As China reopens its borders and international travel rebounds, Alipay, the leading digital payment and lifestyle platform in China, has introduced support for 16 languages in its app. This enhancement is aimed at providing a seamless and convenient experience for international tourists exploring the country.
Multilingual Support for Global Tourists
Alipay’s latest update allows travelers to navigate the app in their preferred language, with options including Chinese, English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic, Russian, Turkish, Malay, Indonesian, Thai, Korean, Japanese, and Vietnamese. This feature ensures that tourists can easily access and use Alipay’s services, regardless of their language background.
Tailored Services for a Better Travel Experience
International tourists can now fully utilize Alipay’s services in their native language. For instance, an Italian visitor can use the Italian version of the app to make payments, book hotels, hail rides, and purchase transportation tickets, all in a language they are comfortable with. The app’s integrated translation tool further simplifies the process, making it easier for tourists to interact with local services.
Rising Popularity Among International Visitors
With its rich cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, diverse cuisine, and advanced infrastructure, China continues to attract visitors from around the world. The convenience and security of using Alipay have made it a popular choice among international tourists. As more travelers turn to Alipay for their payment needs, the platform’s role in enhancing the travel experience in China becomes increasingly significant.
Survey Highlights Growing Adoption of Mobile Payments
A study conducted by the Silk Road Research Institute of Beijing Foreign Studies University in mid-2024 revealed that a significant number of international tourists are opting to use mobile payments like Alipay during their stay in China. The survey indicated that 84% of respondents used mobile payment services, with nearly all Alipay users expressing satisfaction and recommending the app to future visitors.
Significant Increase in Tourist Spending
The first half of 2024 saw a dramatic increase in spending by international tourists using Alipay, with an eightfold rise compared to the previous year. This surge underscores the growing trust and reliance on Alipay as a preferred payment method for foreign visitors.
Strengthening Global Payment Options
To better serve international travelers, Alipay has partnered with major global card networks, allowing users to link their international credit or debit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Discover®, and Diners Club International®, to the app. This collaboration enables tourists to pay at millions of merchants across China.
Comprehensive Travel Solutions
Beyond payments, Alipay offers a variety of travel-related services, such as language translation, hotel bookings, ride-hailing, and ticket purchases for tourist attractions. Additionally, travelers can use their home e-wallets to make payments through Alipay+ across China, covering 12 international e-wallets like AlipayHK, Kaspi.kz, MPay, and more.
