Alipay Guide for Shanghai Travel 2026: Setup & Card Link

Your Essential App for Shanghai, China

Alipay

Hey there, fellow adventurers! It's Ciel, your travel influencer, here to share a crucial tip for your upcoming trip to China.

Today, we're diving into one of the most indispensable apps for traveling in China: Alipay. I'll walk you through how to sign up and get started!

🇨🇳 Alipay: Your Must-Have App for Shanghai & China Travel

This guide is perfect for:

✔️ Anyone planning a trip to China (Alipay is used far more often than cash!)

✔️ Travelers who plan to use Didi Taxi

✔️ Those looking to make restaurant reservations easily

How to Install and Sign Up for Alipay

First things first, download Alipay from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.

Once you open the Alipay app, you can sign up by verifying your mobile phone number.

After signing up, set your country, and you'll see a screen similar to the one on the right.

Changing the Language

While English is usually the default, if you prefer, you can change the language to make navigation even easier.

Tap on "Account" (highlighted in the image).

Next, tap the gear icon (settings), then go into "General."

Select "Language" and choose your preferred language (e.g., English), then tap "Save."

And just like that, your language settings are updated!

Passport Verification

Go to "Account" and tap on "IDs."

Here, you'll register your passport details.

‼️Double-check your passport number! I had to correct mine after initially entering it incorrectly.😂

You'll then complete a quick face verification. It happens so fast, you might be surprised!

Once face verification is complete, you'll just need to wait for the verification results.

Linking Your Card

Tap "Add Card Number" and simply enter your card information to enable quick payments. That's it!

How to Use Alipay

If you need to scan a QR code, use the "Scan" function.

If a vendor asks to scan your QR code, use the "Pay" function.

To use Didi Taxi, simply access the "Didi Travel" feature within Alipay.

I'll be bringing you a separate post soon on how to use Didi Taxi through Alipay! ✨️

Alipay Payment Tips

When using a Mastercard or Visa card, a fee might apply for payments over 200 Yuan (approximately ~$28). To avoid this, you can try splitting payments into increments of 200 Yuan or less.

Keep in mind that not all places might accommodate split payments. If this sounds like too much hassle, getting a UnionPay card might be a better option for you.

I personally opted for a UnionPay card since I knew I'd be making larger meal purchases.

Also, if you encounter occasional payment errors, don't panic! A quick phone restart usually fixes the issue. I had to restart my phone about three times during my trip, but it always resolved the problem. 😊

✔︎ My Alipay App Review

While WeChat Pay is often mentioned, honestly, I found myself using Alipay much more frequently.

Most restaurants readily accepted Alipay QR codes, making it truly indispensable. I highly recommend installing it before you go!

I used Alipay for everything from Didi Taxis to managing waiting lists at popular spots like Hanjiu Yiqian. I didn't even bother carrying or using cash! Haha.

Cielso

©2026.Cielso All rights reserved.