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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Tutorial how to get a prepaid card (must have valid Travel Visa)
-Search "Tour Pass" from the top of the homepage
-Enter your info & upload your travel documents
-Set your amount (max 2k RMB) + Credit Card (non-China)
-Done & now you can scan or pay like normal eWallet, but must go through the "Tour Pass" mini app. Your alipay balance remain at zero.

The minimum top-up for each card is RMB 100 and the balance is capped at RMB 2,000 (around $285). The prepaid card is valid for 90 days. The remaining funds will be automatically refunded when the card expires.