Sending money to China has become easier for M-Pesa users in Kenya through the AliPay integration with M-Pesa Global. This service enables M-Pesa customers to transfer funds directly to individuals in China using their AliPay IDs or bank accounts. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire process, requirements, and available options.
What is the M-Pesa AliPay Service?
AliPay is a remittance service that allows M-Pesa customers to transfer funds to beneficiaries in China. According to Safaricom's official documentation, customers can send money either to a recipient's mobile number or bank account in China, with funds delivered in Chinese Yuan (CNY).
Eligibility Requirements
Before you can use the AliPay service, you must meet the following criteria:
- M-Pesa Registration: You must be a registered M-Pesa customer with an active account
- Individual Customers Only: The service is available to individual customers, not businesses
- Line Limit: A maximum of 2 lines is allowed on M-Pesa and AliPay
- M-Pesa Global Opt-in: You must have an active M-Pesa Global (International Money Transfer) product
Transaction Limits and Fees
Transaction Limits
- Minimum Single Transfer: KSh 101
- Maximum Single Transfer: KSh 150,000
- Maximum Daily Transfer: KSh 300,000
Fee Structure
The fees charged for AliPay transfers vary based on the amount you're sending:
| Amount (KSh) | Fee (KSh) |
|---|---|
| 101 - 5,000 | 100 |
| 5,001 - 20,000 | 250 |
| 20,001 - 35,000 | 350 |
| 35,001 - 150,000 | 500 |
How to Send Money to AliPay
Once you've opted into M-Pesa Global, you can send money to AliPay through two convenient channels:
Option 1: Through the M-Pesa App
- Open the M-Pesa App and log in using your chosen biometrics
- Under the Services tab, select Send to Alipay
- Enter the recipient's details:
- First name
- Last name
- AliPay ID (provided by the recipient)
- Enter the amount you wish to send
- Select the source of funds (your M-Pesa wallet)
- Select the purpose of the funds
- Review and confirm all the details
- Enter your M-Pesa PIN to authorize the transaction
- You will receive a successful SMS confirmation
- Once the beneficiary accepts the transaction, you will receive another confirmation message
Option 2: Through USSD (*334#)
- Dial *334# from your Safaricom line
- Select M-Pesa Global
- Select Send Money Abroad
- Select Send to Alipay ID
- Enter the recipient's first name
- Enter the recipient's last name
- Enter the recipient's AliPay ID
- Enter the amount you wish to send
- Select the source of funds
- Select the purpose of funds
- Confirm all the details
- Enter your M-Pesa PIN
- You will receive a successful transaction message
What is an AliPay ID?
An AliPay ID is a unique identifier that the recipient in China provides to the sender. This number allows the sender to transfer funds directly to the recipient's AliPay account. The recipient must share their AliPay ID with you before you can initiate the transaction.
Key Benefits of Using M-Pesa AliPay
- Easy Accessibility: The service is available through both the M-Pesa App and USSD (*334#), giving you flexible access options
- Convenient Transfer: Send money directly to mobile numbers or bank accounts in China
- Precision and Security: If you enter an incorrect AliPay ID, the transaction will not go through, protecting your funds
- Direct Currency Conversion: Recipients receive funds in Chinese Yuan (CNY) without you needing to handle currency conversion yourself
- Fast Processing: Funds are typically credited to the recipient's account quickly once they accept the transaction
Important Things to Remember
- Always verify the recipient's AliPay ID before sending money
- Keep your transaction confirmation SMS for reference
- The recipient must accept the transaction for funds to be credited
- Normal M-Pesa transaction limits apply to all AliPay transfers
- Ensure you have sufficient funds in your M-Pesa account before initiating the transfer
Troubleshooting and Support
If you encounter any issues or your transaction is delayed, contact Safaricom customer care with your transaction details and timestamp:
- Call: 100 (prepaid) or 200 (postpaid)
- Call: +254 722 002100 (prepaid) or +254 722 002200 (postpay) - Chargeable
- Twitter: @Safaricom_Care or @SafaricomPLC
- Facebook: @SafaricomPLC
- Email: [email protected]
- Visit: Any Safaricom shop
Related Services
AliExpress Payments
While AliPay is for sending money to individuals in China, M-Pesa also partners with AliExpress for shopping. AliExpress is an online retail service that allows you to purchase products from Chinese merchants and pay directly using M-Pesa. This is a separate service from the AliPay remittance option.
M-Pesa Global Network
Beyond AliPay, M-Pesa Global enables you to send money to:
- East Africa: Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, Botswana, and Burundi
- Globally: Millions of bank accounts and over 500,000 Western Union locations worldwide
