What is Alipay and how does it work?

Alipay is a digital payment platform and mobile wallet primarily used in China for transactions ranging from online shopping to in-store purchases. Users can link their bank accounts or credit cards to the Alipay app, allowing them to pay for goods and services by scanning QR codes or tapping their phones at NFC-enabled terminals. The app offers additional features like bill payments, ticket bookings, and peer-to-peer money transfers.

Can you use Alipay in USA?

Yes. You can use Alipay in the US at certain merchants that accept it, particularly those that cater to Chinese tourists or have a large Chinese customer base. The app works in a similar way to how it operates in China; users scan a QR code to complete a transaction. However, its acceptance is not as widespread in the US as it is in China.

Is Alipay the same as PayPal?

Alipay and PayPal are digital payment platforms that allow users to make online transactions, pay for goods and services, and transfer money between accounts. While PayPal is widely used internationally and is more prevalent in Western countries, Alipay dominates the Chinese market and offers additional services like utility bill payments and taxi bookings. Unlike PayPal, Alipay is deeply integrated into the Chinese ecosystem and is less commonly accepted for transactions outside of China.

Who accepts Alipay in the US?

A multitude of companies accept Alipay, ranging from retail chains like CVS, Walgreens, and Target to luxury brands like Sephora and Ulta. Major hotel chains, including Hilton, Hyatt, and Marriott International, also welcome Alipay payments. Additionally, online merchants using Shopify's platform and sellers on Alibaba's marketplaces support Alipay transactions.

Can you use Alipay without a Chinese bank account?

The Alipay Tour Card allows travelers in China to utilize Alipay's eWallet without needing a Chinese bank account. In these cases, there are two primary routes for using Alipay. You can either link an international card to your Alipay account or use a mini-app called TourCard to load funds onto Alipay. Or link an international card to your Alipay account. Currently, Alipay accepts cards from Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Discover, Diners Club, and UnionPay.

How do I pay using Alipay?

To make a payment through Alipay, you can scan the merchant's QR code with the Alipay app or have the merchant scan your app's QR code. Once the QR code is scanned, you confirm the payment amount and authorize the transaction, usually via fingerprint or a password.