How to Pay in China Using Alipay+ & Touch ’n Go (2025 Guide)

Planning a trip to China? Well good news, you don’t need a Chinese bank account to make cashless payments anymore. 

With the Touch ’n Go eWallet app, Malaysians can now make secure payments in China using Alipay+ acceptance, from food stalls and metro rides to hotels and shopping malls.

This is made possible through payment gateway Malaysia infrastructure that connects local eWallets like TNG to international merchant networks, so your Ringgit can work across borders, instantly.

In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to activate and use Touch ’n Go for Alipay payments in China, step by step, including fees, limits, and travel tips to avoid payment hiccups.

How Does Touch ’n Go Work with Alipay in China?

You don’t need a Chinese bank account to pay like a local in China, your Malaysian Touch ’n Go eWallet works via the Alipay+ network.

Here’s how the system works:

Scan & Pay Like a Local

When you’re in China, just open your TNG eWallet app, scan the Alipay merchant’s QR code, and tap to pay.

Your payment is deducted in MYR, not RMB, no manual currency exchange needed.

Seamless Cross-Border Setup

No extra apps, no registration on Chinese platforms. Just use the same verified TNG app you use in Malaysia.

• No need to open a new Alipay account
• No need for a Chinese bank card
• Works instantly at Alipay+ supported merchants

Requirements to Use Touch ’n Go eWallet in China

Use eSIM, roaming, or reliable WiFi to stay connected and make sure your app works smoothly in China.

Step-by-Step: How to Use Touch ’n Go in China

So using TnG is simple and easy in Malaysia, but is it the same in China? Here’s how to set it up and pay like a local.

1. Update Your TNG eWallet App

Make sure your app is fully updated before you travel.

• Open the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play Store (Android)
• Search for Touch ’n Go eWallet
• Tap “Update” if you haven’t installed the latest version
• This makes sure compatibility with Alipay+ cross-border payments

Older versions may not display the Alipay+ QR scan option.

2. Top Up in MYR Before you fly (Recommended)

Top up using FPX/DuitNow/linked Malaysian card. 

You can reload while abroad if you have internet and a Malaysia-linked payment method, but topping up before travel avoids OTP or connectivity hiccups.

Aim to buffer at least 10–20% more for exchange rate fluctuation.

3. Enable “Pay Abroad with Alipay+” (If Prompted)

Some users may see a one-time pop-up for Alipay+ activation.

• If prompted, just tap “Enable” or “Agree”
• This activates your wallet’s cross-border payment function
• No extra registration is needed, it’s a native feature within the app

You can double-check it’s enabled in Profile > Settings > Payment Region.

4. Scan the Alipay Merchant QR Code

You can pay either way:

• Present your TNG QR for the cashier to scan, or
• Scan the merchant’s Alipay/Alipay+ QR and confirm the amount. Availability depends on the merchant’s POS setup

Look for shops with the Alipay+ or 支付宝 logo at checkout counters.

5. Pay in MYR, Merchant Gets RMB

You pay in Ringgit, but the merchant receives Chinese Yuan (RMB).

• TNG will show the amount in MYR and RMB before you confirm
• Alipay+ handles the rate at the moment of payment, and TNG includes a 1% overseas conversion fee (effective 25 Apr 2024) in that rate. 
• No manual currency exchange needed

6. View Your Transaction History Instantly

You’ll see a full breakdown immediately after payment.

• Go to your TNG eWallet Transaction History
• It will show:
  
  • Merchant name (in English or Chinese)
  • MYR amount charged
  • RMB equivalent
  • Exchange rate used

This helps you track spending and compare rates over time.

Read more: Why Localized Checkout Experiences Boost Conversions for Malaysian E-commerce

Where Can You Use It in China?

Acceptance is very wide (over 10 million Alipay merchants in Mainland China), especially in cities, malls, restaurants, transit, and tourist spots, but it’s not universal.

Some small shops may be WeChat-only or cash-preferred, so always be on a lookout for Alipay/Alipay+ logos. But generally, the following tourist heavy location will have Alipay+:

• Hotels & Hostels
• Food courts, cafes & restaurants
• Department stores & local markets
• Metro stations & taxi services
• Museums, parks & attractions

Even street vendors and convenience stores in rural cities accept it, it’s that great.

Why Use Touch ’n Go for Alipay+ Payments in China?

You might be asking why use TnG instead of any other methods, and it’s simple. 

The service works even if you don’t have a Chinese bank account or card.

Whether you’re shopping at a convenience store in Beijing or grabbing hotpot in Chengdu, using TNG eWallet with Alipay+ brings huge perks for Malaysian travellers:

• No Chinese bank account needed: Card acceptance is improving but smaller shops still prefer QR, TNG via Alipay+ remains the easiest in many places.
• Favourable exchange rates: Alipay+ offers convenient currency conversion rates, which can sometimes be more favorable than airport money changers.
• Track all expenses in one place: Your TNG app shows detailed records of what you spent and where.

What Are the Limits When Using Touch ’n Go in China?

Source: Touch ’n Go – Wallet Usage Limitations

Note: To specify the limits that depends on the account tier and are subject to change according to the TnG policies.

Common Issues When Paying in China (And How to Fix Them)

Touch ’n Go + Alipay+ works smoothly, most of the time. 

Even with a powerful partnership like TNG and Alipay+, occasional hiccups may happen. Here’s how to troubleshoot.

“Payment Not Supported” Message

Why it happens:

• The merchant may not be onboarded to Alipay+ yet.
• You’re scanning a WeChat Pay-only QR code.

What to do:

• Ask the merchant if they support Alipay+.
• Try a different store or ask for a printed QR code (some POS systems default to WeChat first).

App Isn’t Detecting Alipay QR Code

Why it happens:

• You might be using an old app version.
• QR code is blurry, sun-faded, or partially blocked.

What to do:

• Update your Touch ’n Go app before your trip.
• Clean your camera lens and try again.
• Ask the cashier to refresh the QR code.

Payment Stuck or Delayed

Why it happens:

• Poor internet connection (common in rural or underground areas).
• App needs to refresh currency exchange settings.

What to do:

• Move to a stronger signal area or use Wi-Fi.
• Force-close and reopen your app.
• Try scanning again after 1 minute.

Your Wallet Can’t Scan at All

Why it happens:

• You didn’t enable “Pay Abroad with Alipay+” before flying out.
• The app hasn’t registered your location shift from MY to CN.

What to do:

• Turn location services ON and reopen the app.
• If that fails, try reinstalling TNG with roaming enabled or contact TNG support.

We recommend you to take a screenshot of your top-up balance and transaction settings before leaving Malaysia. It’ll help support teams troubleshoot faster if anything goes wrong abroad.

Conclusion: Travel Cashless in China with TNG x Alipay

For Malaysian travellers, using Touch ’n Go eWallet in China is now as easy as scanning a QR code. Thanks to Alipay+ support, you can pay directly in MYR at millions of Chinese merchants, no local bank account or app needed.

But while you explore cashless convenience abroad, Paydibs is helping local businesses to do the same at home.

While we don’t currently support Alipay+, we do enable Malaysian merchants to accept the country’s most-used eWallets:

• ✅ Touch ’n Go, GrabPay, ShopeePay, DuitNow QR
• ✅ Fast settlements, easy setup, and full compliance
• ✅ API and plugin integration for web & mobile
• ✅ Trusted by top retailers, banks, and public services

Whether you’re running an eCommerce site or a retail outlet, we help you get paid, fast, securely, and locally with our Smart payment terminal machine system.

Partner with us and to unlock the full potential of Malaysia’s digital payment ecosystem.

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