Alipay (支付宝) is one of the most popular mobile payment tools in China, and almost every store, restaurant, tourist spot, and transportation service accepts Alipay payments. For Malaysian travelers, knowing how to use Alipay not only makes your trip to China more convenient but also helps you avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Today, we will give you a detailed guide on how to use Alipay in China.
Why Do You Need Alipay in China?
In China, Alipay is almost everywhere. Whether it's large shopping malls, convenience stores, or street vendors, everyone is accustomed to using Alipay for payments. Alipay can be used for shopping, hotel bookings, train tickets, transportation fees, and even ordering food. Through Alipay, tourists can easily enjoy a cashless and convenient travel experience.
How to Set Up Alipay for Foreigners
If you're a Malaysian tourist, you can set up and use Alipay in China with the following steps:
Download Alipay: First, you need to download the Alipay app from the App Store (for iOS) or Google Play (for Android).
- iOS: Search for "Alipay" on the App Store.
- Android: Find it on Google Play or Huawei AppGallery.
Register an Account: Register an Alipay account using your email or phone number. Although Alipay usually requires a mainland China phone number for verification, you can register using your overseas phone number and log in.
- Select your country/region and verify your number as prompted.
- Click on "My" in the bottom-right corner, go to Settings, and switch to the International version.
Real-Name Verification: Alipay requires real-name verification, which can be done with your passport. Just follow the prompts to upload your passport photo and perform facial recognition verification.
- Go to "My" > "Settings" > "Account & Security" > "Identity Verification" and upload your passport for verification.
- This step is mandatory for higher transaction limits.
Bind a Bank Card: You can bind a Malaysian bank card or top up your account through Alipay’s recharge methods (such as using credit or debit cards).
- Tap on "My" > "Bank Cards" and add your Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Discover, or Diners Club card.
- Verify your card through your bank's authentication process (e.g., OTP text).
Eligible international cards:
Can I Use Alipay Without a Chinese Phone Number?
Yes, you can still use Alipay without a Chinese phone number. Alipay allows foreign users to register with their overseas phone numbers and supports passport-based real-name verification. As long as you complete the real-name verification, foreign users can use Alipay for payments.
- Use your international phone number to register (most countries/regions are supported).
- You will need it to receive SMS verification codes.
- Some features (such as certain discounts) may require a Chinese number, but basic payments can be made without it.
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How to Use Alipay to Pay in China - Shopping and Booking
In China, almost all merchants accept Alipay. To make payments, follow these steps:
Merchant QR Code Payment:
- Open Alipay and go to the "Scan" feature.
- Scan the merchant’s Alipay QR code.
- Enter the payment amount and confirm payment.
Your Own QR Code:
- Some merchants may ask you to show your own Alipay QR code.
- Once the merchant scans your QR code, just confirm the payment amount and enter your payment password to complete the payment.
Hotel and Ticket Booking:
- It’s very convenient to book hotels, tickets, and other services via Alipay in China. Open Alipay, go to the "Alipay Life" page or the merchant’s page, select the service, and pay to complete the booking.
In-Store Payments:
- Open Alipay, tap "Pay", and let the merchant scan your QR code to pay with your linked card.
- Alternatively, click the "Scan" icon to scan the merchant's QR code and enter the amount.
Online Payments:
- Use Alipay to book hotels, train tickets, or flights on platforms like Trip.com.
Trip.com (Ctrip) is China's best English-language travel app, a leader in hotel bookings, transportation tickets, and tour packages. Its built-in mapping feature is also incredibly reliable—it's incredibly accurate in finding attractions, hotels, and restaurants across the country.
The real advantage of this app is that it's a one-stop shop—you can book accommodations and flights, buy train tickets, and even easily access discounted passes without switching between apps. We cover over 5,000 hotels and flights in over 45 cities across China!
In addition, Trip.com offers incredible deals through its network of over 3,000 partners across China, helping you save big on your travels. Available for both iOS and Android, it's a must-have for your China travel arsenal.
How to Use Alipay for Public Transportation in China
Alipay is also widely used in China’s transportation system:
- Subway and Buses: Many cities’ subways and buses can be accessed by scanning QR codes with Alipay. At the station entrance, open Alipay, tap "Travel Code", and scan the QR code at the gate to enter or exit.
- Taxis: You can use Alipay to pay taxi fares. Open Alipay, select the "Taxi" function, choose your taxi, and complete the payment.
