Alipay+ plugs QR codes for cash free, mobile friendly travel experience in Chinese mainland

Starting from 8th January, AlipayHK users can pay for metro rides in Shenzhen, China using their local app.

The service is enabled through work by Alipay+ and the city’s subway operator, following a similar payment system integration with bus operators in cities across Guangdong province.

Venetia Lee, General Manager of Ant Group Greater China International Business, says: “As a pioneer in the field of digital life, we hope to play a bigger role in building digital infrastructure to enhance connectivity in the Greater Bay Area, and contribute to the better development of the region.”

The expanded acceptance of AlipayHK comes as China addresses regulations on travel between the mainland and Hong Kong, lifting Covid-19 quarantine requirements that were in place for almost three years.

“As the demand for travels between mainland and Hong Kong remains strong and cross-bound activities begin to normalise, we expect to witness the wide adoption of AlipayHK on the Chinese mainland, where Alipay+ solutions have already been adopted by millions of merchants that are ready for the return of international travellers,” says Lee.

Powered by Alipay+ solutions, AlipayHK is now widely accepted in the mainland by retailers, convenience stores, supermarkets, restaurants, cafes, bubble tea shops, hotels and other tourist spots.

Users can scan the same local merchant’s QR code for payment or present their in-app QR code to be scanned for payment.

Last November, Alipay+ announced at he Singapore Fintech Festival that its mobile payment partners, including South Korea’s Kakao Pay and Malaysia’s Touch 'n Go eWallet, would soon be accepted in mainland, in a drive to facilitate payments from international visitors ahead of the Hangzhou Asian Games.

After a trial run in Yiwu, Zhejiang province, users of Kakao Pay and Touch 'n Go eWallet are expected to pay with their respective apps while getting around in Hangzhou and its neighbouring cities where the Hangzhou Asian Games will take place, in addition to other major Chinese cities including Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen.