PayNet, Alipay+ and Weixin Pay expand QR payments for tourists in Malaysia

By Vriti Gothi

Payments Network Malaysia (PayNet) has partnered with Asian payment providers Alipay+ and Weixin Pay to boost Chinese and regional tourist spending across Malaysia.

Launched as the peak summer travel season begins, the initiative is expected to expand the reach of Malaysia’s DuitNow QR payment ecosystem and make transactions for visitors significantly more convenient.

Under the partnership, tourists using AlipayCN, Alipay+ partner wallets, or Weixin Pay can make payments throughout Malaysia simply by scanning DuitNow QR codes. The system allows travellers to pay at more than 2.5 million local merchants, from restaurants and hotels to market stalls and tour operators, using the same e-wallets they rely on in their home countries. This arrangement removes the need for additional apps or unfamiliar payment methods, while expanding digital payment acceptance for local businesses, particularly micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

Currently, Alipay+ supports 15 international payment apps within Malaysia, including Alipay for Chinese visitors. PayNet reports that during the December 2024 travel season, DuitNow QR transactions via Alipay+ generated a six-fold increase in merchant revenues compared with the previous year.

The collaboration is part of a broader effort to strengthen Malaysia’s position as a cashless tourism hub. It is anticipated that participating merchants could see sales increase by up to 20% during the summer campaign period, while supporting national economic objectives to increase the uptake of digital payments and attract more international visitors.

As part of the partnership, PayNet, Alipay+, and Weixin Pay are launching three seasonal campaigns aimed at encouraging spending and showcasing Malaysian cultural experiences. These include a Premier League football experience prize draw for Alipay+ users, a dining and attractions discount scheme, and an interactive badge collection promotion for Weixin Pay users, who can earn cultural badges that convert to shopping discounts. In addition, Weixin Pay users continue to benefit from favourable foreign exchange rates when paying via DuitNow QR.

Looking ahead, the partners aim to build on growing inbound travel trends by expanding DuitNow QR usage through Alipay+ and Weixin Pay by more than 130% year-on-year in 2025. The initiative aligns with Malaysia’s ambition to deepen regional digital payment connectivity while supporting local enterprises in tapping into global tourism spending.

Gary Yeoh, Chief Marketing Officer at PayNet. said, “This is what smart tourism looks like, seamless for travellers, transformative for our MSMEs. By enabling tourists to use their home wallets via DuitNow QR, we are opening up more than 2.5 million Malaysian businesses, many of them small and family-run, to global spending power. It’s a digital solution with real-world economic impact.”

Datuk Manoharan Periasamy, Director General of Tourism Malaysia, said, “We believe that making travel simple, welcoming, and convenient is the key to attracting more visitors. With DuitNow QR accepted via Alipay+ and Weixin Pay, tourists can enjoy a smoother, more enjoyable travel experience. This initiative not only adds comfort and familiarity for our guests but also creates meaningful opportunities for local businesses and boosts the overall tourism economy.”