Introduction

As tourism rebounds across Southeast Asia, Malaysian merchants are asking a critical question: "How can I accept cross-border QR payments from tourists on my card reader?" The answer lies in understanding that HitPay terminals already support DuitNow QR, Malaysia's national QR standard, which has been elevated through Alipay+ to accept payments from 10 foreign wallets. (HitPay Terminal Case Study) Recent data shows that over 80% of cross-border inbound DuitNow QR transactions are made with Alipay+ enabled eWallets, demonstrating the massive opportunity for Malaysian businesses to capture tourist spending. (Soyacincau)

Cross-border QR payments have gained significant traction, particularly influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic and the trend towards a cashless society. (Seven Peaks Software) For Malaysian merchants, this represents a golden opportunity to tap into the spending power of tourists from Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, and beyond - all through a single QR code integration.

The Cross-Border QR Revolution in Malaysia

DuitNow QR: Malaysia's Gateway to Tourist Payments

DuitNow QR serves as Malaysia's interoperable standard QR code, enabling merchants to accept payments from multiple local banking apps and e-wallet partners with just a single QR code. (Hong Leong Bank) This national QR standard, established by PayNet, allows interoperability between all participating banks and e-wallets, creating a unified payment ecosystem. (Boost)

What makes DuitNow QR particularly powerful for tourist-facing businesses is its integration with the Alipay+ network. The partnership between Payments Network Malaysia Sdn Bhd (PayNet) and Ant International has enabled travelers visiting Malaysia to enjoy a seamless payment experience by scanning DuitNow QR codes using their home eWallets via the Alipay+ network. (Soyacincau)

The Alipay+ Impact: 80% Market Share

The numbers speak volumes about the success of cross-border QR payments in Malaysia. Alipay+ accounted for over 80% of cross-border inbound QR payments via DuitNow in its first full year of partnership with PayNet. (Financial IT) This partnership led to a six-fold increase in revenue for Malaysian merchants in December 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, demonstrating the tangible business impact of accepting tourist payments.

Malaysian businesses have seen a significant rise in QR payments among travelers due to these cross-border QR payment arrangements enabled via DuitNow QR. (Soyacincau) The seamless experience has made it easier than ever for tourists to spend money at local businesses without worrying about currency exchange or finding local payment methods.

HitPay Terminals: Your Cross-Border Payment Solution

Built-in DuitNow QR Support

HitPay terminals come with native DuitNow QR support, meaning Malaysian merchants can immediately start accepting cross-border payments from tourists. (HitPay Singapore POS Guide) As a Singapore-based, omni-channel payments platform regulated as a Major Payment Institution by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), HitPay enables merchants to accept payments both online and in-person with comprehensive local payment method coverage.

The platform supports over 700 local payment methods across Asia-Pacific, making it the undisputed leader in local payment acceptance in the region. (HitPay QR PH Guide) For Malaysian merchants specifically, HitPay accepts Visa, Mastercard, DuitNow, FPX, GrabPay, Touch 'n Go, Boost, ShopeePay, Maybank QR, ShopBack PayLater, Atome, Alipay, WeChat Pay, and crucially, cross-border QR support.

Real-World Success: Outpost Climbing Case Study

Outpost Climbing, an indoor climbing and family-friendly gym in Singapore, demonstrates the power of HitPay terminals in action. Before HitPay, the business struggled to unify customer management with payments, especially across multiple counters and locations. (HitPay Terminal Case Study)

With HitPay Terminal and POS software, Outpost Climbing got a lightweight, low-cost solution that integrated directly into its workflows, saving $2,000-3,000 monthly in fees and hardware costs. (HitPay Terminal Case Study) This case study illustrates how HitPay's comprehensive payment acceptance can benefit businesses serving diverse customer bases, including international visitors.

