Alipay: How to use, Top up, Pay / Send money in Singapore?

Alipay is a third-party mobile and online payment platform, established in Hangzhou, China in February 2004 by Alibaba Group and its founder Jack Ma. In 2015, moved its headquarters to Pudong, Shanghai, although its parent company Ant Financial remains Hangzhou-based. It is used in smartphones with their Alipay Wallet app. The Alipay app allows users to add their own services provided from different companies to create a more personalised experience.

Do merchants in Singapore accept payments through Alipay?

Singapore is moving towards a cash free future, with digital payments offered now in many stores, restaurants and even hawker centres. If mobile payments are available you’ll see the QR code displayed by the merchant, alongside a list of the payment platforms which can be used. There’s then just a simple, single QR code to scan in most cases – no matter which payment platform you want to use.³

Alipay and WeChat Pay are offered by some merchants in Singapore – especially in areas where Chinese residents and tourists may visit⁴. You’ll be able to see the logos of the payment platforms available alongside the QR code when you’re in a store, restaurant or food centre.

Can Singapore citizens / residents have an Alipay account?

Singapore citizens and residents can set up an Alipay account if they fulfil the eligibility requirements. All you’ll need to do is download the app, and set up an account. Link your preferred eligible card or bank account, including Visa, Mastercard and Diners Club cards, to start spending.

WeChat Pay can not be opened easily by Singaporeans. This feature is only available for WeChat customers in mainland China, Hong Kong and Malaysia.

How to top up Alipay in Singapore?

By linking with an eligible Bank Card / Account, you can top up your Alipay account and transfer funds to Alipay wallet.

1. Open the Alipay app
2. Tap Bank cards, and then the + symbol
3. Follow the prompts to add the card of your choice
4. Complete the verification step
5. Follow the prompts on screen and entering the amount you want to add to your Alipay balance
6. You can spend and send money once funds are in your account.

How can Singaporean’s use Alipay?

• Singaporean citizens and residents get an Alipay account. Merchants in Singapore accept Alipay.

Which countries use Alipay?

• Chinese mainland, Hong Kong SAR, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Pakistan, Singapore, Australia, United States, and 27 EU countries.

Can I link my DBS/POSB Credit and Debit Card to WeChat Pay and Alipay?

• Yes, From August 2023 you can link your DBS/POSB Visa/Mastercard Credit and Debit Cards to your WeChat Pay and Alipay accounts.

How to set up Alipay in Singapore?

The first step to get started with either WeChat Pay or Alipay is to download the latest version of the app. You’ll then find it’s relatively simple to follow the onscreen instructions to create your account. Here’s a runthrough of the basic steps required:

Alipay
Once you have the app you’ll be prompted to enter your phone number.
You’ll receive a confirmation code which you enter into the app, and then be asked to either set up a passcode or fingerprint for security
Look for the Me button on the bottom right corner – this gives you access to your account information which you can edit and review.
Tap Me and choose the option Add cards to add a linked bank card
It’s useful to know that you’ll need to enter all your information in the exact same way it’s registered with your bank. That means using the same ID document you used when you opened your account, and spelling your name in the same way. If you run into problems you can ask your bank to help you get set up directly.
Once your account and card are linked, you’re ready to start spending.

Download Alipay on Google Play / Apple Store Apps

Contact Alipay on Social Media