How to Use Alipay in Thailand as a Tourist

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If you have the Alipay¹ app, you may be able to use it to pay at selected merchants in Thailand, so you don’t need to carry as much cash. Singapore Wise customers can also use the Wise app to scan supported Alipay+ QR codes in Thailand. Wise uses the mid-market exchange rate and shows any conversion fee before you pay. That means you can use Alipay in Thailand even if you don’t have the Alipay app downloaded - more on that later.

This guide covers how to use Alipay in Thailand so you can scan and pay without needing a wallet full of Thai baht for your trip. We'll also introduce the Wise account, a handy companion to make your money go further with low, transparent fees.

Can you use Alipay in Thailand?

Yes. You can use Alipay in Thailand, although availability depends on the merchant.

QR payments through providers like Alipay are getting more and more common, particularly in cities and areas with many tourists.

Some major chains and larger retailers accept Alipay or Alipay+ QR payments, especially in tourist-heavy areas. Smaller local shops and market vendors may still prefer cash.

Where is Alipay accepted in Thailand?

Shops, restaurants, and malls

Use Alipay at major chain stores, convenience outlets like 7-Eleven, and malls run by providers like Central Retail Malls. Central Retail Malls alone have over 3,500 outlets in Thailand², which all accept Alipay payments.

Tourist areas, hotels and airports

You can often use Alipay in tourist areas and hotels, particularly in areas with frequent Chinese visitors. Airports like Suvarnabhumi (BKK) also usually accept Alipay for things like food and drink, or duty-free purchases. Keep an eye out for the Alipay logo on display at the counter.

Online and app payments

Alipay is a popular payment method for online and in-app transactions - just look out for the symbol and then select Alipay at checkout. You can use Alipay to spend with Thai websites and international retailers alike.

Can tourists or foreigners use Alipay in Thailand?

Yes. Tourists and foreigners may be able to use Alipay in Thailand, as long as the merchant accepts Alipay or Alipay+ payments and their payment app is set up for overseas use.

If you already have the Alipay app, check that your account is verified and that you have a supported card or payment method linked before you travel. Some Alipay features may be limited for international users, and acceptance still depends on the merchant.

You may also be able to pay at Alipay+ merchants using another supported wallet or payment app. For eligible Singapore Wise customers, this can include scanning supported Alipay+ QR codes with Wise. Wise uses the mid-market exchange rate, and any conversion fee is shown before you confirm the payment.

We’ll cover how paying with Wise works step by step in a moment.

How to pay with Alipay in Thailand

Let’s walk through how to pay with Alipay in Thailand, using a few different possible methods.

What you need before paying with Alipay in Thailand

You can pay with Alipay or Alipay+ in Thailand using a supported payment app, as long as the merchant accepts that payment method. This could be the Alipay app itself, or another compatible app like Wise.

Before travelling, you may need to:

• Verify your identity
• Link a supported bank card or payment method

With Alipay, payments are usually funded through a linked bank card. That can sometimes mean paying your bank’s foreign transaction fee.

You can also make supported Alipay+ QR payments using Wise, without downloading the Alipay app. If you already have THB in your Wise account, there’s no conversion fee for eligible QR payments. Otherwise, Wise converts your money using the mid-market exchange rate and low conversion fees from 0.26%%.

How to pay by scanning a merchant QR code

You can pay with Alipay in Thailand by scanning the merchant’s QR code. Look out for the Alipay+ symbol on display at the checkout and then open your preferred payment app - like Alipay or Wise - to scan the QR and complete the payment.

How to pay when the merchant scans your QR code

As an alternative, the merchant can also scan the QR code you have in your Alipay compatible app, and initiate the payment that way. Open your payment app and locate your personal QR. Show the merchant, and they can scan your code to start the transaction.

How to pay Alipay QR codes with Wise

Wise QR payments are available to eligible Wise customers in supported markets. In general, Wise QR payments are for paying merchants when you’re travelling outside your home country. Singapore Wise customers can also use Wise for PayNow QR payments in Singapore.

When you’re in Thailand, there are 2 ways you may be able to pay Alipay+ QR codes with Wise:

If you scan the merchant’s Alipay+ QR code

Use this option when the merchant shows you a QR code to scan at checkout.

1. Open the Wise app and tap Scan.
2. Scan the supported Alipay+ QR code.
3. Check the payment details and confirm.
4. You’ll see the completed payment in the Wise app.

If the merchant scans your Wise QR code

Some merchants may ask to scan your QR code or barcode instead.

Use this option when the merchant asks to scan your QR code or barcode.

1. Open the Wise app and tap Scan.
2. Tap the QR code icon and select your location, such as Thailand.
3. Show your QR code or barcode to the merchant.
4. Check the amount, currency, exchange rate and any fees, then tap Confirm and pay.
5. Complete any security check, and you’ll see your payment confirmation in the Wise app.

Alternatives to Alipay in Thailand

QR payments aren’t available everywhere in Thailand, and so generally having some cash on hand in THB is a good plan, to make sure you're never stuck unable to pay for something in a store.

It’s also worth keeping a low-cost international debit card like the Wise card with you, to allow you to tap and pay or make chip and pin transactions, or to get cash from an ATM when you need it.

Finally, there are also Thai-specific QR payment services, which are sometimes available for tourists, and sometimes more targeted to local residents. These offer an alternative and can be more widely accepted compared to Alipay. Some local QR payment apps which may suit you can include:

• TrueMoney⁵
• LINE Pay⁶
• K Plus⁷

Get the most out of your SGD to THB conversions on your holiday with Wise

The Wise account is an easy way to hold and exchange 40+ currencies, including SGD, MYR, EUR, CNY, and more. All you need to do is create a free account to get started.

With Wise, you can exchange currencies at the mid-market rate each time, with low, transparent conversion fees from 0.26% and absolutely no markups. Plus, you can order a linked Wise card for convenient spending without any foreign transaction fees, and free ATM withdrawals up to the value of 100 SGD when you're overseas. You'll even get 8+ local account details to get paid conveniently to your Wise account in SGD and a selection of other major global currencies.

What's more, you can activate Wise Interest to earn returns* on your eligible balances while keeping your money available to spend.

*Growth is not guaranteed. Capital at risk.

Sending money or making payments abroad? Wise also offers fast, low cost transfers to 140+ countries - you can track your transfer in your account and your recipient will also be notified when a transfer reaches them.

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1. Alipay+
2. Central Retail Malls
3. Alipay Plus, China mainland
4. BigPay fees
5. TrueMoney
6. LINE Pay
7. K Plus