Singapore – PayPay, a Japan-based QR payment operator, has recently announced its expanded alliance efforts with Ant International’s Alipay+, a cross-border mobile payment and digitalisation technology firm.
This initiative aims to broaden the company’s merchant coverage network across the country, allowing the latter to connect more than 3 million merchants to the global payment ecosystem. It will also enable local businesses and payment partners to offer global visitors seamless and secure payment and travel experiences with their preferred domestic e-wallets.
Moreover, travellers using Alipay+ payment partner apps will be able to scan PayPay QR codes for payments at several merchant-presented mode (MPM) stores across Japan, regardless of whether the merchants have not yet displayed Alipay+ point of sale materials.
According to the firm, Alipay+ will further collaborate with PayPay merchants to launch a promotional campaign, which will run from December 20, 2024, to January 10, 2025.
In addition, users of participating payment partners such as Alipay, AlipayHK, GCash, Kakao Pay, Toss Pay, Touch ‘n Go eWallet, and TrueMoney will be offered an exclusive 10% discount (up to a maximum of JPY 1,000, CNY 50).
Tinaba will also provide a 10% cashback promotion (up to a maximum of EUR 20). Eligible users may redeem the offer once during the campaign period.
Meanwhile, Alipay+’s current partner payment app network in Japan includes 16 e-wallets and bank apps, such as Alipay (Chinese mainland), AlipayHK (Hong Kong SAR China), MPay (Macao SAR China), South Korea’s Kakao Pay, Naver Pay, and Toss, Singapore’s OCBC Digital, Changi Pay, and EZ-Link, Malaysia’s Touch ‘n Go eWallet and MyPB by Public Bank Berhad, the Philippines’ GCash and HelloMoney, TrueMoney (Thailand), Hipay (Mongolia), and Tinaba (Italy).
Masayoshi Yanase, corporate officer, division head, Finance Business Strategy Division, at PayPay Corporation, commented, “PayPay is committed to building a connected, seamless payment ecosystem that empowers local businesses to connect with international travellers.”
“Through convenient and secure payment solutions, we enhance the travel experience for global tourists. Together with Alipay+, we aim to contribute to economic growth across Japan by supporting digital transactions for businesses of all sizes, from bustling city centres to emerging regional destinations,” explained Yanase.
Douglas Feagin, President of Ant International, further said, “The simplicity of QR code payment is proving to be a game changer for the future of travel. Together with our partners like PayPay, we are powering inclusive economic growth by connecting the vibrant supply chain of Japan’s nationwide merchants to the growing demand of international consumers for hyper-local experiences via the global payment ecosystem with Alipay+. Enabling travellers to pay with their home wallets when they see a PayPay QR code will open up the payment borders for the global tourism marketplace.”
The strategic collaboration between the two supports a shared objective of making cross-border payment experiences as convenient as in home markets. This includes expanding merchant coverage to more SMEs, enabling tourists to access unique travel experiences.
