On the eve of the Asian Games in Hangzhou Alipaythe digital payment platform and digital payment services and lifestyle services in China, announced during the Alipay Partner Conference 2023the launch of an updated “international version” of the app with personalized services for foreign travelers to China.
Improving the mobile payment needs of international travelers in China
The new international versionwith language options including English and an easy-to-use translation tool, aims to meet the mobile payment needs of international travelers in China and enhance their travel experience. It also integrates commonly used travel services such as hotel reservations, airline tickets, car rentals, public transportation, and currency exchange rate checking. The updated version also includes Asian Games-related services through the Smart Hangzhou mini-program.
Since 2022, Alipay has entered into agreements with international card networks to further improve its payment service for international travelers. After downloading the Alipay app, foreign tourists can register and link an international credit or debit card from Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Discover and Diners Club to pay at tens of millions of Alipay partner merchants across China, including restaurants, cafes and tourist attractions, shopping malls, street stalls, and public transportation.
“We will continue to optimize our products and services to better serve China’s international visitors and enhance their travel experience with convenient mobile payment services.”he claimed Yaoyao Jin, responsible for the international version of Alipay. “We also encourage more merchants and service providers operating digitally on the Alipay platform to improve their services for international travelers.”