If you’re interested in using Alipay but want to avoid sharing your personal phone number, this guide will show you how to verify your Alipay account without using one. We’ll also cover the features of Alipay and how to use it both in China and internationally.

What is Alipay?

Alipay is the largest digital payment platform in China and a major competitor to PayPal on a global scale. It is owned by Alibaba Group, a leading corporation in China.

Historically, Alipay was used primarily for transactions on platforms like AliExpress and Alibaba, but in 2017, Alipay severed its relationship with AliExpress. Since then, its focus shifted to providing a seamless payment method for Chinese tourists abroad. While over 8 million merchants globally accept Alipay, full access to its services is reserved for Chinese citizens who can provide proof of their citizenship.

How to Use Alipay

Alipay functions as a mobile app designed for quick and simple digital payments. You can either download the Alipay Wallet app on your smartphone or access it via the web version.

You can link your bank card to Alipay or load money into your wallet through services like Western Union, with a transaction fee that could reach 1.2%. Despite this, Alipay remains more affordable than PayPal in terms of fees.

When shopping online, select Alipay as your payment method at checkout, and confirm the transaction. Since your bank details are securely stored, you don’t need to enter them each time, offering enhanced convenience.

However, users may occasionally experience issues such as frozen funds, which can make it difficult to withdraw money from the wallet.

For international users, setting up an Alipay account is beneficial if you plan to visit China. Many Chinese businesses around the world, such as restaurants and duty-free stores at airports, accept Alipay, though it’s still limited compared to other payment systems.

How to Use Alipay in China

In China, Alipay allows users to make payments via QR codes. Two methods are available:

• Personal QR Code: You generate a QR code on your app, which the cashier scans to complete the payment.
• Printed Receipt QR Code: At certain checkouts, you can print a receipt with a QR code, which you can scan to make the payment.

In addition to online and physical store purchases, Alipay offers many features to Chinese users, including:

• Booking tourist tickets.
• Purchasing train tickets.
• Ordering taxis.
• Making restaurant reservations.
• Buying cinema tickets.

Moreover, Alipay functions as a social platform where users can chat, follow friends, split bills, and access discounts from nearby stores. This broad array of services makes Alipay a must-have app for many people in China.

Is Alipay Safe?

Alipay distinguishes itself from other payment systems with its commitment to refunding users in the event of fraud or account hacks. Refunds are typically processed within a month to six weeks, but users are guaranteed to receive their money within five business days after submitting their reimbursement requests.

To protect user data, Alibaba Group is implementing advanced security measures, such as facial recognition technology. Alipay is also partnering with the Chinese startup Megvii and Huawei to enhance biometric security for mobile payments.

Features of Alipay Registration

The registration process for Alipay is fairly simple, but there are a few key requirements to keep in mind:

• Chinese citizens must provide their Chinese identity card to access the full functionality of the app.
• Your email address is required to create your account.
• A phone number is also needed for verification purposes.

How to Verify Your Alipay Account

While completing your profile isn’t mandatory when creating an Alipay account, it’s recommended to avoid future account blocks. To verify your account, follow these steps:

1. Go to PVAPins.com and create an account.

2.  Deposit funds into your PVApins account.

3.  Select the Cambodia virtual number service Alipay.
4.  Copy the virtual number provided by PVAPins.
5.  Open Alipay and begin the registration process.
6.  When prompted for a phone number, paste the virtual number from    PVAPins.
7. Wait for the verification code to arrive at your virtual number.
8.  Return to PVAPins, refresh the page, and retrieve the verification code.
9.  Enter the code into Alipay to verify your number.

By following these steps, you can easily receive SMS online to complete your Alipay registration without exposing your personal phone number. This method is particularly useful for those who wish to maintain privacy while using Alipay, especially if you are registering an Alipay account with a Cambodia virtual number.