If you’ve ever tried buying something from China, whether it’s for drop shipping, personal use, or just curiosity, you’ve probably run into the Alipay wall. It’s that moment when you realize you need an Alipay account to complete a transaction, but you’re not in China, and the process feels like decoding a secret language. I’ve been there. I live in Ghana, and I wanted to pay for some vector assets from a Chinese site that only accepted Alipay. So, I rolled up my sleeves and figured it out.
This guide is for anyone in Ghana who wants to create an Alipay account without flying to Beijing or begging a friend overseas. I’ll walk you through the exact steps I took, what worked, what didn’t, and how to avoid the common traps.
🧭 Step 1: Understand What Alipay Is (And Why It’s Tricky Outside China)
Alipay is China’s biggest mobile payment platform, owned by Ant Group (an affiliate of Alibaba). Think of it like PayPal, but with way more features—QR payments, transfers, bills, and even loans. It’s deeply integrated into Chinese life, and most Chinese e-commerce platforms (like Taobao, 1688, and Tmall) prefer it.
But here’s the catch: Alipay was designed for Chinese residents. That means the default setup assumes you have a Chinese phone number, a Chinese bank account, and a Chinese ID. As someone in Ghana, I had none of those. So I had to find the workaround that lets foreigners register and use Alipay legally and securely.
📱 Step 2: Download the Right Alipay App
There are two versions of the Alipay app floating around: the domestic Chinese version and the international version. You want the international one.
- On Android: Go to the Google Play Store and search for “Alipay.”
- On iOS: Use the App Store and search for “Alipay – Simplify Your Life.”
Make sure the app is published by “Alipay (Hangzhou) Technology Co., Ltd.” and the interface is in English. If you see Mandarin everywhere, you’ve got the wrong version.
Once installed, open the app and allow the necessary permissions. You’ll be greeted with a clean interface and a “Sign Up” button.
🧾 Step 3: Register with Your Ghanaian Phone Number
This part surprised me. Alipay actually supports Ghanaian numbers now. I entered mine (starting with +233) and received a verification code instantly. No VPN needed, no tricks.
Here’s what I did:
- Tap Sign Up.
- Select Ghana (+233) from the country list.
- Enter your mobile number.
- Wait for the SMS code and enter it.
- Create a secure password (at least 8 characters, mix of letters and numbers).
Account created. But don’t celebrate yet. You still need to verify your identity and link a payment method.
🪪 Step 4: Verify Your Identity (The Real KYC)
Alipay requires real-name verification to unlock most features. This is where things get technical.
You’ll need:
- A valid passport (Ghanaian passport works perfectly)
- A clear selfie
- Stable internet
Here’s how I did it:
- Go to Me > Settings > Account and Security > Real-name Verification.
- Choose Passport as your ID type.
- Scan the passport page with your photo and details.
- Take a selfie as instructed (no hats, good lighting).
- Submit and wait.
Mine was approved in under 10 minutes. If yours takes longer, don’t panic—it can take up to 24 hours.
Once verified, your account is officially recognized. My codes Read more sliding banner You can now receive payments, scan QR codes, and even link a card.
💳 Step 5: Link a Payment Method (The Tricky Part)
This is where most people in Ghana get stuck. Alipay doesn’t support Ghanaian bank cards directly. But there’s a workaround: use a prepaid Visa or Mastercard that supports international transactions.
I used my UBA Africard (a prepaid Visa card). You can also try Ecobank’s prepaid cards or GTBank’s dollar card.
To link your card:
- Go to Me > Bank Cards > Add Card.
- Enter your card details manually.
- Confirm with your bank’s OTP (if required).
Note: Some cards may be rejected. If that happens, try another bank or use a virtual card from platforms like Payoneer or Wise.
Once linked, you can top up your Alipay balance or pay directly from your card.
🛒 Step 6: Test It on a Real Purchase
I didn’t want to just set up the account. I wanted to use it. So, I headed to 1688.com and tried buying a small item (a phone case, just to test). The seller accepted Alipay, and I chose it as my payment method.
Alipay prompted me to confirm the transaction, and I paid using my linked Visa card. It worked. No errors, no drama.
If you’re using Taobao or another platform, the process is similar. Just make sure your seller accepts Alipay and that your card has enough funds.
🧠 Bonus Tips from My Experience
- Use English Mode: In the app settings, switch to English if it defaults to Chinese.
- Avoid VPNs: Alipay doesn’t like VPNs. They can trigger security flags.
- Don’t Rush Verification: If your passport photo is blurry, you’ll get rejected.
- Check Card Limits: Some Ghanaian banks limit international transactions. Call them to confirm.
- Use Alipay Tourpass (Optional): If you’re visiting China or want a temporary wallet, Tourpass lets you top up via Visa/Mastercard and use Alipay for 90 days.
🚀 Final Thoughts: Why This Matters for Ghanaian Creators and Entrepreneurs
As someone who benchmarks games, builds blogs, and creates branded content, I’m always looking for ways to expand my toolkit. Alipay opens doors to Chinese suppliers, designers, and platforms that were previously locked. Whether you’re buying vector assets, sourcing tech gadgets, or exploring affiliate opportunities, having an Alipay account gives you leverage.
It’s not just about payments, it’s about access. And now, with this guide, you’ve got it.
If you run into any issues, feel free to drop a comment on my blog or reach out. I’ll keep updating this guide as Alipay evolves. For now, though, I hope this helps you break through the wall and start transacting globally from right here in Ghana.