- Shared Bikes: Use Alipay to unlock shared bikes. Scan the bike’s QR code, pay the deposit or rental fee, and you’re ready to ride.
Open Alipay, tap the transportation icon on the homepage, select your city (e.g., Shanghai), and choose subway, bus, or bike options.
How to use Alipay to order food
Alipay isn’t just for shopping and transport; it’s also widely used in China’s dining scene. Many restaurants and delivery platforms support ordering with Alipay. Here are the steps:
1. In a restaurant or via delivery platforms
Some restaurants support in-store ordering with Alipay, or accept Alipay via delivery platforms like Ele.me or Meituan Waimai. Choose based on your situation.
In-restaurant ordering
- Scan the QR code: There’s usually a QR on the table. Open Alipay → Scan.
- Choose dishes: After scanning, you’ll enter the restaurant’s menu. Browse and select what you want.
- Place order & pay: Tap Confirm Order, go to the payment page, choose Alipay, and complete payment via password or face recognition.
Ordering via delivery platforms
- Open Alipay → tap Food Delivery on the home screen → choose Ele.me or Meituan.
- Browse restaurants and menus, select your food.
- Confirm the order and pay with Alipay (enter payment password to complete).
2. Use Alipay coupons or points
If you have red packets (红包) or points, you can apply them at checkout to offset part of the cost. The payment page will show the available amount—tick to apply.
3. Wait for delivery or pick up
- Delivery: After payment, the platform shows the estimated delivery time; wait for your food.
- Pickup / dine-in: If you chose pickup, go to the restaurant to collect, or wait for staff to bring it to your table.
Tips:
- Skip the queue: Ordering via Alipay helps you avoid long lines.
- Convenient payment: Multiple methods (password, fingerprint, face ID) make paying easy.
- View orders & invoices: You can check order details, spending records, and e-invoices anytime in Alipay.
Alipay vs Touch ’n Go (TNG)
Alipay and Malaysia’s Touch ’n Go (TNG) e-wallet are both widely used mobile payment tools. With the growth of cross-border payments, TNG has partnered with Alipay so Malaysian users can pay in China using the TNG e-wallet. Here’s a comparison to help you understand their strengths and use cases:
Feature | Alipay (Alipay) | Touch ’n Go (TNG) e-Wallet |
|---|---|---|
Registration requirement | Yes (ID required) | No (use existing TNG account) |
Payment functions | Payments, transfers, investments, etc. | Payments, reward points, etc. |
Cross-border payments | Yes (supports multiple countries) | Yes (via Alipay partnership, supports China) |
Exchange rate transparency | Real-time rates shown | Real-time rates shown |
Currency conversion fee | Possible (depends on bank) | ~1% per transaction |
Use cases | Merchants in China and other countries | Alipay-supported merchants in China |
Can I use Touch ’n Go (TNG) in China?
Thanks to the TNG–Alipay partnership, Malaysian users can pay at some merchants in China using the TNG e-wallet. However, not all merchants accept TNG, so downloading Alipay is generally more convenient.
1. Ensure your TNG account is linked to a bank card
Before using TNG in China, make sure your TNG e-wallet is linked to a valid bank card or credit card so you have sufficient funds.
2. Update your TNG app
Install the latest version from Google Play or the App Store to access the newest TNG–Alipay features.
3. Choose payment method
Many Chinese merchants present an Alipay QR for payment. You can choose to pay with TNG as follows:
- Open the TNG app.
- Go to the TNG Pay page.
- Choose Alipay payment (ensure the merchant supports this option).
4.Scan the merchant’s QR code
When the merchant displays an Alipay QR, select Scan in the TNG app to scan it. The system will jump to the TNG payment screen.
5. Confirm amount and exchange rate
The payment page shows the transaction amount and real-time FX rate. Check and confirm there are no errors.
6. Complete the payment
Tap to pay after confirming. The amount is deducted from your TNG balance. You can view the transaction details afterward.
7. Payment success notification
After payment, you and the merchant will receive confirmation and the transaction is complete.
Notes:
- FX conversion fee: TNG converts currency at real-time rates and charges about 1% per transaction.
- Supported merchants: Not all Chinese merchants accept TNG; typically only those partnered with Alipay do. Confirm in advance whether the merchant supports Alipay (i.e., TNG) payment.
