Alipay+ Partnership With PayPay Opens Cross-Border Payment Opportunities In Japan

Published on November 7, 2024

Japan’s QR payment giant, PayPay, is enhancing its alliance with Alipay+ to significantly broaden its merchant network across Japan. Through this strengthened partnership, more than three million local merchants will be able to join the global digital payment ecosystem, offering tourists the convenience of paying with their own digital wallets, according to a news release dated Wednesday, Nov. 6.

This collaboration enables international travelers using Alipay+ partner payment apps to make seamless payments by scanning PayPay QR codes at participating stores throughout Japan. Additionally, travelers can enjoy exclusive promotions during peak travel times, including the Christmas and New Year holidays.

Alipay+ collaborates with a diverse range of 16 digital wallet and bank applications worldwide, including Alipay in China, AlipayHK in Hong Kong, MPay in Macau, and others such as South Korea’s Kakao Pay, Naver Pay, and Toss; OCBC Digital, Changi Pay, and EZ-Link from Singapore; Malaysia’s Touch ’n Go eWallet and MyPB by Public Bank; GCash and HelloMoney from the Philippines; TrueMoney from Thailand; Hipay from Mongolia; and Tinaba from Italy.

As Japan remains the most sought-after destination in the Asia-Pacific for global tourists, according to the World Economic Forum, this expanded payment network is set to enhance the visitor experience and drive spending throughout the region.

In April, Alipay+ launched a cross-border payment initiative aimed at revitalizing Hong Kong’s tourism and commerce sectors. This platform supports seamless transactions for users of 14 international mobile wallets and banking apps from nine different countries and regions.

This initiative seeks to “simplify payment procedures, boost operational efficiency, and raise service quality within Hong Kong’s retail sector,” as reported by PYMNTS.

The integration of diverse international payment platforms and apps into Hong Kong’s digital wallet system expands merchants’ reach, providing greater revenue potential. This enables businesses in Hong Kong to accommodate the payment needs and preferences of visitors from abroad, further enhancing the city’s appeal to international shoppers.