Alipay without Chinese Phone Number – Is It Possible?
Don’t have a Chinese phone number? Here’s how to register, verify, and use Alipay as a foreigner — including workarounds and payment tips.
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💡 Introduction
Alipay is the most common way to pay on Chinese platforms like Taobao, Weidian, and 1688. But if you’re an international buyer, you’ve likely run into this issue:
“I don’t have a Chinese phone number. Can I still use Alipay?”
Yes — but with a few caveats. Here’s how to get around it.
🚪 Option 1: Register Alipay with a Foreign Number (May 2025 Status)
As of 2025, some users report being able to register with a foreign number (US, UK, AU) directly via the Alipay International App.
Steps:
- Download Alipay International App from Google Play / App Store
- Select your country code and input your mobile number
- Upload your passport for identity verification
- Link a Visa/MasterCard (some features may be limited)
⚠️ Notes:
- Not all features are available
- Can’t always send money peer-to-peer
- Works best for basic in-app payments via agents
🧳 Option 2: Use a Friend or Agent’s Alipay
If the above doesn’t work or gets stuck during verification, you can still:
- Ask a Chinese friend or agent to pay for you
- Use purchasing services (like Superbuy or CNFans) that pay on your behalf
- Send money via Wise, Payoneer, or Revolut to the agent
This is the most reliable method for Taobao/1688 purchases without account friction.
🔧 Option 3: Use Alipay TourPass (for short-term use)
If you're visiting China or doing a one-time shop, use TourPass:
- Valid for 90 days
- Load funds via Visa or MasterCard
- Used inside mainland China + some platforms
⚠️ Still requires real-name verification and may not work on all Taobao merchants.
🧠 Final Tips
- Don’t try to fake Chinese ID — Alipay’s KYC is strict
- Use apps like Papago or Google Translate to navigate verification
- Join WeChat buyer groups — many agents can assist with payment
- If stuck, go with agent payment + global forwarding (simplest path)
