Macau Pass, in partnership with Alipay, launched its MPay Tap! service across Macao on 1 December, offering a “tap to pay” option for residents.

The service aims to simplify mobile payments, support retail transactions, and assist merchants in adopting digital tools.

Alipay first introduced Tap! in Mainland China in July 2024.

The service uses near-field communication (NFC) and barcode technologies, allowing users to pay by tapping an unlocked phone on the terminal, without opening the app.

In just over a year, Tap! reached more than 200 million users across over 400 cities, covering 5,000 brands and millions of outlets.

MPay Tap! adopts the same technology.

Users can pay immediately once the service is enabled, requiring only a single tap at checkout. Phones must be unlocked for security.

To encourage adoption, Macau Pass and Alipay offer an introductory promotion until the end of the year: an instant MOP 3 discount on the first daily MPay Tap! transaction, applicable to shopping and dining.

Gavin Zhao, Chief Product and Technology Officer at Macau Pass, said:

“The Macao SAR government’s commitment to innovation and smart-city development has provided fertile ground for technologies like MPay Tap!. We aim to extend the service, integrate terminals, benefits and membership systems, and support merchants in their digital transformation.”

The service initially launched in January 2025 at The Venetian Macao, The Parisian Macao, and The Londoner Macao.

It has since expanded to over 1,000 merchants, including restaurants, supermarkets, department stores, and key tourist sites such as the Ruins of Saint Paul’s, Rua do Cunha, and Portas do Cerco.

MPay Tap! terminals support Alipay Tap! and traditional QR payments, as well as more than 10 international digital wallets, including WeChat Pay and Hong Kong Octopus.

Merchants can also redeem mCoin and mPass coupons on the same device.

Jiajia Li, Vice President, Co-President of Payment Business Group at Ant Group, said:

“Alipay Tap! brings together new experiences, innovative business and advanced technology in one service. Working with Macau Pass, we are pleased to bring these benefits to residents and merchants in Macao.”

Featured image credit: Macau Pass