Alipay launches international eWallet, giving foreigners access to electronic payment platform in first for China

https://www.thestar.com.my/tech/tech-news/2...first-for-china

Ant Financial Services Group, which operates one of China’s two dominant e-payment platforms, will give foreign visitors to the mainland access to its service known as Alipay, removing one of the biggest hurdles that have prevented outsiders from taking part in China’s growing cashless economy.

Ant Financial, an associate of Alibaba Group Holding, will allow visitors up to 90 days’ usage of its Alipay smartphone application without requiring it to be tied to a Chinese bank account, according to a statement released on Tuesday. Alibaba owns The South China Morning Post.

The company will introduce an application that will enable short-term visitors to China to make payment for online purchases through its so-called international eWallet for the first time ever, the statement said. Foreign visitors are barred from using any of China’s mobile payment systems because their eWallets must be linked to a local phone number and Chinese bank account.

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