As Hong Kong continues efforts to drive tourism and commerce, Alipay+ now enables users of 14 overseas mobile wallets and bank apps from nine countries and regions to make payments in Hong Kong.
This move by Alipay+ covers a population of approximately over 1.2 billion, enabling them to enjoy a seamless payment experience with transparent and competitive exchange rates in Hong Kong, as the number of inbound tourists to the region steadily increases.
Local merchants can accept payments from 14 global e-wallet operators through their existing AlipayHK payment codes, thereby further expanding their businesses without the need for any additional investment.
Alipay+ and leading wallet partners have established a joint mechanism for customer services in Hong Kong to support partners in improving cross-border payment experiences, enhancing operational efficiency, and providing better services to global digital wallet users and merchants through operational collaboration and product innovation.
Venetia Lee, CEO of AlipayHK and Greater China general manager of Ant International, explained: “Hong Kong is known for its breathtaking sceneries, vibrant city and community life, and the east-meet-west culture, as well as shopping, food, sightseeing, and public services, an exciting place that any globetrotters shouldn’t miss.
“When we pay like locals, we can travel and experience the culture like locals. We are so excited to help users of our 14 wallet partners expand their presence to over 90 per cent of local merchants through AlipayHK’s network. This allows hassle-free payments, promotes the development of Hong Kong’s tourism industry, and helps local merchants enhance the effectiveness of their promotional activities through digital technology.”
Supporting tourism growth
Ms Becky Ip, deputy director of the Hong Kong Tourism Board, also commented: “As the city’s tourism promotion organisation, the Hong Kong Tourism Board attracts visitors to Hong Kong through various global promotions and marketing initiatives. We hope the trade can capture the opportunities brought along by visitors and roll out new products to enhance visitors’ experience in Hong Kong together and stimulate consumption to maximise the contribution of the tourism industry to the economy.”
Popular e-wallets and bank apps newly brought to the city and now accepted by 90 per cent of the local outlets by Alipay+ include:
MPay (Macao SAR, China), Changi Pay and OCBC Digital (Singapore), GCash and HelloMoney (The Philippines), Hipay (Mongolia), Kakao Pay, Naver Pay and Toss Pay (South Korea), MyPB by Public Bank Berhad and Touch ‘n Go eWallet (Malaysia), TrueMoney (Thailand), and Tinaba (Italy). Similar to Alipay (Chinese mainland).
Various major global destinations have already accepted these Alipay+ partner wallets, including the Chinese mainland and Macao SAR, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, The Philippines, South Korea, Japan, Europe, as well as the Middle East.
Alan Ni, CEO of Malaysian wallet Touch ‘n Go eWallet, also added: “Since the introduction of our overseas QR payment feature in Hong Kong in October 2023, we’ve observed steady growth that underscores our commitment to serving our users as the preferred eWallet in Malaysia. We remain dedicated to ensuring our users feel supported wherever they go, equipped with a familiar eWallet experience that truly makes them feel like they’re experiencing life like a local.”
