Platforms Support Overseas Tourists to Enjoy Mobile Payment in China

As China prepares for a rising stream of international events, including the 19th Asian Games and 31st FISU Summer World University Games, a growing number of overseas tourists are traveling to China and expect to experience mobile payment in various scenarios in daily life, including dining, transportation, shopping, and tourist attractions. 

Alipay, a leading digital payment platform in China, is the official payment partner of the 19th Asian Games. According to Alipay, it has upgraded the service to make sure overseas tourists may enjoy mobile payment in the Chinese mainland. Travelers with only international bank cards and non-local phone numbers may use the Alipay app to make payments at tens of millions of Alipay partner merchants across the country. Athletes and tourists from all over the world will be able to enjoy a more seamless journey in China. 

Moreover, the signing-up steps for overseas travelers are similar to those for mainland users. After downloading the Alipay app, signing up to register, and linking an overseas bank card issued by major international card networks, including Visa, Mastercard, Diners Club International, and Discover, international travelers can start their mobile payment journey in China and pay like a local. 

Data showed that, as of June 2022, the number of mobile payment users in China had reached 904 million, making China rank first in the world regarding mobile payment market coverage. 77.5% of mobile phone users in China use mobile payment daily, which brings great convenience to people’s daily life. Digital payment platforms will continue to optimize its product and service to improve the payment experience for travelers and foreign residents in China as the country embraces higher-level opening and global collaboration.

Here is an infographic on linking overseas bank cards with Alipay.