What is Alipay QR code? How to pay with Alipay QR code?

In China’s now virtually cashless society, QR code payment has become a prevalent way to pay and receive money. Users can scan the QR code provided by merchants for fast and convenient payments. With billions of scans recorded every day in China, QR codes are widely used in business, technology, social networking and other fields. Payment with QR codes, particularly Alipay QR code, is a commonplace daily practice for most people. For expats in China, whether you like it or not, you’ll probably end up using Alipay QR code to pay at some point.

So, what is Alipay QR code? How do you pay with QR codes with Alipay? How can merchants get Alipay QR code so that their customers can pay by scanning the code through the Alipay app? Let's take a closer look.

While it may seem like you can pay everything in China with an Alipay qr code, it is not possible to convert foreign currencies or send money overseas -- these are issues that may arise in being a foreign resident in China. If you have the Wise English app on hand, things are easier. A Wise multi-currency account makes it possible and more affordable to convert many currencies and also send money out of China.

Send money home using Wise

What is the Alipay QR code?

The QR code that represents a transaction in the Alipay QR code payment solution is dynamically generated. With this payment method, the transaction data is sent from the merchant system to the Alipay system, which then responds with a QR Code that serves as a transaction representation. Then, customers complete the payment by scanning the generated QR code and entering the password -- customers don't even need to enter the transaction amount.

To provide an Alipay QR code payment service, merchants integrate with the Alipay system using the interfaces that are created for these payment solutions¹.

Can I use the Alipay QR code in China?

Yes, you can.

There are typically two types of QR codes on Alipay: Merchant QR code for merchants to collect money and individual QR code for individuals to pay and receive. Everyone, including foreigners in China, can use the Alipay QR code to pay a merchant's bill and collect money, and complete the payment process conveniently and quickly.

As an individual user, all you need to do is download the Alipay app (foreigners can change it to the Alipay English version and use Alipay's scan feature or Pay/Collect feature to make payments.

The Pay/Collect feature can also generate dynamic QR codes to enable face-to-face collection for individual users.

How to pay with QR code in Alipay?

Option 1:

1. Open your Alipay app, and find “Scan” on the home page menu.
2. After entering the scanning page, scan the QR code of the merchant.
3. When the scanning is successful, the payment information of the merchant will appear, check it carefully.
4. Confirm the amount and pay. Or enter your password to pay.

Option 2:

1. Login to Alipay on your device and click “Pay/Collect” on the home page menu.
2. Provide the payment QR code to the merchant for scanning.
3. The merchant will scan your code, and you’ll pay once it is scanned successfully.
4. You are suggested to check if the amount you’ve paid is correct before completing.

How to get a merchant QR code to receive payment if you are a business owner in China?

1. An Alipay user can get the "Pay Me" QR code through the Alipay QR code issuing platform².
2. The payer can scan the Alipay QR code to make payment, and the money will be sent to your Alipay account after successful payment.
3. By default, the QR code will show the avatar of your Alipay account. You can also upload your own personalized avatar.
4. The generated QR code can be saved and used by yourself.

How to get a merchant QR code to receive payment if you are a business owner in Hong Kong (using Alipay HK version)?

Here’s the step-by-step guide for a merchant to get a Alipay Merchant QR Code Payment solution in Hong Kong:

1. Merchant: construct the data and send via HTTP request
2. Alipay: verify the received data
3. Alipay: if passes verification, alipay will create a QR code and send it back within the API response
4. Merchant:receive the notification and analyze the result data
5. Creation success

FAQs about scanning and paying via Alipay QR code in China?

Is there a charge for Alipay QR code use or is it free?

The Alipay QR code is free for individuals to use. It does not charge an extra fee when you scan an Alipay Qr code and pay.

Is it safe to use Alipay QR code and pay?

Generally speaking, using Alipay to scan someone else's Alipay QR code and make a payment is safe. Alipay monitors transaction risk and has implemented security measures like face recognition, fingerprints, and passwords.

Know more details about Is Alipay safe to use?

What is the maximum limit for a QR payment via Alipay?

If no security risk is detected by the system, transactions with a single payment amount less than or equal to RMB 1,000 (or less than or equal to RMB 500 for purchases at overseas merchants) do not require verification of the payment password or other means of transaction instruction authentication (e.g. fingerprint, face swipe, etc.).

Is there a limit for a merchant to receive money with Alipay QR code?

There is no limit for merchants to collect money using Alipay QR code. However, the system will assess the situation of the buyer and seller when a collection transaction occurs, please refer to the specific collection page prompts shall prevail.

How much does Alipay charge merchants?

Alipay issues free cash withdrawals in accordance with the QR code collection amount. The validity period is one year and will expire on the last day of the same month of the following year.

For example, if the system automatically evaluates a QR code transaction of $500 as a valid transaction, then the system will increase the free cash withdrawal amount by 500.

Wise: an alternative way to transfer your earnings out of China!

While you are living in China, you can use the Alipay QR code to pay and receive money quickly. But what if you want to make international transfers? It’s worth your time to check out Wise. Wise enables users to send Chinese CNY out of China, to 160+ countries! You won't have to wait for your turn at a bank counter. Big plus; the mid-market rate that Wise uses can save you unnecessary expense.

Using Wise is easy. You just register a Wise profile with the app or via online for free. Then, you can simply use Wise to send money out of China or convert to 40+ currencies with just a few clicks. When you travel overseas, you can also use a Wise debit card to convert currencies at themid-market rate. (Wise card at the moment isn’t available in China yet. You need to get it before you relocate to China, check how to get Wise card in your country in this artice.)

With it, you can conveniently shop online in China, and pay a very small fee to withdraw cash from local ATMs.

*This service is provided in partnership with a licensed third-party payment provider in China.