Payments & Alipay Guide

Last updated: October 2026

✅ Full Access — All 15 Scenarios Unlocked

✈️ Before You Fly (出发前)

Prepare these before you leave.

🎫 12306 Account

✅ Passport + Email
✅ Online KYC

💳 Book Tickets

✅ D/G Trains
✅ Select Seats

🛂 Boarding

✅ Manual Channel
❌ No self-service gates

📖 Step-by-Step Details (Before You Fly)

📱 12306 Account: Register with Passport & Email +

No Chinese phone number is required. You can register using your email address.

  • Step 1: Download the official 12306 App and switch the language to English.
  • Step 2: Select "Foreign Passport" as your ID type.
  • Step 3: Enter your name exactly as it appears on your passport (SURNAME Given Name, ALL CAPS).
  • Step 4: Verify your email.
⚠️ Warning: If your name doesn't match your passport perfectly (including spaces and hyphens), you will not be able to board the train.
🛂 Identity Verification (KYC) +

You must complete identity verification before booking tickets.

  • Go to "Me" → "Register" or "ID Info".
  • Upload a clear photo of your passport bio page (no glare, MRZ code must be visible).
  • Complete a real-time facial recognition scan.
💡 Tip: Review usually takes 1-3 business days. You can book up to 4 tickets per day while the review is pending.
👥 Add Passengers & Check Status +

You can add up to 30 passengers to one account (great for families).

  • Path: Me → Passengers → Add.
  • Enter their passport details exactly.
  • Check the status: Only a green "Approved" means the passenger can book tickets.
💳 Search & Book Tickets (D/G Trains) +

Filter your search to show high-speed trains only.

  • Enter From/To/Date (city names support Pinyin, e.g., Beijing, Shanghai).
  • Filter: Only select D or G trains for high-speed rail.
  • Seats: 2nd Class (economy), 1st Class, or Business Class.
  • Pay: Supports Visa, Mastercard, Alipay, and WeChat Pay.
💡 Pro Tip for Seats: For 2 people, choose seats D/F or A/C. For 3 people, choose A/B/C.
🚄 Boarding: Passport & Manual Channel +

Self-service gates do not accept foreign passports. You must use the manual channel.

  • Arrive at the station 40-60 minutes before departure.
  • Go through security (similar to airports).
  • Find the "Manual Check" (人工通道) sign and show your original passport to staff.
  • No paper ticket is needed; just show your passport.
⚠️ Important: Your phone battery dying won't stop you from boarding. Staff can scan your passport to see your e-ticket.

🛬 Just Landed (刚落地)

Get from the airport to the city easily.
🚇 Subway

✅ Fast & cheap
✅ English signs

🚕 Official Taxi

✅ Use official queue
❌ Avoid black taxis

📱 Ride-Hailing

✅ Use DiDi App
✅ English interface

📖 Step-by-Step Details (Just Landed)

🚇 Airport Subway & Express Trains +

Taking the subway or airport express is the fastest way to beat traffic.

  • Follow signs: Look for "Subway" or "Airport Express" (机场快线) signs in the terminal.
  • Tickets: You can buy tickets at self-service machines (some accept foreign cards) or staffed counters.
  • Payment: If machines reject your card, use Alipay/WeChat to scan the QR code at the gate, or pay cash at the counter.
💡 Tip: Airport Express trains usually have English announcements and take about 20-30 minutes to reach the city center.
🚕 Official Taxi Queue vs. Black Taxis +

Airports have strict taxi regulations. Follow the crowd, not the strangers calling you.

  • Official Queue: Follow the "Taxi" signs to the official waiting area. Only take cars in the queue.
  • Meter rule: Say "Meter on, please" (打表) as soon as you get in. If they refuse, get out immediately.
  • Receipt: Always ask for a receipt (发票). It contains the plate number, fare, and company name—crucial if you forget something.
⚠️ Avoid Black Taxis: Never follow someone who approaches you inside the terminal asking "Taxi? Taxi?" These are unlicensed drivers who will overcharge you heavily.
📱 Using DiDi (Ride-Hailing) at the Airport +

DiDi is like Uber. It's convenient but requires you to find the correct pick-up point.

