Alipay’s digital payment channels heated up with a significant increase in China’s outbound and inbound travel spending over the 2025 Chinese New Year period, with the number of transactions made by Alipay users in overseas destinations from January 28 to 30 rising by 30% compared to the same period last year. Between January 28 and February 1, travellers across Chinese spent 150% more using Alipay compared to 2024.
The spike in overseas transactions was a result of a Chinese New Year campaign with global Alipay+ merchants to entice travellers during China’s longest national holiday as well as friendlier visa policies in major destinations that led to strong outbound travel flows.
In Singapore, total spending of Alipay rose by 56% year-on-year, making the Garden City the most popular destination. Japan also emerged as a favoured spot, with a 40% increase in Alipay spending, driven by eased visa policies and a weakened yen. Malaysia, Hong Kong, and South Korea also rank among the top five destinations.
With demand for long-haul travel on the mend, Alipay users made 30% more transactions in Europe this Spring festival compared to the last. In addition to traditionally popular destinations like the UK, France, and Italy, emerging destinations such as Switzerland, Austria, and Türkiye also saw a notable rise in the number of transactions.
Alipay+ data showed that expenditure beyond shopping and entertainment among the Chinese is on the rise. Cosmetic surgery spend rose by 449% year-on-year while spend on meals, snacks, and desserts scaled up by 33%, 36%, and 54%, respectively.
Greater interest in immersive local travel trends also drove local transportation usage. Total Alipay spending on overseas bus, subway and ride-hailing trips grew by 139% year-on-year.
Inbound travel review
With China’s recent visa-free policy updates, Alipay has launched new campaigns to double the number of Chinese merchants accepting payments with international card-enabled Alipay accounts and a total of 13 overseas e-wallets.
Through Alipay’s expanded partnerships with Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Discover, Diners Club International, and UnionPay International, travellers can link their international credit or debit card to their Alipay e-wallet for seamless payments and diverse digital services such as ride-hailing, hotel bookings, and purchasing plane and train tickets in China.
Between January 28 and February 1, travellers spent 150% more using Alipay at merchants across China over 2024. Spending from visa-free origins rose by 200% year-on-year.
