Alipay+ Boosts Cross-Border Spending and Seamless Payments for Global Travelers
Labor Day 2025 marked a major boost in international tourism from China. Data from Alipay and its partner apps showed a sharp rise in spending across borders. Malaysia stood out as one of the most visited destinations by Chinese tourists, reflecting the power of mobile payments in shaping modern travel.
Chinese Travelers Choose Malaysia for Golden Week Getaways
Malaysia ranked among the top six outbound destinations based on Alipay spending. Others included Hong Kong SAR, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, and Macao SAR. Malaysia’s appeal lies in its vibrant culture, tropical beauty, and ease of payment with digital wallets.
Travelers could use their home e-wallets like Alipay to pay across Malaysia without needing to exchange cash. This made spending easier in cities like Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Langkawi. Local tourism benefited as visitors used digital tools to explore food, shopping, and nature.
Alipay+ Enables Smooth Payments in Over 70 Countries
Alipay+, a platform by Ant International, allows users of 36 e-wallets to pay in more than 70 markets. This helps travelers avoid currency exchange and enjoy a seamless payment experience.
Chinese tourists now use Alipay for more than just shopping. It’s a go-to tool for public transit, ride-hailing, and local tours. In fact, public transport became the most used service on Alipay this holiday. Travelers tapped into subways and buses in Hong Kong and Macao without hassle.
Spending habits also changed. Switzerland saw the highest spending per user. In South Korea, average spending exceeded USD 100, driven in part by medical and cosmetic tourism. Tourist also used Alipay to unlock bikes in Japan and buy train tickets across Europe.
China Sees Surge in Inbound Tourism with Digital Payment Support
Inbound travel to China also hit new highs during Labor Day 2025. Thanks to visa-free entry and updated tax refund policies, more visitors are returning to China. Alipay+ supports 13 regional e-wallets that connect to China’s wide merchant network.
Spending by international travelers more than doubled compared to last year. Leading the list was AlipayHK, followed by Malaysia’s Touch n Go e-Wallet, Kazakhstan’s Kaspi.kz, Macao SAR’s Mpay, and Thailand’s TrueMoney.
Visitors can also link Visa, Mastercard, AmEx, and other cards to Alipay. This makes booking taxis, hotels, and train tickets simple, even for first-time visitors.
Alipay Tap! Makes Travel Even Easier
Alipay Tap! Is a new contactless tool launched in 2024. Users can tap a terminal or tag to pay, no need to scan codes or open apps. This method became especially popular during Labor Day 2025.
Travelers from 54 countries under China’s 240-hour visa-free transit policy spent 50% more via Alipay Tap! Compared to last year. With over 100 million users in China, Alipay Tap! is shaping the next phase of smart travel.
Malaysia and Alipay+: The Future of Seamless Tourism
Malaysia is set to benefit from the rise in digital-first travel. With strong tourism appeal and wide Alipay+ support, it attracts high-spending, mobile-savvy tourists. These travelers want more than just sightseeing, they’re looking for smooth, connected experiences.
As China’s tourists continue exploring the world, destinations like Malaysia that embrace mobile payments, and local experiences will stay ahead. The future of travel is clear: it’s fast, cashless, and deeply digital.
Want to attract more global travelers?
Start by offering seamless mobile payment options and locally tailored experiences that tourists love.
