Alipay Guide for Singapore Travellers: How to Use It, Where It Works, and Why It Matters
By Daisy
August 7, 2026
If you are planning a trip to China or even exploring cashless payments in Asia, Alipay is something you will likely come across.
Many travellers from Singapore are now using it because it makes daily spending simple, fast, and more convenient than carrying cash.
This guide explains how Alipay works, how to set it up as a visitor, and what you should know before using it on your trip.
What is Alipay
Alipay is a mobile payment app created by Ant Group. It is widely used across China for almost everything, from buying food to taking public transport.
Instead of using cash or cards, you pay by scanning a QR code. This is why many shops in China no longer accept cash as often as before.
Setting up Alipay is quite simple and can be done before your trip.
Download Alipay from the App Store or Google Play
Sign up using your Singapore mobile number and create your account
Switch the app to English for easier navigation
Complete identity verification using your passport details
Add your Singapore issued credit or debit card for international payments
Enable the international payment feature or Tour Pass in the app
Set a payment password or enable face or fingerprint unlock for security
Test the app by exploring features or making a small payment if available
Make sure your bank allows overseas transactions to avoid payment issues
🚨Pro Tips: Complete your account setup, passport verification, and card linking before you travel. This avoids last minute issues when you are already overseas and need to make a payment quickly.
For most travellers, Alipay becomes the main payment method during the trip.
💡 Pro Tip: Even though Alipay is widely accepted, keep a credit card or some cash with you. This helps in rare cases where digital payment is not available or if your app has connection issues.
Tips for Using Alipay Smoothly
Using Alipay is simple, but a few smart habits can make your experience much better during your trip.
Make sure you have internet access when making payments, especially when scanning QR codes
Save a screenshot of your payment QR code so you can still pay if your connection is slow
Bring a small amount of cash as backup for rare cases where digital payment is not available
Check your transaction history regularly to keep track of your spending
Inform your bank before your trip to avoid card linking or payment issues
Keep your phone charged as you will rely on it for most payments throughout the day
Use secure WiFi or mobile data when making payments to avoid connection risks
💡 Pro Tip: Check Trip.com’s promo code page before confirming your booking. You might find an extra 10–20% off hotels or flights.
The room was clean and the buffet dinner was excellent. The location is unbeatable, within walking distance to all major attractions. The room was tidy and quiet, and the front desk staff were very welcoming. This is my top choice for accommodation when visiting Singapore. Perfect location near downtown. The room is clean and quiet with great service. Highly recommend this Carlton Hotel.
Riverside/ Clarke Quay Singapore|2.11km from downtown
The pictures online were a bit misleading. When I booked for 3 people with 3 breakfasts, it showed a king-size bed with a sofa bed, but upon arrival, there was only one king-size bed. It was quite a squeeze for three of us. When we tried to communicate with the hotel, there was a Chinese-speaking woman who refused to speak Chinese, which was frustrating. We had to contact Trip.com customer service, who said there were no other rooms available. We then tried to communicate with the hotel again to ask for a sofa bed. The hotel said they would charge for it, and it worked out to be over 500 RMB per day, which for 6 days felt unreasonable. In the end, we reluctantly squeezed into one bed. Although we managed to sleep, it wasn't comfortable, and the bed was extremely soft, leaving us feeling tired. The hotel facilities are relatively new, and the room is quite large, especially the bathroom. The shower pressure was excellent, but the water flow from the sink was a bit weak – a suggestion for improvement. The hotel is about a 7-minute walk from MRT Exit 4, but getting into the station itself takes another 7 minutes or so. We used the subway for all our outings, and it was quite convenient. The hotel breakfast wasn't extensive, but it was enough to fill up on if you took your time. The omelets were delicious and made fresh. Fruits and vegetables are very expensive in Singapore supermarkets, so we tried to make the most of breakfast at the hotel, where we could enjoy plenty of fruits, vegetables, and salads. Of course, if you want to eat out, it's also very convenient. There's a Great Wall shopping mall about a 10-minute walk away with many dining options. The hotel is right next to the Singapore River. You can walk through the hotel to get to the river and then stroll along it in the evening towards Merlion Park. Along the way, you'll pass two popular Jumbo Seafood restaurants, which are delicious but quite expensive and always packed with people. There are also many other dining establishments along the way, and the night view is beautiful. Hotel prices fluctuate a lot, so keep a close eye on them, even if you've locked in a rate, it can change. It takes about 1.5 hours to get to Changi Airport by MRT. Overall, it's a decent hotel. There are a lot of foreigners staying here, and I saw many adorable foreign children. If you're looking for a spacious, modernly decorated hotel, this could be a good choice.
