Can I use Alipay in China without a Chinese phone number?
Yes—I registered with my UK +44 number; the trap was turning off my home SIM for a data-only eSIM and losing SMS mid-bind.
Quick answer
Yes—I registered with my UK +44 number; the trap was turning off my home SIM for a data-only eSIM and losing SMS mid-bind.
Detailed answer
Detailed Answer
What happened: I tried to bind my Visa on the Shanghai Maglev platform with only a China data eSIM active. Alipay wanted an SMS code to my +44 number, but I had disabled the physical SIM to "save battery." The code never arrived until I re-enabled the UK line in Settings → Cellular.
What I wish I knew: Registration needs SMS to whatever number you signed up with—not a +86 Chinese SIM. A tourist eSIM gives data, not OTP to your home number.
Official answer (no story): Can foreigners use Alipay? and Do I need a Chinese phone number?. Setup walkthrough: Alipay guide.
What to do next
Keep home SIM enabled for SMS → finish bind on hotel Wi‑Fi if needed → run payment checklist once.
How to do it
Register Alipay with home country code + mobile before flying.
Keep that SIM receiving SMS during bind (do not go data-only-only until Pay works).
If OTP fails at airport, stop—finish on hotel Wi‑Fi with SMS line active.
Watch for
Disabling home SIM the moment the eSIM connects.
Assuming "no Chinese number" means "no phone number at all."
Retrying bind 10 times on airport captive Wi‑Fi.
What may vary
Policies and app flows change—verify on official sources before you travel.