Transferring money from China to a foreign account in person can be a real pain, requiring much form-filling and waiting in lines. Thankfully, the online Alipay system – think of it like China’s PayPal – makes the process a lot easier. However, in order to make such a transfer, Alipay requires users to have a Chinese ID, which means only foreigners with Chinese D Visas (aka ‘Chinese Green Cards‘) can use it. Here’s how those lucky folks can use the app. Everyone else looking to move money out of the country can try one of these methods.

Step-by-step guide

1. Open the Alipay app.

2. Press the “Alipay” button, then “More.”

A: Alipay

B: More

3. On the next page, tap “International Transfer” to enter the international payment page.

A: “International Transfer”

4. You will then have two choices: “Transfer money abroad immediately” and “Invite others to pay money abroad,” which will allow your family members or friends to make transfers through your phone.

A.”Transfer money abroad immediately”

B.”Invite others to pay money abroad” 

C.”Close”

5. Fill in the transfer information of the receiving bank account. If you are using Alipay to send money overseas for the first time, follow the instructions below; otherwise, jump to step 7. 

A: “Receiving bank account”

B: Receiver’s name

C: Receiver’s nationality

D: Receiver’s address

E: Receiving bank

F: Receiving bank account

H: “Next”

6. Check whether the receiver’s country available in Alipay by tapping C in Step 4. This will bring up a drop-down menu of the country or regions to which you can transfer money via Alipay. Now jump to Step 8.

7. If you have used Alipay Purse to remit money overseas before, the following instructions are for you. The sample picture below shows five bank accounts that have been paid into before, including the receiver’s name and nationality, the receiver’s bank account and receiving bank’s SWIFT code.

A: Choose a receiving bank account

B: Start a new receiving bank account

8. Continue to fill in detailed payment information.

A: “Payment information”

B: Currency type

C: Amount

D: Purpose

E: Postscript

F: “Next”

9. The next screen will allow you to check the details of your payment information before continuing. Once you’ve tapped the confirm button, you only need to key in your payment password to finish the transfer.

A: “Receiving bank account”

B: Receiver’s name and nationality

C: Receiving bank’s SWIFT code

D: “Payment information”

E: Amount in target currency; below is the exchanged amount in yuan and the currency exchange rate.

F: Remittance fee

G: Total amount of money in yuan 

H: “Confirm payment information and pay”

Notice: The money you pay will reach the receiver’s bank account in three-to-five working days; do call them to make sure that the money has arrived. 

International payment fees when using Alipay Purse

Payment fee = Amount paid x Rate + 60 yuan cable charge
The payment fee is charged by Alipay to cover bank fees within China; fees charged by the receiving bank must be paid by the receiver.

International payment limit

Notice: You can pay money only in yuan if you use Alipay Purse to transfer money overseas.

Useful Chinese words and phrases

Source:onestop