The room was very spacious, clean, and new. The service was also excellent, and the front desk staff could speak Chinese. However, the check-in process was a bit slow. The toilet would splash when flushed, making it hard to use a toilet seat cover, and the sink would spray water, which was a bit inconvenient!
The hotel is absolutely beautiful, truly stunning and not just in photos. The design is unique, and the lobby is spacious. The pool is on the fifth floor; it's not huge but has a great lounging area, and it's rarely crowded. This hotel probably caters more to business travelers than families. The only drawback is that the room ventilation isn't great.
If you're looking for a hotel with great value for money in downtown Singapore, this is the one to book without hesitation. I was traveling to Singapore with my child for a competition, and I spent a lot of time agonizing over which hotel to choose, feeling quite anxious after reading many reviews. We arrived at the hotel at 3 AM. The lobby is on the third floor, and from the moment we met the reception staff on the first floor, we had a wonderful experience. It's true that check-in at the front desk was a bit slow, but the Indian lady there had a translation app ready and communicated patiently with us. She wasn't impatient despite our limited English, so the slight delay was understandable. The room size exceeded my expectations, it was clean, and the facilities were great. The cleaning staff also spoke excellent Mandarin. The pool was comfortable, and the water was very clean – my child absolutely loved it. It's only 200 meters from City Hall MRT station, and the surrounding commercial area is very lively. Funan Mall is just 200 meters away, offering a wide variety of food, including many Chinese restaurants, so communication in Mandarin was never an issue. Old Hill Street Police Station is 200 meters away, and within 800-900 meters, you can reach the Merlion, Marina Square, Marina Bay Sands, and more. The superior location is undeniable. I especially want to thank the reception staff on the first floor (I apologize for forgetting their name). My child needed daily injections, and the medication required refrigeration in the hotel's common fridge. Every day when I went to retrieve the medicine, they greeted me with the warmest smiles and proactive assistance. Although there was a language barrier, it didn't hinder our seamless communication at all. Based on my experience, I didn't encounter any of the issues mentioned in many of the hotel's reviews. My stay was a perfect 100 points, and if I ever go to Singapore again, I will definitely book this hotel without a second thought.
Overall, I'm quite satisfied. The room size isn't huge, but the bathroom is a bit larger (the room feels similar to an Atour or Hanting in China). I booked a king room, and I was with my two children, so three of us in total. When I checked in, I requested an extra bed, which was provided free of charge – a big thumbs up! There were a few small mildew spots on the shower caddy and floor tiles, but it was acceptable. The hotel pool is really nice, with pleasant views. You'll need to speak English at the front desk (I didn't encounter anyone who spoke Chinese during check-in or check-out). There are bars and several restaurants from the first to the third floor, so the amenities are quite comprehensive. We had the buffet dinner, which was pretty good. The service attitude was excellent, so overall, I'm satisfied. I'd recommend choosing a higher floor to get a better view of the Burj Al Arab and the Ferris wheel. We were on the 5th floor, and the view was obstructed.
Facilities: The room was very small, not big enough to open two suitcases, but it did have a mini-fridge, kettle, and hairdryer. There was a microwave on each floor in the hallway, and you could get drinking water in the lobby on the first floor.
Cleanliness: I stayed for two days, and there was no housekeeping service. It seems they only clean every three days. The bathroom trash can was especially small and overflowed after two days.
Environment: The room was very damp, and there was a strong musty smell every time I entered. I had to turn on the air conditioning to air it out.
Service: The taxi dropped us off directly on the second floor of the hotel. Self check-in was a bit confusing and there was no guidance to go to the first floor for assistance. As a result, our two rooms weren't even on the same floor. I'd recommend going directly to the front desk on the first floor for check-in; they speak basic Chinese.
The room truly was super small. The hotel facilities are comparable to a budget hotel in China. They don't provide bottled water or disposable slippers. Singapore prices are definitely high; you could get a much better place in Kuala Lumpur for half the price.
