You can also link a foreign credit card to your Alipay account. There are no transaction fees for payments below 200rmb and a 3% fee for those above 200rmb, so it's cheaper than Tourcard.

Other limitations are 3,000 rmb for a single transaction and, 50,000 rmb per month and 60,000 per year.

Generally speaking, we hear that using Alipay with a foreign credit card is a bit hit-and-miss, it sometimes works, and sometimes doesn't. Apparently, it's not available for all transaction types.

To set it up, you must have passed the real-name verification, which can be a hassle that takes a day or two. Click on the Settings icon at the top, then Account and Security, then "Real Name Verification" and follow the process.

Once you are verified, go back to your account and select "Bank Cards" to add your foreign credit card.