The 10 Foreign Wallets Accessible Through DuitNow QR

Through the Alipay+ network integration with DuitNow QR, Malaysian merchants can now accept payments from tourists using these popular regional e-wallets:

This extensive coverage means that tourists from across Southeast Asia and beyond can pay using their familiar home wallets, removing friction from the purchase process and encouraging higher spending. (Fiuu)

Setting Up Cross-Border QR Acceptance: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Terminal Setup and Configuration

Setting up cross-border QR acceptance on HitPay terminals is straightforward. The DuitNow QR functionality is built into the system, requiring minimal configuration. DuitNow QR is free to set up and only requires a local bank account and mobile number, making it accessible for businesses of all sizes. (HitPay DuitNow Guide)

DuitNow supports transfers between over 40 participating banks and e-wallets, including CIMB Bank, Maybank, Hong Leong Bank, RHB Bank, and Public Bank. (HitPay DuitNow Guide) This extensive network ensures that both local customers and international tourists can complete transactions seamlessly.

2. Currency Conversion and FX Management

One of the key advantages of cross-border QR payments is automatic currency conversion. When a Thai tourist pays with TrueMoney at a Malaysian merchant, the system automatically converts Thai Baht to Malaysian Ringgit at competitive exchange rates. (Fiuu)

For businesses, cross-border QR payments can attract international customers, provide faster settlements, and reduce costs by eliminating cash handling fees and potential fraud. (Fiuu) The transparent exchange rates and instant settlement make financial reconciliation much simpler than traditional currency exchange methods.

3. Integration with Existing Systems

HitPay's comprehensive integration capabilities mean that DuitNow QR payments can be seamlessly incorporated into existing business workflows. Businesses can integrate a DuitNow payment gateway on their POS system and online sales channels to connect with millions of DuitNow users in Malaysia and international tourists. (HitPay DuitNow Guide)

The platform offers no-code solutions that can be launched in minutes without technical setup, as well as API/SDKs for businesses requiring advanced workflows and custom integrations. (HitPay QR PH Guide)

Optimizing Your Business for Tourist Payments

Staff Training and Customer Experience

Training staff to assist international customers with QR payments is crucial. Key training points include:

• Understanding which e-wallets are supported

• Helping customers locate the QR scanning function in their apps

• Basic troubleshooting for connection issues

• Explaining the automatic currency conversion process

Cashless and QR code payment adoption rates are exceptionally high throughout ASEAN countries, so most tourists will be familiar with the process. (IDE) However, providing assistance when needed can significantly improve the customer experience.

Location-Specific Considerations

Different tourist areas may see varying patterns of international wallet usage:

• Shopping malls: High usage of Chinese wallets (Alipay) and regional super-apps (GrabPay)

• Street food areas: Popular with Thai tourists using TrueMoney and LINE Pay

• Tourist attractions: Diverse mix requiring support for all major regional wallets

• Hotels and accommodation: Business travelers often prefer familiar home-country payment methods

Financial Reconciliation and Reporting

Understanding FX Rates in HitPay Reports

HitPay's reporting system provides detailed transaction information, including foreign exchange rates applied to cross-border payments. This transparency allows businesses to:

• Track the actual conversion rates received

• Compare against market rates to understand processing costs

• Analyze tourist spending patterns by country of origin

• Reconcile foreign currency transactions with local accounting systems

The platform offers transparent, pay-per-use pricing with no setup or monthly fees, transaction-based pricing, and same-day or next-day payouts in most markets. (HitPay QR PH Guide)

Cross-Border Transaction Analytics

HitPay's unified reporting system provides insights across online and offline channels, enabling businesses to:

• Identify peak tourist spending periods

• Understand which international wallets are most popular

• Track average transaction values by tourist origin

• Optimize inventory and staffing based on international customer patterns

Real-time transaction alerts and instant onboarding mean businesses can quickly adapt to changing tourist payment preferences. (HitPay QR PH Guide)

Cross-Border QR Payment Checklist for Malaysian Merchants

Pre-Implementation Checklist

• [ ] Terminal Setup: Ensure HitPay terminal is configured with DuitNow QR enabled

• [ ] Bank Account: Verify local Malaysian bank account is linked for settlements

• [ ] Staff Training: Train team on assisting international customers with QR payments