The hotel's location is excellent, very convenient for the subway and taxis. There are many eateries nearby. Ya Kun Kaya Toast had a long queue in the morning but was less busy in the afternoon. The Wok Hey chili pan mee next door was pretty good and suitable for Chinese palates.
There's a small bar on the first floor with live music at night, creating a nice atmosphere. Overall, it's suitable for young travelers but not ideal for those traveling with children or the elderly.
The environment is beautiful, and the service is excellent 👍🏻. The breakfast spread is rich with many choices. Upon check-in, we received a S$100 dining credit, which we used for dinner, and the food quality was great, definitely five-star standard. To celebrate my daughter's birthday, they specially delivered a cake and fruits. The chocolate cake was delicious and not too sweet, tasting very natural. They also arranged a room upgrade, and the room was very spacious and comfortable. This hotel is absolutely fantastic, and the location is super convenient. You can reach the Merlion via the underground tunnel or directly across the street, and it's also close to the Skyline. You can walk to many tourist attractions without needing a car, exploring the waterfront. In the evenings, there's live music. The only minor complaint would be some renovation and wall-turning noise in the mornings, but they have large Dyson fans for ventilation, and we usually go out in the afternoons, so it wasn't a major issue. By the time we returned to the hotel in the evening, the smell had disappeared, leaving the air fresh! I will definitely stay here again and recommend it on my next visit to Singapore 👍🏻!
Thank you for the hotel's special arrangements 🫶🏻
We stayed for 3 nights in a quad room (two rooms with one shared entrance), but the front desk upgraded us to a 6-person room for free. It had four separate rooms, so we each had our own space and slept very comfortably. However, the bathroom sink being outside the actual bathroom was a bit inconvenient. A hairdryer was provided and worked well enough.
Breakfast was available every day, even on weekends, but the selection was extremely limited. If you went early, getting food was smooth, but if you arrived too late, there was a long queue, which was very time-consuming. We only ate breakfast on the first day; we thought about a second round, but seeing the long line, we decided against it. From the second day onwards, we just went downstairs to Ya Kun Kaya Toast and Toast Box.
There are no longer water dispensers on each floor; you need to go to the front desk to refill water. Laundry and dryer facilities are available for 8 SGD each. Although expensive, it was very convenient.
Downstairs, there are restaurants and a supermarket. The location is excellent, close to Fort Canning Park, Clarke Quay, the Old Hill Street Police Station, and Chijmes. Overall, it was a great experience. It would be perfect if they could improve the breakfast environment and flow.
The hotel's exterior is quite striking; I spotted it right after exiting the Tanjong Pagar MRT station. There's a Mr. Coconut in the mall area of the MRT station. I checked in on the 12th floor. The open-concept lobby is comfortably furnished with complimentary water and coffee machines. The room is small, not brand new but quite tastefully decorated, and located quite close to the surrounding skyscrapers. The neighborhood is very convenient for daily needs, with Chinatown and Maxwell Food Centre within walking distance. Behind the hotel, there's a FairPrice supermarket, and an adjacent building also houses a food court. Nearby, you'll find Ya Kun Kaya Toast and another FairPrice Finest in one of the buildings. There are plenty of dining options. There's also a small pocket park nearby.
Downsides: I noticed some marks on the duvet. The air conditioning was too loud at night, so I'd recommend bringing earplugs. The buildings are very close to each other; you can see people in the opposite building, so there's pretty much no point in opening the curtains.
Riverside/ Clarke Quay Singapore|1.77km from downtown
My stay at Studio M Hotel Singapore was a mixed experience that balanced comfort with a frustrating service encounter. On the positive side, the rooms are thoughtfully designed and stand out from typical city hotels. The loft-style layout gives a sense of space that feels both modern and functional, especially for a short stay. The bed was comfortable, the room was clean, and the overall aesthetic had a sleek, contemporary vibe that makes it appealing for both business and leisure travelers.
The location is also a strong advantage. Situated along the Singapore River, it offers easy access to dining spots and is within reasonable distance of key areas like Clarke Quay. It’s convenient enough without being right in the middle of the noise, which I appreciated.
