Google Wallet may soon let you pay with Alipay Plus in Southeast Asia

Google Wallet may soon let you pay with Alipay Plus when you travel in Southeast Asia. Android Authority reports that Google is working on the feature. It is still in development, and there is no confirmed launch date.

What Alipay Plus is

Alipay Plus is a service that links many Asian payment apps to shops abroad. Instead of each shop setting up every app on its own, the service acts as a bridge. A payment app from one country can then work at stores in another.

Who it affects

The feature is aimed at travelers who want to pay in Southeast Asia from their phone. If you visit the region, it could mean carrying less cash or fewer cards. You would tap or scan with the phone you already have.

What is not known yet

• When the feature will launch, or whether it will launch at all
• Which countries and which shops will accept it
• Which payment apps will be linked through Wallet
• Whether there will be fees or limits for travelers

The report describes work in progress. Plans like this can change before anything reaches the public.

What to do

There is nothing to set up today. If a Southeast Asia trip is coming up, plan on your usual cards or cash as a backup. Check Google Wallet for updates closer to your travel dates.