Malaysians heading overseas can now pay at local shops using their usual mobile banking apps, thanks to a new link-up between PayNet and Alipay+.
If you are travelling in China, Hong Kong, South Korea, the Philippines, or Laos, you can simply scan any merchant QR code showing the Alipay+ logo directly from your bank app. There is no need to set up a separate Alipay+ account or download yet another app to your phone, according to The Star.
Maybank, CIMB, and Hong Leong Bank are the first to get on board, with Bank Islam coming up next. The news report says more banks, e-wallets, and destination countries will be added over time. This update builds on a deal struck back in November 2023, which allowed tourists to scan Malaysia’s DuitNow QR codes with their own international wallets. Now, Malaysian travellers get to enjoy the same convenience abroad.
PayNet is planning to bring even more local banks and regional partners into the fold to expand the service further. This sits alongside existing cross-border deals that already let DuitNow QR work seamlessly across Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, and Cambodia.