Seamless Cross-Border Payments: Native E-Wallets & Alipay+ for ASEAN Travelers in Hong Kong & Macao

When traveling from ASEAN countries to Hong Kong and Macao, using credit cards for payments can often be inconvenient due to the hassle of paying back the money later. However, there are convenient alternatives available, including native e-wallets to pay for your transactions through Alipay+. These options allow travelers to make cross-border payments seamlessly, directly from their home country's digital wallet.

Alipay is one of the most popular and largest e-wallet companies in Hong Kong, Macao, and China, with all kinds of establishments—both big and small—having the payment option. Currently, Alipay has dedicated apps for Hong Kong, Macao, and China as they use Hong Kong Dollar (HKD), Macanese Pataca (MOP), and Chinese Yuan (RMB), respectively, and an international version where users have to link their credit cards.

How It Works

You will often see these stickers at vendors that accept Alipay+ | Image Credit: HalalTrip

Alipay users must register for an account and add money through their respective banks. After adding money, they can pay by showing a QR code to any shop or establishment that accepts Alipay. For local residents, the QR code is under HK/MO/Mainland China—that is, Hong Kong, Macao, and China residents. For tourists and other overseas travelers, there will be an option named "Alipay+--Overseas.”.

If a local resident goes overseas, he/she has to show the overseas QR code to complete the transaction.

Similarly, for overseas travelers, ASEAN travelers can simply scan the Alipay QR code provided by merchants in Hong Kong and Macao, and the payment will be deducted from their Alipay account in their home currency. However, it is important to note that exchange rates may apply.

The following e-wallets can be used for cross-border payments in Hong Kong and Macao, as well as the ASEAN countries.

Native E-Wallets for ASEAN Travelers

Singapore

• Changi Pay: Singaporean travelers can use Changi Pay, a reliable e-wallet widely accepted in Hong Kong for various transactions, including shopping and transportation.
• EZ-Link Wallet: Another option, EZ-Link Wallet, enables seamless payments for Singaporean travelers visiting Hong Kong.

Malaysia

• Touch 'n Go eWallet: Malaysian travelers can conveniently use Touch 'n Go eWallet for cross-border payments in Hong Kong, making transactions smoother and hassle-free.
• Boost: Boost, a renowned Malaysian e-wallet offers a seamless payment experience for Malaysian travelers in Hong Kong.

Indonesia

• DANA: Indonesian travelers can utilize DANA, a trusted e-wallet, to make cross-border payments during their visit to Hong Kong.
• Doku: Another popular option, Doku, allows Indonesian travelers to enjoy the convenience of their native e-wallet for transactions in Hong Kong.

Thailand

• TrueMoney: Thai travelers can rely on TrueMoney for cross-border payments in Hong Kong, making their shopping and transportation experiences more convenient.
• LinePay: LinePay is another widely accepted e-wallet in Hong Kong, enabling Thai travelers to pay directly from their native digital wallet.
• PromptPay: This payment option has partnered with Hong Kong’s Faster Payment System (FPS), which allows for instant transfers from selected banks in Thailand and Hong Kong. You can view the full list of supported banks here.

The Philippines

• GCash: Filipino travelers can use GCash, a popular e-wallet, for seamless cross-border payments in Hong Kong.
• BillEase: BillEase offers a convenient payment solution for Filipino travelers visiting Hong Kong, allowing them to make hassle-free transactions.
• HelloMoney by AUB: Filipino travelers can also opt for HelloMoney by AUB, an e-wallet that facilitates cross-border payments in Hong Kong.
• Maya: Maya is another reliable e-wallet option for Filipino travelers, offering a user-friendly interface and seamless transactions in Hong Kong.

Payments Made Easy

Example of Alipay+ QR code | Image Credit: Markus Winkler on Unsplash

In a nutshell, if you're an ASEAN traveler visiting Hong Kong and Macao, you've got plenty of options to make your cross-border payments a breeze. Native e-wallets like Changi Pay, Touch 'n Go eWallet, DANA, TrueMoney, GCash, and more have got your back with their convenient and secure payment solutions when in Hong Kong and Macao.

Forget about fumbling for cash or dealing with complicated credit card processes. With these e-wallets, you can pay for everything from shopping sprees to delicious meals and even transportation, all directly from your home country's digital wallet.