Alipay+ reported that mobile-first habits are reshaping how international travellers spend in Malaysia.
Ranked among the world’s top five most popular destinations and first in Southeast Asia by transaction volume, Malaysia is seeing increased mobile wallet use not only in Kuala Lumpur but also in secondary cities such as Semporna, Kuantan and Tawau.
With the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign targeting 47 million visitors, Alipay+ is working with local merchants and the tourism sector to meet rising demand by expanding its payments and digital services ecosystem.
This includes extending cross-border payment acceptance to over 100 markets and partnering with 40 digital wallets, representing 1.8 billion users.
In Malaysia, expanded acceptance and joint campaigns with local partners have driven a 45% year-on-year rise in transactions.
New services include Alipay+ Voyager, an AI-powered travel assistant integrated with partners such as Trip.com, Agoda and Grab; the Alipay+ GenAI Cockpit, an AI-as-a-Service solution enabling digital wallets to build AI-native features; and expanded Global Blue in-app tax refunds, offering a more seamless digital experience.
“Travel has a significant impact on local economies, and we believe that mobile wallets can be a catalyst for growth, connecting travellers and businesses in more ways than ever,”
said Douglas Feagin, President of Ant International.
“Alipay+ aims to support the travel ecosystem with AI-powered payments and digital services to help merchants, tourism partners and fintechs create customer-centric engagements for mobile-savvy consumers.”
This growth has been further strengthened through Alipay+’s collaboration with PayNet, which aims to expand payment acceptance and enhance traveller engagement.
Globally, more than 6.5 million digital wallet users used Alipay+ cross-border payments for the first time while travelling in the first half of 2025.
Malaysia remains a top destination, particularly for travellers from China, Hong Kong SAR, Kazakhstan and Thailand, with China representing the fastest-growing market.
Cross-border transactions via PayNet’s DuitNow QR rose by more than 80% year-on-year in the first half of 2025, while tourism spending through Alipay+ at DuitNow QR merchants grew by over 150%, supporting local SMEs.
Travellers are increasingly value-conscious, favouring destinations closer to home and spending more at local merchants.
Intra-Asia travel continues to drive global growth, with transactions by Alipay+ partners in the region up 32% year-on-year.
Redemptions through A+ Rewards, an in-app marketing platform offering local promotions, increased 57%, while transactions under USD10 rose 37%.
Spending patterns are also diversifying beyond retail and dining.
Transactions related to local services such as beauty, medical and education are growing, with K-beauty service payments in South Korea up 115% year-on-year.
In Malaysia, greater digital payment acceptance has enabled tourists to explore more local experiences, from hawker stalls to heritage sites, benefitting both small and large businesses.
Transactions on ride-hailing platforms have doubled, and spending on public transport has increased nearly 50%, supported by Alipay+’s growing network of merchants and transport operators.
This has made it easier for travellers to visit smaller towns, including Semporna in Malaysia, Shikokuchūō in Japan, Jeollabuk-do in South Korea and Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province in Thailand.
Featured image credit: Alipay+