- Account balance: Ensure your TNG balance is sufficient; top up in advance if needed.
🏁 Summary
- Within China: If you’ll stay long-term or use many Alipay features frequently, it’s best to register and use Alipay.
- Short trips: For short-term travelers, paying via TNG through its Alipay partnership can be more convenient, with no extra registration.
- Cross-border travel: Both Alipay and TNG offer cross-border services—choose based on your needs.
Alipay vs WeChat Pay: Which is easier for foreigners?
Alipay and WeChat Pay are China’s two mainstream payment platforms. Foreigners can choose based on their habits:
- Alipay: Used more frequently at tourist attractions, malls, and convenience stores; more support and better internationalization for foreign visitors.
- WeChat Pay: Better suited for long-term residents in China, tightly integrated with the WeChat social platform for daily social interactions and payments.
For short-term tourists, Alipay may be more convenient because it has broader support in the tourism sector and among international-facing merchants. Its interface is simpler and generally easier to operate.
Is Alipay safe?
Yes—Alipay is a secure payment tool. It uses multiple safeguards to protect user information and funds, including:
- Payment password: Required when making payments.
- Fingerprint and face recognition: Supported for login to enhance account security.
- Data encryption: Protects user data privacy and prevents leaks.
Although Alipay is very secure, we recommend avoiding public Wi-Fi for payments and changing your payment password regularly.
Does Alipay charge transaction fees?
For everyday payments by regular users, Alipay does not charge transaction fees. Whether it’s shopping, dining, or transport, payment fees are usually zero. However, cross-border payments (e.g., converting RMB to MYR) may involve exchange-rate differences and fees.
China Travel Tips
- Carry small cash: While Alipay is convenient, some places may not accept mobile payments; carry a bit of cash as backup.
- Watch the exchange rate: Be mindful of FX differences when topping up Alipay. Using a Malaysian bank card may incur currency conversion fees.
- Internet access: In China, access to international sites (Google, Facebook, etc.) may be restricted. If you want to use international apps in China, you can buy a China eSIM and connect to global apps without an extra VPN.
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Alipay FAQs for Malaysians
1. Can Malaysians use Alipay in China?
✅ Yes. Malaysians can register for Alipay using: A Malaysian mobile number A passport for identity verification An international credit/debit card (Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Discover, Diners Club)2. Do I need a Chinese phone number?
❌ No. Malaysians can sign up with their Malaysian number. You’ll receive SMS verification codes to that number. ⚠️ Note: Some local discounts or special promotions may require a Chinese number.3. Can I link my Malaysian bank card to Alipay?
✅ Yes. Alipay supports international cards including Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Discover, and Diners Club. Add via Me > Bank Cards > Add Card. Confirm with your bank (usually OTP via SMS).4. What if my Malaysian card doesn’t work?
You can use TourPass, a prepaid digital wallet for foreigners. Top up via your international card. Balance is in RMB. Unused funds are refunded after 90 days.5. Can I use Touch ’n Go (TNG) in China instead of Alipay?
✅ Yes, thanks to the TNG–Alipay partnership. Malaysians can use TNG to scan Alipay QR codes at participating merchants. ⚠️ Not all shops accept TNG, so Alipay is still more reliable.6. What are the fees for Malaysians using Alipay?
Local (China) payments: Free. Linked Malaysian cards: May incur exchange rate conversion fees (depends on your bank). TNG via Alipay: About 1% conversion fee per transaction.7. Can I pay for transport in China with Alipay?
✅ Yes. Malaysians can use Alipay for: Subway & bus QR codes Taxis and ride-hailing Shared bikes Train & flight tickets (via Trip.com, etc.)8. Can Malaysians use Alipay without linking a bank card?
Yes, but with limits. Options include: Using TourPass for prepaid top-ups Receiving money from friends or relatives already using Alipay But for smooth payments, linking a card is best.9. Is Alipay safer than carrying cash in China?
Yes. For Malaysians, Alipay is: More secure (password, fingerprint, face ID) Convenient (accepted nearly everywhere) Avoids the risk of losing large amounts of cash10. Which is better for Malaysians in China: Alipay or WeChat Pay?
Alipay: Easier for short-term visitors, widely accepted at tourist spots, shops, and restaurants. WeChat Pay: Better for long-term residents, as it integrates with social messaging. 👉 For most Malaysians visiting China, Alipay is the simpler choice.