Alipay for Foreigners: Link Revolut Card in China (2025 Complete Guide)
Can Revolut link to Alipay?
Yes! Revolut Visa/Mastercard cards fully support Alipay integration for QR code payments across China.
Does Revolut work in China?
Yes for merchant payments, metro, taxis. No for person-to-person transfers or red packets.
Revolut Alipay fees:
Transactions under ¥200 CNY are fee-free. Above ¥200 CNY, there's a 3% fee. Revolut itself charges no additional fees.
Revolut Alipay exchange rates:
Uses Revolut's standard rates. Premium users get weekend-free exchanges, Standard users pay 1% on weekends.
Do I need an international card for Alipay?
Yes. You need a Visa/Mastercard from your home country bank to link to Alipay. Chinese domestic cards don't work for tourists.
Can I use Revolut in China without Alipay?
Very limited. Without Alipay/WeChat Pay, you can't use QR codes, which means no taxis, subways, or most merchants. Cash becomes necessary.
Common Revolut Alipay issues:
Mainly name matching and first payment verification. 95% success rate following our guide below.
Table of Contents
- Why Link Revolut to Alipay in China?
- Revolut Alipay Setup Requirements
- How to Link Revolut to Alipay: Step-by-Step Guide
- Revolut Alipay Fees: ¥200 CNY Free Limit Explained
- Revolut Alipay Exchange Rates: How They Work
- Revolut Alipay Troubleshooting: Common Issues & Solutions
- Final Verdict
- Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome to the definitive guide for Revolut users traveling to China. If you're wondering whether your favorite fintech card works within China's digital payment kingdom, you've come to the right place.
The good news is that it does, but the process has a few quirks. This guide will walk you through everything, step-by-step, transforming you from a confused tourist into a confident mobile payment pro.
Why Link Revolut to Alipay in China?
Before we dive into the "how," let's talk about the "why." China's payment landscape is dominated by QR codes.
Without a working mobile payment app, simple things like buying a bottle of water or paying for a taxi can become complicated. Here's why your Revolut card is the perfect key to this ecosystem:
New to China Mobile Payments?
Start with our beginner-friendly guides to understand the basics first.
- Access the Cashless Economy: From high-end restaurants to street food stalls, QR code payments are king. Alipay is your gateway, and Revolut is your power source.
- Leverage Revolut's Exchange Rates: While the final exchange rate has nuances (which we'll cover in detail), using Revolut still protects you from the poor rates often found at airport exchange counters or on some traditional bank cards.
- Enhanced Security and Control: You can instantly see every transaction in your Revolut app. If you lose your phone, you can immediately freeze your card from another device.
- Avoid Carrying Large Amounts of Cash: This is safer and much more convenient.
Revolut Alipay Setup Requirements
Let's get everything in order first. It'll make the process much smoother.
Here is your pre-flight checklist:
Get Your Travel-Ready Checklist
Download our printable PDF checklist to ensure you have everything ready before your China trip. Perfect for offline reference!
📥 Download Free Checklist PDF →| Item | Requirement & Notes |
|---|---|
| A Smartphone | An iOS or Android phone with a working camera. |
| A Working Phone Number | Your regular home phone number is fine. You must be able to receive SMS messages for verification. |
| The Revolut App | Ensure it's installed and you are logged in. Have your physical or virtual Revolut card details ready. |
| The Alipay App | Download it from the App Store or Google Play Store BEFORE you travel to China if possible. |
| Your Passport | You will need your physical passport for identity verification. |
| Internet Connection | A stable Wi-Fi or data connection is needed for the setup process. |
How to Link Revolut to Alipay: Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these steps carefully.
The most common failures happen at the name and verification stages, so pay close attention to the tips provided.
Step 1: Download and Set Up the Alipay App
If you haven't already, download the Alipay app:
- Download from App Store or Google Play Store
- Open the app and enter your phone number
- Use your regular, home country phone number (e.g., +44, +1, +33)
- Receive and enter the SMS verification code
- Complete basic account setup
SMS Code Not Received?
