Chinese tourists prefer to use Alipay
George Town - No cash changes hands but when local hawkers accept payment via Alipay from free-spending China tourists, it’s literally the “ka-ching!” of the 21st century.
Many of these Penang hawkers, who have started to get paid via the China-based cashless payment platform that uses a smartphone app and QR code, are making more money too.
Durian seller Mike Chuah, 54, said his business improved after he started accepting Alipay, known as Zhifubao in Chinese.
Chuah, who operates a stall in New Lane here, likened Alipay to a credit card, saying it is easy and safe to use.
“This is because they do not need to use up their remaining cash (before they leave for home) and they won’t feel the pinch,” he said.
Karen Yeoh, 51, who run a jiu hu eng chai (cuttlefish salad with water convolvulus) stall, said the Alipay platform can also help advertise their business.
“Alipay is currently used only by Chinese tourists.“When they see our Alipay signboard, they will order the dish.
“For example, if the bill is RM28, I only need to open the app, key in the amount and scan the barcode for the transaction to complete. The sum will be deposited into my bank account within two days.
“They don’t even have to convert their money. This digital form of payment allows more people to continue spending after they run out of local currency,” she said.
Yeoh said she was hesitant at first about the new app but jumped on the bandwagon after being encouraged by her daughter.
“She told me to start or I would be left behind. Once I got started, I found it quite easy to use. What’s more, the app is free,” she added.