Yes, you can use Alipay in the UK but with limitations. 1. Alipay is accepted in some UK shops and restaurants, especially those catering to Chinese tourists in cities like London, Manchester, and Birmingham. 2. It works at select supermarkets like Tesco and Asda, electronics retailers, pharmacies, convenience stores, souvenir shops, hotels, and through跨境電商 platforms like AliExpress. 3. Visitors should ensure their Alipay account is linked to a valid phone number and ID, top up before departure, and be aware that not all features work abroad. 4. Payments may require scanning a QR code or showing a payment code, and it’s wise to carry backup payment methods. 5. Long-term residents can link a UK bank account or international card for easier top-ups, though verification and compatibility may vary. Overall, Alipay should be treated as a secondary payment method in the UK due to limited acceptance compared to local options like contactless cards.
Yes, you can use Alipay in the UK, but with some limitations. If you're a visitor or a student from China, you might find it handy for certain purchases, especially in shops and restaurants that cater to Chinese tourists. However, it’s not as widely accepted as local payment methods like contactless cards or Apple Pay.

Where Can You Use Alipay in the UK?
Alipay has been expanding its global reach, and the UK is no exception. You’ll find it accepted in some high street shops, particularly in cities like London, Manchester, and Birmingham. Look for the Alipay logo at stores like:

- Supermarkets (e.g., certain branches of Tesco or Asda)
- Electronics retailers
- Some pharmacies and convenience stores
- Tourist-friendly businesses like souvenir shops and hotels
Also, some online UK merchants accept Alipay through platforms like AliExpress or other跨境電商 sites, but most local e-commerce sites still prefer Visa, Mastercard, or PayPal.
How to Use Alipay Abroad as a Visitor
If you’re visiting the UK from China, your Alipay balance needs to be in a usable form. Here are a few things to know:

- Make sure your Alipay account is linked to a valid phone number and ID.
- Top up your balance before leaving China, since transferring money internationally isn’t always straightforward.
- Be aware that not all Alipay features work outside China—such as borrowing money or using credit-based services.
- Some stores may ask you to scan a QR code to pay, while others have terminals where you show your payment code.
It’s also a good idea to carry a backup payment method like a credit card or some cash, just in case.
For Long-Term Residents: Setting Up Local Payment Methods
If you live in the UK long-term and want to keep using Alipay, consider linking a UK bank account or international credit card to your Alipay account. This allows you to top up more easily and make payments even without a Chinese bank connection.
However, the process might require extra verification steps, and not all banks will allow their cards to be used abroad on Alipay. It's worth trying a small transaction first to see if everything works smoothly.
So yes, Alipay can work in the UK, but it’s best used as a secondary payment option rather than your main one. Just check acceptance in advance and make sure your account is set up properly before heading out.
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