The logo of Alipay is seen in Shanghai on March 5, 2021. [Photo/VCG]
Alipay, the mobile payment tool owned by Chinese financial technology company Ant Group, announced on Friday that it has allowed overseas tourists to link their international bank cards to the Alipay app.
According to Alipay, travelers with only international bank cards and non-local phone numbers can use the Alipay app to make payments at the tens of millions of Alipay merchants across the country.
The signing-up steps for overseas travelers are similar to those for Chinese mainland users. After downloading the Alipay app, signing up to register and link an overseas bank card issued by major international card networks, including Visa, Mastercard, Diners Club International and Discover, and then international travelers can enjoy mobile payment in China.
Alipay said overseas tourists are able to experience mobile payment in various scenarios, including dining, transportation, shopping and tourist attractions. The company will continue to optimize its product and service to improve the payment experience for travelers and foreign residents in China, the company said.
In addition, Tencent Holdings Ltd recently announced that overseas users can link their international bank cards to the mobile payment app WeChat Pay.
China announced and implemented on May 15 a policy allowing visa-free entry of foreign tourist groups aboard cruise ships via all cruise ship ports along the country's coastline.
China and Georgia are set to waive visa requirements for travelers starting May 28.