Get instant help with SMS issues →Pro Tip: Alipay might prompt you to switch to the "International Version." If it does, accept it. If not, don't worry, the core functionality is the same. The international version simply hides some of the more complex, local-only features.
Step 2: Begin Adding Your Revolut Card
From the Alipay home screen, choose one of these options:
- Tap "Me" in the bottom right corner → "Bank Cards"
- OR tap "Scan" and scan a merchant QR code (Alipay will prompt you to add a payment method)
- Tap the "+ Add Card" button
Step 3: Enter Your Revolut Card Number
Add your card details:
- Choose camera scan or manual entry (manual is often more reliable)
- Enter the 16-digit number from your physical or virtual Revolut card
- Ensure you're using a Visa or Mastercard (not virtual single-use cards)
Is Your Card Supported?
Not just Revolut - find out if your specific bank card works in China before you travel.
Check Your Card Compatibility →You can also check our Visa vs Mastercard comparison to understand which card type works better in China.
Step 4: Fill in Your Personal Details (The Most Important Step!)
This is where most errors occur. You will be asked for your Name, Card Expiry Date, and CVV.
The Expiry and CVV are straightforward. The Name is critical.
CRITICAL: Name Matching
Alipay needs to match the name on your card with the name on your passport, which you will verify later. Enter your name EXACTLY as it appears on your Revolut card.
- Given Name: Enter your first name and any middle names here. For example, if your name is John Michael Smith, enter "John Michael".
- Surname: Enter your last name. For example, "Smith".
- No Middle Name? Just enter your first name in the Given Name field.
Getting this wrong will cause verification to fail later.
Step 5: Add Billing Information
Complete the billing information:
- Enter your home address associated with your Revolut account
- This is a standard verification step
- Ensure all details match your Revolut account information
Step 6: Success! Your Card is Added
If all the details are correct, you should see a success screen showing your Revolut card has been added to your Alipay wallet.
Congratulations!
You haven't finished yet! Your card is added, but your account isn't fully verified.
You'll be prompted to complete Identity Verification the first time you try to make a payment. Just follow the on-screen instructions to take a picture of your passport's photo page. The system will automatically verify your details (this is why the name matching in Step 4 was so important). Verification is usually instant.
Revolut Alipay Integration: Confirmation & Next Steps
Congratulations! Your Revolut card is now successfully linked to Alipay. However, there are some important limitations to understand:
Important: What International Cards CAN'T Do on Alipay
While your Revolut card unlocks most of Alipay's payment functionality, there are some limitations specifically for international cards that you should know about before you travel.
Features NOT Available with International Cards:
- Person-to-Person Transfers: You can't send money directly to other Alipay users
- Red Packets (Hongbao): Can't send or receive traditional Chinese digital red envelopes
- Wealth Management Services: No access to investment products or savings accounts
- Insurance Services: Can't purchase insurance products through the app
- Bike/Scooter Sharing: Most shared mobility services require domestic payment methods
- Utility Bill Payments: Limited to merchant transactions only
What You CAN Do (The Important Stuff for Tourists):
- Merchant Payments: Restaurants, shops, hotels, attractions - all the essentials
- Public Transportation: Metro, buses, and trains in most cities
- Ride-Hailing: Didi and other taxi apps
- Online Shopping: Tmall, Taobao, and other e-commerce platforms (with 3% fee)
- Food Delivery: Most delivery services accept international cards
- Tourist Services: Attractions, tours, and travel bookings
The good news? These limitations don't affect the core tourist experience. You can pay for everything you need during your trip - from street food to luxury shopping. The restricted features are mainly relevant for residents or long-term visitors.
Revolut Alipay Fees: ¥200 CNY Free Limit Explained
So, what does it cost to use your Revolut card via Alipay?
