Set up Alipay before you land

Short answer: download Alipay, link your foreign bank card, verify your identity with your passport, and test one small payment before you fly. Most shops, taxis and metro tickets in Guangzhou take Alipay.

1. Download Alipay and register with your phone number or email.
2. Add your foreign card (Visa, Mastercard and others are accepted for most visitors).
3. Verify with your passport — the name must match your card.
4. Test a small payment while you still have internet at home.

If it does not work: bring some cash (RMB) as a backup and ask your hotel to help. WeChat Pay is the other option, and it works the same way. Last verified 13 November 2026.