However, the experience was let down by the lack of flexibility from the front desk staff. During check-in, I did not have my IC or passport on hand, and while I understand the need for verification, the handling of the situation felt unnecessarily rigid. There was little effort to explore alternative solutions or offer reassurance, which made the process more stressful than it needed to be. In a hospitality setting, a bit of understanding and problem-solving goes a long way, and this was noticeably lacking.
That said, once past the check-in issue, the rest of the stay was relatively smooth. The facilities were decent, and housekeeping maintained a good standard throughout.
Overall, Studio M delivers well on comfort, design, and location, but the service experience—particularly at the front desk—could benefit from a more guest-centric approach. It’s a great place to stay if everything goes according to plan, but if you run into any hiccups, be prepared for a by-the-book response rather than a flexible one.
The location is impeccable; the subway is right outside the door, making it incredibly convenient for exploring city attractions. The room was spacious and clean, and it even came with a rooftop pool. While the facilities are a bit dated, the excellent transport links and value for money more than make up for it. It's definitely a top choice for city sightseeing. The front desk had a Chinese-speaking staff member, Miss Lingling, who was very enthusiastic and made us feel right at home. The only minor downside was the breakfast, which had a somewhat limited variety and no special dishes. Overall, I'd still highly recommend it.
Our family trip to Singapore lasted a full 8 days with the kids. Although the country is smaller than a single district in Beijing, I feel like I've had a fairly in-depth experience.
We stayed at four different hotels, and this was our first. It wasn't the most expensive, but I felt it offered the best service:
1. **Food & Service:** I really liked the handmade noodles at the breakfast buffet – they were quite unique. We happened to be there during National Day, and the hotel gave us a box of chocolates. They then followed up with chocolate souvenirs for two consecutive evenings.
2. **Location & Transportation:** The location was excellent. It was only a two-minute walk to catch the Duck Tour, making the exchange and boarding process very convenient. We could also easily access the Sunset Flight. Although this year's National Day fireworks weren't visible from this location, considering we had kids and didn't want to walk much, the location was still very suitable.
3. **Surrounding Amenities:** The MRT station wasn't far from the hotel, and there was a shopping mall nearby.
Transportation in Singapore is also very convenient, with clear MRT maps. For getting around, we'd take the MRT whenever possible, and taxis when it wasn't. Taxi fares weren't expensive, and it felt quite worthwhile, especially with kids and a lot of luggage.
If I go to Singapore again, this hotel would be my first choice. When we checked in, there were a lot of people, and our luggage took over two hours to be delivered to our room. However, after we called the front desk, they immediately followed up. This was just a minor hiccup and understandable.
Riverside/ Clarke Quay Singapore|1.87km from downtown
I had been here several times, staying at both wings. I like the pool. This time, like the previous time..the wifi wasn’t working well but this time, it has caused some “major” issues and inconvenience! I can’t be reached for hours! I called reception for help and eventually they sent staff to my room to settle the issue for me! Thankful and grateful for that. All the rest are good for a short stay.
Traveling with family, the hotel's location was unexpectedly excellent. It's right next to a large shopping mall that has a Pop Mart where you can find many limited edition items. Downstairs from the mall, there are plenty of food options, a supermarket, and both a subway and bus station just a few minutes' walk away. The facilities are very comprehensive. It's also only a 5-minute walk from Fort Canning Park. While the room was small, it was very clean, making it perfect for those with high hygiene standards. The front desk staff were very prompt with cleaning and always tried their best to accommodate any requests. Plus, there's free ice cream in the afternoon and complimentary drinks provided daily.
My stay at Ascott Raffles Place Singapore was an overall excellent experience and I'd highly recommend it!
First off, the location is fantastic, right in the heart of Singapore's financial district. It's just a few minutes' walk to the MRT station, making it super convenient to get to Merlion Park, Marina Bay, and Clarke Quay. Since we were only staying for one day, we had all our meals at the Lau Pa Sat hawker centre, which is just behind the hotel. It's perfect for both business travelers and tourists.
The room was spacious and comfortable, with full amenities including a kitchen, washing machine, and dryer – just like being at home. The bed was soft and comfy, and the room was impeccably clean and tidy. The only minor downside was that there were no USB charging ports in the room, only three-pin power sockets.
Overall, from the accommodation environment, facilities, and location to the quality of service, everything exceeded my expectations. I had a wonderful stay, and next time I'm in Singapore, I will definitely choose Ascott Raffles Place Singapore again and recommend it to my friends and family!