The fee structure is actually set by Alipay for all international cards and is quite reasonable for tourists.
| Metric | Alipay's Policy for Foreign Cards (as of 2025) |
|---|---|
| Single Transaction under ¥200 CNY | Fee-Free. This covers most daily small purchases like coffee, snacks, metro rides, and taxis. |
| Single Transaction over ¥200 CNY | A 3% transaction fee is applied. For a ¥300 meal, the fee would be ¥9. |
| Single Transaction Limit | ¥5,000 CNY per transaction. |
| Cumulative Annual Limit | ¥50,000 CNY per year. |
Strategic Spending: To minimize fees, try to keep individual payments under the ¥200 threshold where possible.
For larger purchases like a hotel bill or a big dinner, the 3% fee is often still competitive compared to other options. Revolut itself does not charge any extra fees from their side for these transactions.
💡 Need More Details?
Complete foreign card limits guide →Important: Revolut Weekend Exchange Rate Fees (2025 Update)
Revolut implemented significant changes to its weekend fee structure in April 2025. Understanding these fees is crucial when using your Revolut card with Alipay during weekends in China.
| Revolut Plan | Weekend Exchange Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | 1% | Applied Friday 5pm - Sunday 6pm ET |
| Plus | 0.5% | 50% reduction from previous 1% fee |
| Premium/Metal/Ultra | 0% (Free) | No weekend fees for premium users |
Weekend Timing Impact
Weekend fees apply to all currency exchanges made between 5pm Friday and 6pm Sunday (Eastern Time). Since China is 13 hours ahead of ET, this affects:
- Saturday morning in China (around 6am) through Monday morning (around 7am)
- Most weekend shopping, dining, and tourist activities in China
- Consider timing larger purchases to avoid weekend fees if you have a Standard plan
Revolut Alipay Exchange Rates: How They Work
This is a key question for savvy Revolut users. You're used to getting excellent interbank rates, but when using Alipay, the exchange rate mechanism is more complex than a direct Revolut conversion.
Key Point: Your Card Issuer Sets the Final Rate
According to Alipay's official policy, "The exchange rate for international bank cards is provided by the card scheme and issuing bank." This means Revolut, as your card issuer, ultimately determines the exchange rate you'll see on your statement.
Here's the step-by-step process when you make a payment:
- You scan a QR code to pay for something costing ¥100 CNY.
- Alipay processes the transaction and charges your Revolut card in the currency your card supports (usually USD, EUR, or GBP).
- The CNY amount is converted using exchange rates provided by your card network (Visa/Mastercard) and Revolut.
- You'll see the final charged amount in your home currency on your Revolut app and statement.
What This Means for Your Wallet
Good News:
- You still benefit from Revolut's competitive exchange rates and fee structure
- The rates are typically much better than traditional tourist exchange methods
- Revolut's fee-free exchange policy (within monthly limits) still applies
Important Considerations:
- Weekend fees may apply depending on your Revolut plan (see above section)
- The final rate depends on when the transaction is processed, not when you initiate it
- Always check your Revolut app for the exact amount charged after each transaction
Pro Tip: Monitor Your Exchange Rates
For the most accurate exchange rate information, always refer to your Revolut app's transaction history. The app shows the exact rate used for each transaction, helping you track your spending more precisely than relying on estimates.
Revolut Alipay Troubleshooting: Common Issues & Solutions
Sometimes, technology doesn't cooperate.
Here are the most common problems and how to solve them.
Problem #1: Alipay says "Card Declined by Issuing Bank"
This is a very common issue, especially on the first attempt.
Got an Error Code?
If you see error codes like C6-1011, get instant solutions from our error database.
Why it happens:
Revolut's automated security system (named "Sherlock") might see a strange transaction from a Chinese entity and block it to prevent fraud.
The Solution:
- Open your Revolut app immediately
- You will likely see a notification asking you to verify the payment
- Tap on the notification and approve the transaction
- Go back to Alipay and try the payment again. It should now go through
Problem #2: Identity Verification Fails
Why it happens:
This is almost always due to the name you entered when adding the card not matching your passport name exactly.
The Solution:
- Remove the card from your Alipay wallet
- Add it again, being extremely careful to match the name format described in Step 4
Name Verification Still Failing?
