How to Use Alipay in Malaysia 2026: Registration, Top-Up & Payment Guide

Planning to shop on Taobao, travel to China, or pay Chinese merchants in 2026? Alipay is your gateway to seamless, cashless payments—and Malaysians can now use it without a Chinese bank account. However, getting set up can mean a complex registration process and confusing top-up options.

What is Alipay and Why Malaysians Need It in 2026

Alipay is China's leading digital wallet, and makes it easier for Malaysians shopping on Chinese digital platforms like 1688, Taobao, and Pinduoduo, or when traveling to China and paying Chinese merchants in person.

Alipay+ connects over 150 million merchants globally - including in Malaysia - making this a great way to spend conveniently in person and online.

Can You Use Alipay in Malaysia Without a Chinese Bank Account?

Yes, you can use Alipay without a Chinese bank account. Malaysians can register and use Alipay with:

• A Malaysian phone number
  
  • A valid passport (no Chinese ID required)
  • An international credit/debit card for top-up

Registering with Malaysian details gives you access to the Alipay International app and services, which may not work in exactly the same way as Alipay accounts created by Chinese nationals and residents.

How to Register Alipay in Malaysia (2026 Step-by-Step Guide)

Here’s how to use Alipay in Malaysia, step by step:

Step 1: Download the Alipay App

Download the Alipay App from Google Play or the Apple App Store - make sure you download the official Alipay app (支付宝).

Step 2: Sign Up with Your Malaysian Phone Number

Follow the Alipay sign up prompts to create an account and enter your Malaysian mobile number (+60). You’ll receive an SMS verification code which you can use to confirm your account.

Step 3: Switch to Alipay International Version

Once you have an account you’ll need to go to Settings and select "International Version" to allow you to access features for non-Chinese residents.

Step 4: Complete Real-Name Verification

In your account, go to "My" then tap "Account & Security" and "Real Name Verification".

You’ll be prompted to upload an image of your passport information page and then complete the NFC Passport Chip Scanning step. To do this enable NFC on your phone if necessary, and align your phone with the passport chip area to scan.

On an Android phone you can enable NFC in “Settings” and then use the “Connections” button to toggle on NFC. For an Apple device there’s no need to take this step as NFC is automatically turned on already.

Step 5: Face Recognition Verification

You’ll be prompted to complete a facial recognition step to confirm your image is the same as that in your passport. You’ll have to allow Alipay to have camera access and then follow the on-screen prompts for a facial scan.

If you’re struggling, try to improve the lighting to get a clearer image - you’ll also need to remove glasses, hats and anything else which may obscure the image.

Step 6: Complete Additional Information

Finally, follow these prompts to fill in any remaining personal details and upload a profile picture if you choose to do so. Once you’re successfully registered you’ll see a green checkmark in the Alipay app under "Account & Security".

How to Top Up Alipay in Malaysia (All Methods for 2026)

*Details correct at time of research - 13th April 2026 *The speed of transaction claims depends on individual circumstances and may not be available for all transactions

Method 1: Link International Credit/Debit Card

You can top up Alipay with a foreign credit card if your card has been issued on one of the following networks - Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Discover, or Diners Club.

To link Alipay to your non-Chinese bank card, in the app go to "My" and then "Bank Cards". Tap "Add Card" and follow the prompts to enter your card details. You’ll often then need to complete bank OTP verification for security - this step is decided by your own card issuer.

When you use a foreign debit or credit card with Alipay the exchange rate and fees which apply are decided by your own bank, and may be include a foreign transaction fee if you’re paying for things in CNY. Check with your bank or card issuer so you know what to expect.

Method 2: Link Wise Card to Alipay

With a Wise card you can access mid-market exchange rates for conversion from MYR to CNY, which may mean paying lower overall fees than paying with a bank card.

To use a Wise card you’ll need to open a Wise multi-currency account online or in the Wise app, and order your card for home delivery. You can then choose to add MYR to Wise and convert to CNY, or use the card’s auto-conversion feature to switch when you pay. Simply link your Wise debit card to Alipay.

When you spend from your CNY balance, there’s no conversion fee. If auto‑conversion is used, Wise’s standard conversion fee applies.

Method 3: Touch 'n Go (TNG) Integration via Alipay+

Touch 'n Go (TNG) works with the Alipay+ network so you can often simply use your TNG app to pay when you’re in China or shopping online with Chinese merchants.

We’ll look at this method in more detail next. While it’s convenient, it’s important to note that additional fees may apply.