• [ ] Signage: Install signs indicating international wallet acceptance

• [ ] Network Connectivity: Ensure reliable internet connection for real-time processing

Operational Checklist

• [ ] Currency Display: Show prices in MYR with clear currency indicators

• [ ] QR Code Visibility: Ensure QR codes are easily scannable and well-positioned

• [ ] Backup Systems: Have alternative payment methods available if technical issues arise

• [ ] Receipt Management: Provide clear receipts showing original and converted amounts

• [ ] Customer Support: Designate staff members to assist with payment troubleshooting

Post-Transaction Checklist

• [ ] Transaction Verification: Confirm successful payment completion before releasing goods/services

• [ ] FX Rate Recording: Document exchange rates for accounting reconciliation

• [ ] Customer Feedback: Gather feedback on payment experience from international customers

• [ ] Performance Monitoring: Track cross-border transaction success rates and volumes

• [ ] Regular Reporting: Review HitPay analytics to optimize tourist payment acceptance

The Future of Cross-Border QR Payments

Regional Integration Trends

Payment digitization is accelerating the development of cross-border payment systems and enhancing financial integration across the ASEAN region. (IDE) This trend suggests that cross-border QR payment acceptance will become increasingly important for businesses serving international customers.

Japan is planning to launch JPQR, a joint QR code payment system with eight Asian countries including Singapore, expected to be operational by April 2025. (HitPay Singapore POS Guide) This expansion will further increase the number of international tourists who can pay using familiar QR code systems.

Technology Evolution

Cross-Border QR Payments are a new technology that allows for instant international transactions using QR codes, offering several benefits for consumers including convenience, security, transparency, and favorable exchange rates. (Fiuu) As the technology matures, we can expect even more seamless integration and broader wallet support.

The launch of cross-border QR code payment connectivity between Singapore and Malaysia on March 31, 2023, marked a significant milestone in regional payment integration. (HitPay Singapore POS Guide) Similar initiatives across other ASEAN countries will continue to expand the reach of cross-border QR payments.

Maximizing Tourist Revenue with HitPay

Beyond QR Codes: Comprehensive Payment Acceptance

While DuitNow QR and cross-border wallet support are crucial for tourist payments, HitPay's comprehensive payment acceptance goes beyond QR codes. The platform supports traditional payment methods that international visitors expect, including Visa, Mastercard, and American Express, ensuring no potential sale is lost due to payment method limitations. (HitPay QR PH Guide)

Integration with Business Operations

HitPay's all-in-one payment platform manages in-person, online, and B2B payments in one place, including QR codes, POS, payment links, invoicing, subscriptions, and e-commerce tools. (HitPay QR PH Guide) This comprehensive approach means businesses can serve both local customers and international tourists through a single, unified system.

Payment links, which are unique URLs or QR codes that lead customers to a secure checkout page, can be particularly useful for tourist-facing businesses. (HitPay Payment Links) These links can be created in minutes with no technical expertise and shared through chat messaging apps, email, social media posts, and direct messages, making them perfect for tourist interactions.

Enterprise-Grade Security for International Transactions

HitPay provides enterprise-grade security that is PCI-DSS compliant, encrypted, and powered by Stripe's fraud protection (Radar). (HitPay QR PH Guide) This level of security is particularly important when processing international transactions, as it protects both merchants and tourists from fraud while ensuring compliance with international payment standards.

Conclusion

Cross-border QR acceptance on HitPay terminals represents a significant opportunity for Malaysian merchants to capture the growing tourist market. With over 80% of cross-border inbound DuitNow QR transactions coming from Alipay+ enabled wallets, the infrastructure is already in place to serve tourists from Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, and beyond. (Soyacincau)

The combination of HitPay's comprehensive payment platform, native DuitNow QR support, and integration with the Alipay+ network creates a powerful solution for businesses looking to maximize tourist revenue. (HitPay Terminal Case Study) By implementing proper signage, training staff, and optimizing operations for international customers, Malaysian merchants can tap into the significant spending power of regional tourists.

