快速结论
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.
详细回答
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.
下一步
Keep home SIM enabled for SMS → finish bind on hotel Wi‑Fi if needed → run payment checklist once.
怎么做
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.
常见坑
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.
可能变化的部分
Policies and app flows change—verify on official sources before you travel.
常见问题
Is this different from the official Alipay question?
Yes—this thread is the **+44 / eSIM mistake**; facts live in [/questions/can-foreigners-use-alipay-in-china](/questions/can-foreigners-use-alipay-in-china).
Need step-by-step screens?
Use the [Alipay guide](/guides/how-to-use-alipay-as-a-foreigner)—not another community post.