How to top up Alipay balance as a foreigner. What you need to avoid? I tested, so you don't have to.

First time in China? Don't worry. This channel will help you with your upcoming China trip. 🇨🇳 Traveling to China? Don’t let an empty Alipay balance ruin your trip! In this video, I’ll show you exactly how to top up your Alipay account — even without a Chinese bank card. ⚠️ BEFORE YOU WATCH: You MUST complete passport verification + face verification in Alipay first. Otherwise, you can’t use Alipay Balance. ✅ Why top up Alipay Balance? 1, Small vendors (street food, snacks) often don’t accept overseas cards. 2, Your overseas bank card can get restricted — Alipay Balance still works. 2, Avoid 3% surcharge on single transactions over 200 RMB (Alipay Balance = 0% fee). 🔁 Methods covered in this video: 1, Official way – Chinese mainland bank card (or Bank of China Hong Kong card) 2, Tour Card – 5% fee, easy to set up 3, Travel Wallet – 1,000 RMB/year limit (not recommended but works) 4, Ask a friend in China – safest & fastest 5, Hotel staff / tour guide – give them cash, they transfer to your Alipay 6, Small vendor “cash-out” – pay extra, get change to Alipay 7, UK users – Bettr remittance service (no yearly limit) 8, Russia users – via local banking apps (⚠️ risk warning from Alipay) 🚫 What’s gone: Touch & Go, Alipay HK, random online sellers (mostly scams). 📩 No friends in China? I may be able to help — comment below or email me (see pinned comment). 📲 Test your Alipay before you go: Scan my QR code (on screen) with any amount starting from ¥8 (~$1) — it helps me keep making these guides. Thank you for your support! 👇 Questions? Drop a comment — I reply to every single one. 🔔 Subscribe for more China travel tips! For more info, please visit my website https://FirstTimeinChina.com