Whether you’re a tourist or a long-term expat from Asian countries, Alipay+ offers a streamlined, convenient payment experience in China’s cashless economy. You don’t have to worry about setting up a new Alipay account or facing issues with currency exchange — Alipay+ takes care of that for you. The added convenience means you can enjoy all the benefits of a digital wallet, from hassle-free payments in Shanghai taxis to cashless dining experiences.
1. Alipay+ vs. Alipay: What’s the Difference?
Alipay, which you may already know, is widely used in China as a digital wallet, offering everything from contactless payments to financial products and lifestyle services. It’s been the go-to app for millions in China, especially for domestic transactions like paying bills, ordering food, and shopping.
On the other hand, Alipay+ functions as a cross-border payment solution, meaning that it’s tailored for tourists, expats, and anyone who wants to make digital payments easily while traveling internationally. If you’re using an e-wallet in your home country (such as Touch ‘n Go eWallet in Malaysia or KakaoPay in South Korea), Alipay+ allows you to make transactions in China seamlessly, you don’t have to set up a separate account specifically for Alipay.
2. How to Sign Up for Alipay+
One of the best things about Alipay+ is that you don’t necessarily need a new account if you’re already using a supported e-wallet.
Step 1: Download an Alipay+-Supported E-Wallet
If you already use an e-wallet that works with Alipay+, you’re halfway there. Currently, Alipay+ supports several international e-wallets, including Touch ‘n Go (Malaysia), KakaoPay (South Korea), and GCash (Philippines), among others. Check if your e-wallet is compatible by visiting the official Alipay+ website or looking up your app’s settings.
Step 2: Register on the E-Wallet
If you’re new to e-wallets, simply download your chosen app (such as GCash or KakaoPay) from the App Store or Google Play. Register with your personal details, verifying your identity as needed to comply with local regulations.
Step 3: Link Your E-Wallet with Alipay+
Once your e-wallet account is set up, you may see an option within the app to use Alipay+ services. Depending on the wallet, you might need to enable cross-border payment options or authorize certain permissions.
Step 4: Activate Alipay+ International Mode
With most supported e-wallets, you can activate Alipay+ by enabling International Mode or equivalent features within the app. Follow the steps provided by your e-wallet to turn on international transactions.
3. How to Use Alipay+ for Payments in Shanghai (and Beyond)
Once you have Alipay+ ready, it’s time to start using it. The convenience of Alipay+ lies in the fact that you can use it in multiple locations around Shanghai without worrying about exchanging currency or having cash on hand.
Paying with Alipay+ in Stores or Restaurants
Imagine you’re in a Shanghai taxi or dining at a local restaurant. Here’s how Alipay+ simplifies the payment process:
- Open Your E-Wallet App: Open the app you’ve linked with Alipay+ (such as Touch ‘n Go or GCash).
- Select Alipay+ for Payment: Choose the option for Alipay+ in the app, usually available under payment methods.
- Scan the QR Code: Many Shanghai taxis, stores, and restaurants have QR codes for Alipay payments. Scan the code with your app, ensuring it detects the Alipay+ feature.
- Confirm the Amount: After scanning, the app will show the total amount to pay in your home currency, factoring in the latest exchange rates. Review the amount and confirm.
- Complete the Payment: With a single tap, your payment will be completed. The e-wallet app should provide an instant notification confirming the transaction.
Checking Transaction History and Managing Payments
Most e-wallets supporting Alipay+ will also offer a transaction history tab that shows your recent cross-border payments. This feature can be especially useful for keeping track of your spending, particularly if you’re visiting for an extended period and using Alipay+ regularly.
Quick Tips for Using Alipay+ Smoothly
- Keep Your E-Wallet App Updated: Since Alipay+ is relatively new, e-wallet providers may periodically release updates to improve the service. Updating your app ensures you have access to the latest features.
- Check Your Home Country’s E-Wallet Features: Some e-wallets offer promotions or rewards for Alipay+ users. Look out for cashback or discounts specifically tied to Alipay+ transactions in Shanghai or other major Chinese cities.
- Be Mindful of Exchange Rates: While Alipay+ handles currency exchange automatically, it’s wise to check the app’s rate before confirming a payment. This can help avoid unexpected charges.
- Enable Push Notifications: Activating notifications on your e-wallet app ensures that you get real-time payment confirmations. This is especially useful in case there’s any delay in the transaction process.
- Explore Local Services Compatible with Alipay+: Apart from taxis and restaurants, more places in Shanghai, including shopping malls, museums, and attractions, are adopting Alipay+. You can check for Alipay+ logos at checkout points to see if it’s accepted.
With this guide, you should feel confident about making the switch to Alipay+ for your cross-border payments. Try it out on your next trip to Shanghai or any other city supporting Alipay+ for a seamless payment experience that’s as easy as using a local app. Happy exploring!