Global Card Networks & Alipay streamline mobile payments ahead of Asian Games

By Gloria Mathias

Global card networks, including Visa, Mastercard, JCB, and Discover Global Network, are collaborating with Alipay, China’s digital payment and lifestyle service platform, to enhance overseas visitors’ mobile payment and travel experience in China to offset the 30-day countdown to the Asian Games.

Under the campaign, overseas tourists can win the opportunity to earn a discount of up to 100 RMB per transaction when making payments with their Alipay account linked to an international card of Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Discover, and Diners Club International at Chinese mainland merchants within the extensive Alipay merchant network during the Asian Games.

After downloading the Alipay app, overseas tourists can sign up and link an international credit or debit card from Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Discover, and Diners Club to pay at Alipay partner merchants across China, including restaurants, cafes, tourist attractions, shopping malls, street stalls and public transport. The Alipay app recently updated travel services for international travellers to China.

Shirley Yu, Group General Manager at Visa Greater China, said, “Visa is glad to work with Alipay to provide inbound international travellers with convenient and seamless mobile payment experiences as the international tourism market continues to recover.”

Dennis Chang, Executive Vice President and Division President, Greater China, Mastercard, noted, “Mastercard affirms its commitment to the China market and its mission of powering economies and empowering people through its continued partnership with Alipay. As travel and tourism rebound, Mastercard is delighted to work with its partners to provide enhanced digital payment solutions that address the evolving needs of international travellers and enable cardholders worldwide to pay like a local, ensuring peace of mind throughout their journey.”

“We are excited to partner with card networks, other institutions, and merchants to support the Asian Games. The initiative highlights our commitment to building an ecosystem of digital financial inclusion that enhances consumers’ global payment experience and drives the growth of local and cross-border commerce,” said Peng Yang, President of International Business Group, Ant Group. “We look forward to strengthening this collaborative ecosystem through more cross-border payment innovations, SME empowerment, and sustainability projects.”