  • App Setup: Download the international version of DiDi (English interface), register with your overseas number.
  • Location: Airports have designated "Ride-Hailing Pick-up Zones" (usually in the parking garage). Do not try to get picked up at the departures curb.
  • Check: Verify the license plate on the app matches the car before getting in.
💡 Communication: If the driver calls you, say "I don't speak Chinese, please see my location on the app." Use the in-app chat (it auto-translates).
📶 No Internet? Connect to Airport WiFi First +

You need internet to use DiDi or Alipay. If you don't have roaming, connect to the airport WiFi.

  • Connection method: Look for the airport WiFi network (e.g., "Airport-Free-WiFi").
  • Login: You can usually log in using your overseas phone number (receiving an SMS) or by scanning your passport at a self-service kiosk (available in major airports like Beijing and Shanghai).
⚠️ Security: Do not connect to suspicious unprotected WiFi. Only use the official airport network.

🚄 During Your Trip (旅途中)

Daily transport, boarding rules, and troubleshooting.

🎫 High-Speed Rail

✅ D/G Trains only
✅ Use manual channel

🚇 City Subway

✅ Alipay QR Code
✅ Check the Terminus

🚕 Taxi & Bikes

✅ Insist on the meter
✅ Park in designated zones

📖 Step-by-Step Details (During Your Trip)

🎫 High-Speed Rail: Boarding & Finding Your Gate +

Boarding in China is similar to airports, but there are a few specific rules for foreigners.

  • Arrive Early: Arrive at the station 40-60 minutes before departure for security checks and finding your gate.
  • Manual Channel: Look for the "Manual Check" (人工通道) sign. You must show your original passport to staff; self-service gates won't read it.
  • Finding the Gate: Look at the massive departure screens. Find your train number, and look at the "Boarding Gate" (检票口) number (e.g., 8A, 8B).
💡 Tip: Baggage limits on high-speed trains are generous, but large luggage should be placed in the racks at the ends of the carriage.
🚇 Subway: Directions, Transfers & Scan Rules +

Subways are the most efficient way to travel in Chinese cities.

  • Scanning: Use the Transport QR code in Alipay/WeChat. Scan once to enter, and once to exit.
  • Finding Direction: Look at the station screen for the Terminus (终点站). The train will run towards that station. Colored stations on the map are upcoming; gray stations are passed.
  • Transfers: Follow the "Transfer to Line X" (换乘) signs. You do not need to exit the station or buy a new ticket.
⚠️ Wrong Direction? Do not panic. Just get off at the next station, go to the opposite platform, and take the train back. No extra charge.
🚕 Taxis, DiDi, and Avoiding Scams +

Language barriers and cash issues are common, but easily solvable.

  • DiDi is Best: Avoid communication issues. The app auto-translates messages and shows the exact fare.
  • Traditional Taxis: If you take a street taxi, insist on "Meter on" (打表). Always get the receipt (发票) at the end.
  • Cash Refusal: Some drivers may claim they have "no change" for cash. You can offer to pay via Alipay/WeChat QR code, or use cash with exact change.
⚠️ Black Taxis: Never accept a ride from someone approaching you at a station or tourist spot asking "Taxi?". Only use the official queue or DiDi.
🚲 Shared Bikes: Unlocking & Parking Rules +

Shared bikes (Meituan, HelloBike, Qingju) are great for short trips.

  • Unlocking: Scan the QR code on the bike using the respective app or the Alipay mini-program.
  • Parking: You must park in designated white lines or bike racks. Parking outside zones may result in a fine or account suspension.
  • Returning: Push the physical lock closed and check the app to ensure it says "Trip Ended" (行程结束).
💡 Deposit Refund: If you paid a deposit, go to the app's "Wallet" or "Deposit" section to apply for a refund immediately after your trip.
💳 Why did my Visa fail at the subway machine? +

Many self-service ticket machines in China only accept Chinese ID cards, UnionPay, or cash. They often reject foreign Visa/Mastercard.

  • Solution 1 (Best): Use the Alipay/WeChat transport QR code directly at the gate.
  • Solution 2: Go to the staffed ticket window (Service Center). They can process foreign credit cards or cash.
  • Solution 3: Use contactless payment at the gate (Tap your physical Visa/Mastercard on the reader) if the city supports it (e.g., Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu).
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