China is championing cashless payment unlike any other country in the world, even US does not come close to mainland users who have adopted the technology giving the rise of Alipay and wechat payments.

As Malaysia receives bus loads of Chinese tourist daily it must be just natural for Alipay to engage with local merchants to accept its mobile payment platform to make things easier for the tourist arrival. Tourist can now enjoy a latte or cappuccino in any Starbucks outlets across the country by just tapping the app in their mobile phones. With over 242 branches the customers can find a nearest Starbucks through the in-app Discovery platform, and pay for their drinks in RMB via Alipay.

In recognition of this new partnership, from now till end October, Alipay users can enjoy 10% off with cap at RMB 5 yuan (RM2.50) and free drink size upgrade at the same time once every week. The customer will also receive a 10%-off e-voucher for future use upon completion of the first transaction.

“Starbucks is one of the most visited merchants by Chinese tourists in many countries. Through Alipay’s Discovery platform, we are leading our users to the nearest Starbucks wherever they are in Malaysia. Getting a cup of familiar coffee with a familiar payment method at a random street corner in Malaysia, will make one’s journey as relaxed as at home,” said Dayong Zhang, General Manager of Alipay Southeast Asia.

“Now you can use Alipay to pay for your favorite Starbucks beverage at all Starbucks store around Malaysia, including 32 Drive-Thru concept stores and 15 stores in the airport. said Sydney Quays, Chief Executive Officer of Berjaya Food Berhad.

Merchants in Malaysia started to accept Alipay in April 2017 and it’s now available in over 5,000 merchants, including over 2,100 7-Eleven stores. Mainland China is the third largest international visitor market for Malaysia. Over 2.12 million Chinese tourists visited Malaysia in 2016 and a year-on-year increase of 8.3% was seen from the first quarter of 2017.