Alipay HK is a mobile payment method designed for people living in Hong Kong. AlipayHK app provides payment services that are secure and seamless.
With the AlipayHK app, you can pay bills, shop in-store and online, and access various financial services in Hong Kong.
Alipay HK users can store money safely inside their mobile phones, get paid and collect money from other users, and complete other transactions all from the comfort of their smartphones.
How to Open an Alipay Account in Hong Kong?
Alipay offers various payment services to the residents of Hong Kong. Here is a step-by-step guide on how you can set up an Alipay account in Hong Kong:
First, download the Alipay app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android).
Once installed, open the app and register for an account using your Hong Kong phone number. You may also need to provide some personal information during the registration process.
Please Note: Hong Kong Alipay only supports registration with Hong Kong mobile phone numbers. So you will need to apply for one before you can register for an account.
Next, link your Hong Kong bank account to your Alipay account. This will involve verifying your bank details.
The app may ask you to complete more identity verification steps. This could involve submitting identification documents.
Once verified, you will need to add a payment method to your account. This could be a credit/debit card or Alipay Balance.
Now your Alipay HK payment service is ready to use.
You can make mobile payments online, go shopping at merchants, receive money, or simply use your Alipay HK account as a mobile wallet.
How to Make Payments Using Alipay HK App?
The newly launched AlipayHK app allows you to make different kinds of payments in Hong Kong. Here is how you can use the app as a mobile wallet.
There are two payment methods you can use with the Alipay HK application centre.
1. QR Codes Payment Method
Alipay Hong Kong features QR code technology. Simply scan the merchant’s QR code at participating stores, restaurants, and even for public transportation fares, and confirm the payment on your phone.
2. In-App Payment Services
Many online retailers and platforms in Hong Kong integrate with AlipayHK. You can seamlessly pay for online purchases without manually entering credit card details.
Can Alipay HK Mobile Service Be Used in Place of Hong Kong Octopus Cards?
The Hong Kong Octopus card is a rechargeable contactless smart card used extensively throughout the city specifically for transportation service payments.
But it’s more than just a travel card; you can use the Octopus card to make retail payments at convenience stores, supermarkets, fast-food restaurants, and even some smaller shops.
You can top up Octopus cards at designated stations in MTR stations, convenience stores, and other locations.
But can your Alipay HK account be used in place of the Octopus cards?
The simple answer is Yes, you can. However, Alipay HK platform is not as widely accepted as Octopus cards.
AlipayHK vs Octopus Cards for Bill Payments
Octopus cards are mainly used for transportation payments and while you can generate codes in the Alipay app to pay for subway and bus tickets, Alipay HK might not be accepted for all public transport options.
You might also find it difficult to use Alipay as a payment method with smaller merchants and traditional shops that prefer Octopus cards.
However, you can use Alipay HK at many convenience stores, supermarkets, and restaurants that might not accept Octopus cards.
Also, Alipay HK offers functionalities like paying bills and money transfers, something Octopus cards cannot do.
Can you Use Mainland China Alipay in Hong Kong?
Mainland China residents need a valid local phone number and a local Chinese bank account to set up the Alipay payment method. They do not need to add their identity cards or bank cards to verify the account.
You can recharge your Mainland Alipay account at local convenience stores in Hong Kong easily. Once the money has been transferred to your account, you can use your Mainland Alipay account the same way as the AlipayHK account.
You can use the Mainland Alipay payment method by using the QR code technology the same way as all Alipay accounts.
Please Note: The Mainland Alipay payment method may not be accepted everywhere in Hong Kong, even in some places where Alipay HK is accepted.
How to Use Mainland Alipay for Bus and Metro in Hong Kong?
You can directly use Mainland Alipay to buy bus and metro tickets in Hong Kong.
Simply select ‘Hong Kong’ next to the travel option in your AlipayHK account, fill in the personal information, and you can generate Hong Kong subway and bus codes.
This way you can use the metro and bus in Hong Kong without using Octopus cards or signing up for an AlipayHK account.
Do Mainland Alipay Accounts Registered With Foreign Bank Cards Work in Hong Kong?
Unfortunately, you cannot use Mainland Alipay accounts registered with a foreign bank card as a payment method in Hong Kong. Only Mainland Alipay accounts registered with local Chinese bank accounts can be used in Hong Kong.
If you are an expat living in China and have registered your Mainland Alipay with your foreign credit card, then you cannot use that Alipay in Hong Kong.
Alternatives Payment Solutions in Hong Kong
Since you cannot use your Mainland Alipay with a foreign bank card in Hong Kong, here are some alternative ways to make payments in Hong Kong:
The first way is to register for AlipayHK but that would require a local Hong Kong mobile number.
You can use Google Pay for online cash payments everywhere in Hong Kong.
When I traveled to Hong Kong, I took my UK credit cards with me and they were accepted pretty much everywhere in Hong Kong as well. However, my Bank of China card did work in Hong Kong because every payment was charged as a foreign transaction.
You can also use the UnionPay App (云闪付) in Hong Kong. I had one linked to my ICBC card and it worked easily everywhere in Hong Kong.
The real challenge was finding an alternative payment method in Macau because all the small stores and shops there wouldn’t accept anything but cash or Alipay/WeChat.
If you’re stuck in Hong Kong with a bank card that doesn’t work, then the best place to go to is a money changer at TST. They accept Alipay and offer competitive exchange rates.
Bottom Line
Alipay HK is a valuable tool for Hong Kong residents seeking a convenient and secure way to manage make everyday payments, remit money, go online shopping, and go cashless. It offers a user-friendly experience with additional benefits like discounts and rewards.