How to Use Alipay Touch 'n Go for Payments in China

What is Alipay+ and How Does It Work with Touch 'n Go?

Alipay+ is Alipay’s cross-border payment network which lets Malaysian TNG users pay at Alipay merchants in China with no need to register a separate Alipay account.

Step-by-Step: Using Touch 'n Go in China

1. Before Travel, update your TNG app, and top up MYR balance
2. Enable "Pay Abroad with Alipay+" in TNG settings
3. In China: Open TNG and then scan Alipay merchant QR code
4. Confirm amount (shown in MYR and CNY) and pay

Where Can You Use Touch 'n Go in China?

Touch 'n Go is accepted in China at many restaurants, hotels, convenience stores, and shopping malls. You can also often use it for metro fares and taxis. Bear in mind it’s not supported by some small vendors, or by WeChat Pay-only merchants.

TNG Transaction Limits and Fees

There’s a 1% overseas conversion fee for all international TNG payments. TNG Lite account holders can spend 2,000 MYR per payment or daily, and Pro/Premium customers can spend 5,000 MYR per day.

Where to Use Alipay in Malaysia

Retail & Shopping

• Chain stores in major malls often accept Alipay
• Chinese product retailers
• Online platforms like Shopee and Lazada

Food & Beverage

• Chinese restaurants, cafes and bubble tea chains
• 7-Eleven, Starbucks and other popular merchants
• Food delivery platforms

Travel & Transportation

• Hotels and hostels
• Travel agencies specializing in China tours
• Alipay top-up kiosks are available in airports like Shanghai Pudong

Alipay Fees, Limits & Exchange Rates in Malaysia

Transaction Fees Breakdown

Transaction Limits by Verification Level

The transaction limits which apply to your Alipay account will be shown in your app, and may vary based on the verification level you use with Alipay and the specific linked card.

Exchange Rate Comparison

The exchange rate that’s applied when you convert MYR to CNY makes a big difference to the overall costs. If a fee is added to the rate, you pay more in the end. With Alipay the rates used when you transact internationally depend on the card you link to your account.

With a service like Wise you can hold a CNY balance in your account which means there's no extra Alipay fee to spend from your yuan balance when you transact with Alipay.

Alipay vs Other Payment Methods for Malaysians

Alipay vs Touch 'n Go (TNG)

You may find it’s best to use Alipay if you’ll be in China for a longer time, or if you make frequent transactions.

However, TNG can be handy for short trips to China, as there’s no separate registration needed.

Alipay vs WeChat Pay

Both Alipay vs WeChat Pay have very high acceptance in China; the best option depends on features and your needs.

Alipay vs GrabPay Malaysia

GrabPay offers cross-border payment capabilities through a partnership with Alipay. As the fees and exchange rates available may depend on your preferred payment method or card you’ll need to weigh up your options to decide if using GrabPay rather than using Alipay directly is a better option.

Alipay vs BigPay for China Payments

You can use BigPay in China through Alipay integrations, and spend from your BigPay card balance. This may suit you better than using Alipay directly if you'd prefer to load your account in advance of travel and set your budget, rather than paying with a linked card on Alipay.

Troubleshooting Common Alipay Issues in Malaysia

Registration & Verification Problems

Top-Up Issues

Payment Problems

Account Security Issues

Is Alipay Safe for Malaysian Users?

Alipay is considered safe with normal precautions. The app offers security features such as payment password protection, fingerprint and face recognition and high data encryption standards. If you’re ever concerned that your account is compromised, freeze your linked cards and contact Alipay to get account support as soon as you can.

In general you can help keep your account secure if you avoid public WiFi, make regular password changes, and enable all security features offered by your device.

💡 Using Wise with Alipay

Get the mid-market exchange rate and avoid hidden bank fees by linking Wise to Alipay. Convert MYR to CNY in advance to lock in rates or use auto-conversion to swap currency instantly as you spend. (Fees apply. See wise.com/my/pricing for details.)

Quick Setup:

1. Open a Wise account and order your debit card.
2. Link your Wise card to the Alipay app.
3. Spend your CNY balance directly with no extra fee.

Why Choose Wise?

Want more? Here are a few more key Wise benefits:

• Send money directly to Alipay accounts in China
• Hold 40 currencies
• Receive money in 8+ currencies
• Spend in 150+ countries with Wise card

Join 12 million people using Wise for international transfers. Fees apply. See how much you could save at wise.com/my/pricing