Tips & Answers · Community post
Payment method in china and Mastercard in Alipay
Meilingna887Shared Aug 21, 2026Hello, I am going to China in a week and I am trying to connect my Mastercard (I am from Italy) to Alipay, but it is not working. Is anyone having the same problem?
Does anyone know any alternatives that I can use instead of Alipay at this point?
Help!
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Sofia NovakAug 21
Yep, lots of people run into this exact issue with Italian-issued Mastercards on Alipay. A few things to try first:
- Call your Italian bank and tell them you will make online transactions in China. Many banks automatically block Chinese payment processors for fraud protection.
- Double-check that your full name on Alipay matches exactly how it is printed on your passport and credit card.
- Finish passport identity verification inside Alipay before adding your card, not after.
If it still will not bind, here are real-world backup options:
- WeChat Pay (Weixin): Add the same Mastercard through its international-card section. It runs on a separate payment system, and a card rejected by Alipay may work there.
- Physical Mastercard: It can work at big hotels, malls, chain restaurants and tourist sites. Do not count on it for tiny stalls or family-run local eateries.
- Withdraw RMB cash: Try Bank of China or ICBC ATMs after arrival. Keep some cash for smaller vendors.
- Nihao China app: It is made for foreign tourists and can be useful as another option.
Do not rely on only one payment method. Bring two payment apps, a physical card and a small amount of cash. Good luck — try to sort this out before boarding.