My stay at Marina Bay Sands Singapore was absolutely fantastic and I highly recommend it!
The hotel's location is excellent, directly connected to a mall, and within walking distance of famous attractions like Gardens by the Bay and Merlion Park, making getting around incredibly convenient. Check-in was efficient, and the staff were warm and professional, providing attentive service throughout, truly reflecting a five-star hotel experience.
The room was spacious and comfortable, with a modern design and immaculate cleanliness. The bed was soft, and the soundproofing was excellent, ensuring a wonderfully comfortable night's sleep. What truly impressed me most was the room's view – whether it was the city skyline or the Marina Bay night view, both were absolutely stunning.
The hotel's infinity pool definitely lives up to its reputation; the views are unforgettable and it's an absolute must-visit spot when in Singapore. The breakfast spread was extensive, with a great variety of both Western and Asian options, all of which tasted delicious.
Overall, everything from the environment and facilities to the service was impeccable. It was a very enjoyable and memorable stay. If I ever visit Singapore again, I will definitely choose this hotel, and I'll be recommending it to all my friends and family!
This is my second time staying at this hotel! Although the hotel is a bit old, you can tell it's very well-maintained. I chose a bay view room, and the scenery is fantastic. From the balcony, you can see Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay, Supertree Grove, the Merlion, and even a Disney cruise ship! Most importantly, the hotel's location is excellent, and transportation is incredibly convenient!
Yes, Alipay is generally safe to use. It includes features like payment verification and transaction tracking. As long as you follow basic precautions, it is reliable for travel use.
Security Feature
How It Protects You
Identity Verification
Requires users to verify their identity during account registration, helping prevent fake accounts and fraud.
Biometric Login
Supports fingerprint and facial recognition on compatible devices for secure and convenient access.
Passcode Protection
Payments and account changes may require your payment password or device passcode for added security.
Data Encryption
Encrypts sensitive personal and payment information during transmission to help keep your data secure.
Real Time Risk Monitoring
Uses automated systems to detect unusual activity and flag potentially suspicious transactions.
Device Management
Lets you view and manage trusted devices, making it easier to remove devices you no longer use.
Transaction Notifications
Sends instant payment alerts so you can quickly spot any unauthorized activity.
Privacy Protection
Merchants do not receive your full banking or card details when you make payments through Alipay.
Account Recovery Options
Provides account verification and recovery processes if you lose access to your account or change devices.
Tips to Keep Your Alipay Account Secure
Use a strong, unique password and payment PIN.
Enable fingerprint or facial recognition if your device supports it.
Never share verification codes or payment passwords with anyone.
Only scan QR codes from trusted merchants.
Check your transaction history regularly for unfamiliar payments.
Update the Alipay app to the latest version to receive the newest security improvements.
Log out and remove your account from devices you no longer use.
For Singapore travellers visiting China, Alipay is not just useful, it is almost essential. It simplifies daily spending and helps you enjoy your trip without worrying about cash or card issues.
If you plan to explore cities, try local food, or take public transport, setting up Alipay before your trip will save you time and effort. It is one small step that can make a big difference in your travel experience.
Use our promo code to enjoy up to 5% OFF (up to S$3)on your attraction tickets, tours and eSIMs! Only for new users!
FAQs About Alipay
Can Singapore travellers use Alipay in China?
Yes, Singapore travellers can use Alipay by linking an international credit or debit card. The app supports tourist access, making it easy to pay without a local bank account.
Do I need a Chinese bank account to use Alipay?
No, you do not need a Chinese bank account. You can use your Singapore issued card and complete passport verification to start using the app.
Can I use Alipay without internet?
You usually need internet to complete payments. It is recommended to have mobile data or WiFi for a smooth experience.
Is Alipay safe for travellers?
Yes, Alipay has built in security features such as verification and transaction tracking. As long as you follow normal safety practices, it is safe to use.
Are there any fees when using Alipay as a tourist?
Some transactions may include small fees depending on your card provider or currency conversion. It is best to check with your bank before travelling.
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I’m a travel lover who can never say no to good food, stunning beaches, and the beauty of nature. Sharing my adventures and travel tips, I hope to inspire you to explore, taste, and unwind wherever you go.