China’s 144-hour visa-free transit policy, expanded as of July 15, 2024, offers eligible travelers from 54 countries the opportunity to explore designated areas of China for up to six days without the need for a visa, as long as they are transiting to a third country. This policy now covers 37 ports, including newly added destinations such as Zhengzhou in Henan Province and popular cities in Yunnan Province like Lijiang and Dali. With this expansion, short-term travel to China is now more accessible and convenient than ever, allowing international visitors to save both time and money.
For travelers looking to make the most of their brief stay, this policy opens up a world of opportunities to explore China’s vibrant cities, experience its rich culture, and conduct business—all without the hassle of obtaining a visa. With such convenience, who wouldn’t be excited to start an adventure in China?
Before you pack your bags, there’s one more essential tool you’ll need to ensure a smooth journey—your smartphone. With Alipay, China’s leading mobile payment platform, you can manage every aspect of your trip, from paying for meals to booking transportation, with just a few taps on your phone —all payments can be completed within 5 seconds.
Why You Should Use Alipay During Your Stay
China aims to provide visitors with a seamless experience, which is why Alipay is highly recommended for everyday transactions. The days of carrying cash or worrying about exchange rates are over—Alipay allows you to make fast, secure payments in seconds by simply scanning a QR code. Whether you’re paying for a meal at a restaurant, shopping in a local market, or booking a taxi, Alipay makes it incredibly easy to complete transactions.
- Widely Accepted: Alipay is accepted almost everywhere—from small street vendors to large shopping malls and high-end restaurants.
- Convenient & Fast: With a quick QR code scan, you can pay for anything within seconds, saving you time and effort.
- No Need for Cash: You won’t have to carry physical currency or worry about finding exchange counters. Alipay makes managing your money easier.
- Secure Transactions: Your payment details are protected with encryption, ensuring safe and secure transactions.
Where You Can Use Alipay in China
Alipay is widely used across all aspects of daily life in China. Here are just a few of the many places where you can use it:
Restaurants and Cafes: At many restaurants, you can order and pay for food by simply scanning a QR code at your table, allowing you to settle the bill as soon as you order. In other places, you can quickly pay by either scanning a QR code at the counter or showing your own QR code for the staff to scan.
Transportation: Whether it’s taxis, ride-hailing services like Didi, or metro tickets or buses, Alipay makes transportation payments easy.
Shopping: Alipay is accepted at department stores, boutiques, and even small market stalls.
Street Vendors: Even small food stalls accept Alipay for quick, cashless transactions.
Vending Machines: Use Alipay to grab drinks or snacks from vending machines.
Tourist Attractions: Purchase tickets for museums, parks, and other tourist sites through Alipay.
Supermarkets and Convenience Stores: Buy snacks or groceries at any store and pay with your phone.
Movie Theaters: Book and pay for movie tickets without leaving the app.
Public Services: Pay utility bills, top up your mobile phone, or settle parking fees.
Online Shopping: Platforms like Taobao and JD.com accept Alipay for online purchases.
Hotels and Accommodation: Settle your hotel bill with Alipay without the need for cash or cards.
Money Transfers: Easily transfer money to friends, family, or even your tour guide using Alipay’s quick and secure transfer feature—perfect for splitting bills or sending payments on the go.
Ready to join the millions of people in China who rely on Alipay for daily transactions? Here’s how you can register and start using Alipay :
1, Download the Alipay App
– Go to the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android) and search for “Alipay.” Download and install the app.
2, Open the App and Sign Up
– Launch the app and tap “Sign Up.”
– Enter your mobile phone number (make sure you can receive SMS verification codes on this number) and select “Continue.”
3, Verify Your Phone Number
– You will receive an SMS verification code. Enter the code in the app to verify your number.
4, Complete Identity Verification
– As a foreign user, you’ll need to upload a photo of your passport for identity verification.
– Go to the “Me” section in the app, select “Identity Verification”, and follow the steps to upload a photo of your passport.
5, Link Your International Bank Card
– Go to the “Me” section, tap “Bank Cards”, and select “Add Card.”
– You can link your Visa, MasterCard, or other major international credit or debit cards.
– Enter your card details and billing address to complete the setup.
– If you’re unable to link your card, you can ask a friend or someone you trust to transfer money to your Alipay account. Once you receive the funds, you can use your Alipay balance to make payments just as easily.
6, Start Using Alipay
– Once your card is linked, you’re ready to start using Alipay.
– Simply scan merchant QR codes or show your own QR code for others to scan and make payments.
With China’s expanded 144-hour visa-free transit policy and the convenience of using Alipay, exploring the country has never been easier. Whether you’re here for a short layover or a mini-adventure, you can now immerse yourself in China’s vibrant culture and dynamic cities without worrying about visas or cash transactions. So why wait? Set up Alipay, plan your trip, and get ready to experience China with total convenience and confidence!
While this post focuses on Alipay, it’s worth mentioning that WeChat also offers similar payment functionalities, which are widely accepted across China. In fact, you’ll often see both Alipay and WeChat QR codes side by side at most sellers’ counters, giving you the flexibility to choose whichever platform works best for you.
If you have any questions about using Alipay or WeChat, feel free to reach out—I’m happy to help!