Get step-by-step name matching solutions →Problem #3: The Payment Simply Fails with a Generic Error
Why it happens:
This could be due to a poor internet connection, a temporary issue with the merchant's terminal, or Alipay's own risk management system being overly cautious.
The Solution:
- First, try again. Sometimes a second attempt works
- Ensure you have a stable Wi-Fi or data connection
- If it consistently fails at one merchant but works at others, the issue is with that specific merchant
- As a last resort, having a backup is always wise. (See our guide on Backup Payment Options in China)
The Final Verdict: Is Revolut + Alipay the Perfect Combo?
So, what's the final word?
For a tourist visiting China in 2025, using your Revolut card linked to Alipay is one of the most effective and convenient payment strategies available.
Highly Recommended for Tourists
Revolut + Alipay is an excellent payment solution for China travel
✓What Works Great
- ✓Unlocks entire QR code payment ecosystem
- ✓Fee-free payments under ¥200 CNY
- ✓Competitive exchange rates via Revolut
- ✓Works at 99% of merchants and transport
- ✓Real-time transaction monitoring
!Watch Out For
- !Setup requires careful name matching
- !3% fee on payments over ¥200 CNY
- !Weekend exchange fees (Standard plan)
- !Occasional Revolut security blocks
- !No P2P transfers or red packets
Detailed Rating Breakdown
Our strategic advice: Use your Revolut-powered Alipay as your primary payment method for all day-to-day expenses. The convenience is unbeatable.
For peace of mind, always have a backup, such as a small amount of emergency cash (around ¥500 CNY) and perhaps one other physical Visa or Mastercard for hotels or ATMs. For more tips on whether you need cash in China, check our comprehensive guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my Revolut Virtual Card with Alipay?
Yes, you can use both physical and virtual Revolut cards with Alipay. However, avoid using virtual single-use cards as they may cause verification issues. Your standard virtual Revolut Visa or Mastercard works perfectly fine for Alipay setup.
Make sure to use the card details exactly as they appear in your Revolut app, and ensure your virtual card is active and has sufficient funds before attempting to link it.
Does Revolut also work with WeChat Pay in China?
Yes, Revolut cards work with WeChat Pay using the same principles as Alipay. The setup process is similar, and you'll face the same fee structure (fee-free under ¥200 CNY, 3% above that).
For detailed WeChat Pay setup instructions, check our complete WeChat Pay guide. Many tourists prefer having both apps set up for maximum acceptance.
What is the actual final exchange rate I get with Revolut on Alipay?
The final exchange rate is determined by Revolut as your card issuer, not Alipay. You'll get Revolut's standard exchange rates, which are typically very competitive and close to interbank rates.
However, be aware of Revolut's weekend fees if you have a Standard or Plus plan (1% and 0.5% respectively). Premium/Metal/Ultra users get fee-free exchanges even on weekends.
Always check your Revolut app after each transaction to see the exact rate used and amount charged in your home currency.
Is it better to use Revolut or a Wise card with Alipay?
Both Revolut and Wise cards work well with Alipay, but there are key differences:
- Revolut: Better weekend fee structure for premium users, excellent mobile app experience, instant notifications
- Wise: More transparent fee structure, slightly better rates for some currency pairs, no weekend fees
For most tourists, Revolut offers a more user-friendly experience, especially if you already use it regularly. The choice often comes down to which service you're more familiar with and your specific home currency.
If you're interested in trying Wise, you can sign up with this link to get started with their multi-currency account.
What should I do if my Revolut card gets declined repeatedly on Alipay?
Repeated declines are usually caused by Revolut's security system. Here's what to do:
- Check your Revolut app immediately for security notifications
- Approve any pending transactions if prompted
- Ensure your card hasn't hit spending limits or been frozen
- Try a smaller amount first (under ¥200 CNY) to test
- Contact Revolut support if the issue persists
If you're getting specific error codes, use our error code lookup tool for instant solutions.