Can I use Alipay in Australia & how does it work?

Alipay, one of China’s biggest mobile payment platforms, has become a go-to option for millions of users worldwide when it comes to handling payments virtually.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how Alipay can be used in Australia, including whether merchants can accept it, how to set up an account, and the payment options available to foreigners. We’ll also introduce Wise as an alternative solution for managing your money needs, that you can also link to your Alipay.

What is Alipay?

Alipay is an online platform from China that provides a range of digital services, including eWallet payment facilities.¹ It’s been adopted by tens of millions of people who use it to make in-person and online payments through the app. Most users are based in Mainland China, but Alipay is available to foreigners too.

There are two versions of the app, which are targeted at different markets.²

• Alipay
• Alipay International

The Alipay app is designed primarily for use in China and integrates with Chinese banking and payment methods. Users can use it to pay for purchases, do online transfers, pay bills, and access services like wealth management and insurance.

Alipay International is geared towards foreigners who are usually based outside of Mainland China. It supports multiple languages and international bank cards, designed for cross-border e-commerce and to make travelling within China more convenient.

Is Alipay safe?

Alipay is generally considered to be a safe digital wallet with various security measures in place.⁷ Integrated into the app is a robust security system, which includes security controls, a digital certificate, the Green Umbrella APP, and Payment Shield.

Something to keep in mind, though, is that Alipay isn’t Australian-incorporated. This means it’s not part of the Australian Financial Claims Scheme that offers up to $250,000 cover per account holder, should the institution fail.

Can you use Alipay in Australia?

Alipay is a functional choice of payment method in Australia, but its use is still relatively niche when compared to popular alternatives like PayPal, Apple Pay, and Google Wallet.

Do merchants in Australia accept payments through Alipay?

While some Australian merchants choose to accept payments through Alipay, it has not been widely embraced yet. Some businesses, like Chemist Warehouse, have chosen to only accept it as a payment method for international orders.⁴

There are certain Australian banks that are making it easier for merchants to accept Alipay, if that’s something they decide they want to do. For example, ANZ supports Alipay+ payments through the QR code feature on their Worldline Move 5000 EFTPOS terminals.³

Can Australian citizens and residents have an Alipay account?

Australian citizens and residents can sign up for the international version of the Alipay app, provided they meet any eligibility criteria, have an acceptable debit or credit card, and can complete the joining process.

How to set up Alipay in Australia

Step-by-step, here’s what you need to do to set up an Alipay account as an Australian:²

1. Download the Alipay App.
2. Open the app and press the button to sign up.
3. Follow the prompts to enter your personal information.
4. Choose an account password.
5. Verify your account using a verification code sent to your phone or email.

As part of the sign-up process, you will be asked at some point to verify your identity. For foreigners using Alipay, it must be a passport. You’ll also have to verify your face, which is done using the camera on your device.

Once the account is set up, you can link a payment card. On the front page of the app, you’ll see an option to “Add Credit or Debit Card.” Tap “Add now” then follow the prompts to add your credit or debit card details.

Can you use Alipay without a Chinese bank account?

Foreigners don’t need to have a Chinese bank account to be able to use Alipay, because the international version allows you to bind your Alipay account to an international card instead.² Currently, the supported foreign cards include:

• Visa
• Mastercard
• Diners Club
• Discover
• JCB

This means that the Wise card will integrate seamlessly with Alipay. One of the benefits of using a Wise card is that it completes any currency conversions at the mid-market rate. On top of that, the fees are low and transparent, with the option to open balances in multiple currencies, including AUD and CNY.

How to use Alipay

Using Alipay is fairly simple, especially if you’re used to using other digital wallets to make payments on your phone.

Making in-store payments with Alipay

If you want to make an in-store payment with Alipay, there are two ways to do it.⁵

• The first is to open a payment code in the Alipay app and present that code to the merchant. They then scan it to complete the payment.
• The other way is to scan the merchant's payment code by opening the camera through the Alipay app. You then enter the payment amount and hit confirm to pay.

To ensure the payment goes smoothly, make sure you have enough funds on the linked card before the transaction is initiated.

Sending money with Alipay

Alipay’s money transfer services have limited functionality for foreigners, with the Alipay Quick Collect feature only being available to Chinese users.⁶ If you need to send money to an Alipay account, you can do it using a third-party money transfer service like Wise.

Save on your CNY conversions: Link your Wise card to Alipay

If you’re going to China or shopping in Chinese e-commerce stores, you’re going to need a reliable and easy way to make payments without getting ripped off by bad exchange rates. The Wise account and card can be a great solution for spending CNY with no hidden costs or sneaky rate markups by linking it directly to Alipay.

The Wise account is an easy way to save up to 5x when you send, spend, and withdraw money internationally. Just add AUD to your account and spend in CNY using the mid-market exchange rate. This makes it easy to top up your Alipay or use them directly for payments, ensuring you save money on CNY conversion rates.

Also, you can use Wise to send Chinese Yuan directly to Alipay users in China!

Looking for more? You can hold over 40+ currencies with your Wise account and spend with your linked Wise card here at home, or abroad wherever you’re travelling.

Here’s how to get your Wise card in just a few simple steps:

• Open a Wise account online or the Wise app in just a few minutes
• Top up your Wise account in the currency of your choice
• Order your Wise card for a low one-time fee
• Start spending with your free digital card right away, and link it to Alipay
• Your physical card will arrive in the post, and you can start spending with your virtual card right away

🚀 Get your Wise card today

1. App Store - Alipay
2. Registration China - How to Use Alipay app International to Help Foreigners Visiting China
3. ANZ - Aplipay+ and WeChat Pay
4. Chemist Warehouse - FAQ
5. Alipay+ - Pay with Alipay
6. Alipay - Remit to China
7. Alipay - Service Hall