As cross-border payment systems continue to evolve and integrate across ASEAN, businesses that adopt these technologies early will be best positioned to benefit from the growing trend toward cashless, seamless international transactions. (IDE) HitPay terminals provide the foundation for this future, enabling Malaysian merchants to serve both local customers and international tourists through a single, unified payment solution.

FAQ

How do HitPay terminals accept cross-border QR payments from foreign tourists?

HitPay terminals support DuitNow QR, Malaysia's national QR standard, which has been integrated with Alipay+ to accept payments from 10 foreign wallets. This allows Malaysian merchants to serve tourists from Thailand, Indonesia, and other countries using their home country e-wallets. The integration enables seamless cross-border transactions without requiring tourists to set up local payment methods.

What percentage of tourist QR payments are processed through Alipay+ on DuitNow?

Alipay+ accounts for over 80% of cross-border inbound QR payments via DuitNow in Malaysia. This partnership between Alipay+ and PayNet has led to a six-fold increase in revenue for Malaysian merchants in December 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. The high adoption rate demonstrates the effectiveness of this cross-border payment solution for tourism-dependent businesses.

Which foreign e-wallets can tourists use on HitPay terminals in Malaysia?

Through the Alipay+ network integration with DuitNow QR, tourists can use their home country e-wallets from 10 different foreign payment providers. This includes popular wallets from Thailand, Indonesia, and other Southeast Asian countries. The system allows travelers to scan DuitNow QR codes using their familiar payment apps, providing a seamless payment experience without currency conversion hassles.

What are the benefits of cross-border QR payments for Malaysian businesses?

Cross-border QR payments offer several advantages including attracting international customers, faster settlements, and reduced costs by eliminating cash handling fees and potential fraud. Businesses can capture the growing tourist market without additional setup costs, as DuitNow QR is free to implement and only requires a local bank account and mobile number. The technology also provides transparency and favorable exchange rates for customers.

How does HitPay's terminal solution compare to other POS systems for tourist payments?

HitPay terminals offer comprehensive payment acceptance including DuitNow QR for cross-border transactions, similar to how they support PayNow and GrabPay in Singapore markets. The terminals are designed for various business types, from hawker stalls to retail outlets, providing a unified solution for both local and international customers. This makes HitPay terminals particularly suitable for tourism-heavy locations where merchants need to serve diverse payment preferences.

Is there any setup cost for Malaysian merchants to accept cross-border QR payments?

DuitNow QR is free to set up and only requires a local bank account and mobile number from Malaysian merchants. The cross-border functionality through Alipay+ integration comes automatically with DuitNow QR support, meaning merchants don't need additional setup or fees to start accepting foreign tourist payments. This low barrier to entry has contributed to widespread adoption among Malaysian SMEs.

Citations

1. https://blog.hitpayapp.com/duitnow-qr-payment-gateway-shopify-xero/

2. https://blog.hitpayapp.com/payment-link-software-comparison-singapore/

3. https://financialit.net/news/payments/alipay-empowers-new-growth-opportunities-malaysian-smes-contributing-more-80-inbound

4. https://fiuu.com/blog/detail/how-cross-border-qr-payments-work-and-their-benefits-for-businesses

5. https://hitpayapp.com/blog/2025-guide-to-choosing-a-pos-for-singapore-hawker-stalls-paynow-grabpay-the-new-sgqr

6. https://hitpayapp.com/blog/activating-qr-ph-for-your-brick-and-mortar-store-in-2025-hitpay-scan-to-pay-vs-maya-qr

7. https://hitpayapp.com/hitpay-terminal-outpost-climbing

8. https://hitpayapp.com/sg/hitpay-terminal-outpost-climbing

9. https://myboost.co/business/duitnow-qr

10. https://sevenpeakssoftware.com/blog/cross-border-payment

11. https://soyacincau.com/2025/03/25/paynet-80pct-duitnow-qr-inbound-payments-alipay-plus-ewallet/

12. https://www.hlb.com.my/en/business-banking/group-sme-banking/deposit/merchant-services/duitnow-qr.html

13. https://www.ide.go.jp/Japanese/Publish/Reports/AjikenPolicyBrief/242.html