like us, the first thing we Google is “Alipay for foreigners”.

In short, Alipay is a digital wallet that stores all your payment info electronically. It’s like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and WeChat Pay, but way more popular in China.

You can either:

Transfer money to another digital wallet, or
Link your bank account to the Alipay app and fund your wallet.

What it does is it allows you to make mobile payments through your Alipay account.

Can’t I use my international bank card to pay in China?

Not that you can’t but it isn’t the default method to pay in China. The Chinese payment plaform is set up differently.

Can foreigners use Alipay?

Yes, foreigners can totally use Alipay in China! The only twist is the setup and topping up process, which is a bit different from the locals.

Is there an international version app? Not really.

Remember, Alipay is a digital wallet. The only twist is how you fund it. Typically, folks link their Chinese bank accounts to top up their Alipay wallets to make QR payments. But for overseas users, we will have to set up the account with a different method.

Can foreigners use Alipay without Chinese bank account?

Absolutely! Overseas users don’t need a Chinese bank account. All you have to do is top up the Alipay app with international bank card, and you’re good to go!

How to top up Alipay with foreign credit card?

Before we talk about how to top up your Alipay account with foreign bank card, let’s first walk you through how to set up Alipay in Singapore.

How to set up Alipay Singapore?

You will need to set up your Alipay account in Singapore first. Follow the steps below:

Download Alipay app on your device.
Hit that “Sign Up” or “Register” button.
Add your mobile number, email address, and other required identity information.
Create a secure password for your Alipay account.
Confirm your account by entering the verification code sent to your mobile or email.
Next up, you’ll need to verify your identity. Just upload your passport and do a quick face verification.
Follow the steps: scan your passport, let it fill in automatically, and then click “Submit”.

And hold your horses. It doesn’t mean you can use Alipay yet.

Once you’re all set, the next step, we’ll show you how to top up Alipay with foreign credit card.

How to top up Alipay with foreign credit card?

Technically, it’s more about linking your foreign credit card to your Alipay wallet than topping it up.

After registering for your Alipay account in Singapore, the next step is to add a credit or debit card.
Simply scan your card, or manually input your card number, type, expiry date, and CVV2.

And voilà, you’re all set to use Alipay to make digital payment.

Aside from bank card, can you use other cross border payment cards?

Bank card do take a chunk out when it comes to currency conversion. Alternatively, you can use wise card, amaze card to pay in China. But you will have to first set up a Instarem or Wise account, then linked card to Alipay app.

How to add your amaze card to Alipay?

If you’ve got an amaze card, just follow these three easy steps:

Set up your Alipay account.
Add your amaze card to Alipay.
Scan the Alipay QR code to make payments.

Easy peasy!

How to use Alipay in China?

By scanning merchant’s QR code.

To pay someone, scan their Alipay QR code and the payment is sent instantly. To receive payments, people scan your QR code.

Everything in the Alipay ecosystem their unique QR code payments for individuals, merchants, even payment points.

The QR code system is so pervasive that it’s part of daily life in China. People scan QR codes for coffee, food, public transport and ride-sharing.

In fact, the QR code is so common that there are complaints of discrimination against non Alipay users (aka the non-tech-savvy).

Other things to take note of…

VPN is fantastic, but there’s a catch

Yes, we all need to vault over the Great Firewall of China with a VPN. But when it comes to adding your card to Alipay or WeChat Pay, it’s not so awesome. Your VPN could cause a network error. So, if you’re planning to top up your Alipay in China, make sure to switch off that VPN! Otherwise you can’t make any form of payment with your account.

Align your SIM card for smooth Alipay registration

If you’re having trouble registering your Alipay account, chances are it’s your phone number playing tricks on you. Just remember, your SIM card needs to match your local number. Got a China SIM card? Register your Alipay or WeChat Pay with your China mobile number. Using a Singapore SIM card? Then register with your Singapore number.

What to do if your linked card fails?

Feeling a bit jittery about relying on just one credit or debit card? No sweat! Here are some handy solutions:

Pack a few different cards – you never know when one might throw a tantrum and refuse to work. Having backups is always a smart move.
Have a friend help out – give them some Chinese Yuan to deposit into their bank, then they can send money to you through Alipay account. It’s not perfect, but it works in a pinch if you can find someone willing to lend a hand!
Don’t forget to switch off your VPN

Alternative payments to Alipay – WeChat Pay and cash

Sure, Alipay is popular, but there is another payment plaform known as WeChat app steals the spotlight. Alipay or WeChat Pay allows you to make payment directly. Alternatively you can bring some cash along—it’s widely accepted too!

The only problem is you will be at the mercy of money changer and you might not be able to get the mid market exchange rate.

Before you go…

Planning a trip to China? Don’t forget to snag an amaze card!

After you sign up on the Alipay payment platform, simply linked card to amaze or top up your amaze wallet. Then add your amaze card to Alipay.

It allows you to pay directly to merchant’s account. Plus, with amaze card, by Instarem, you get to save on foreign transaction fees and giving you better currency conversion when you travel to China.

Frequently asked questions

How to use Alipay to pay in China?

All you have to do use Alipay to scan the payment code, then input the amount to make pay.

How to use Alipay in Singapore?

If you are a Chinese customer from mainland China, simply look out for Alipay partners. Alipay partners can be found in payment areas with the logos. To make payments, use your Alipay balance to pay seamlessly.

Is Alipay safe?

The reality is that there are over 1 billion people from Chinese mainland using both Alipay and WeChat app to make in app payments. So you can rest assured that both Alipay or WeChat are safe.

Is Alipay free?

Yes. Alipay allows you to set up a free account. Simply create account with the required identity information. And your account is ready to be used for payment

How to see the currency conversion after you make payment through Alipay account?

If you are using amaze card, log in to the Instarem app account and head to “Activity”. From the activity list, you can see the list of transactions with the exchange rates you have made through the Alipay payment platform.

Can Instarem app be use to send money overseas?

Yes, aside from using amaze to pay in foreign currencies, you can also send money through the app. Once you have your account approved, you can start to transfer money overseas.