As the number of visitors to Hong Kong gradually rebounds, an increasing array of e-wallets from various source markets are now integrated into the city’s payment ecosystem, offering convenient payment experiences for tourists while also enhancing operational efficiency for local merchants.

Against the backdrop of Hong Kong’s reviving tourism market, fintech firm Ant International announced on Thursday that users of 14 popular overseas e-wallets from nine countries and regions can now make payments in Hong Kong using their home apps through Alipay+, a suite of cross-border mobile payment and digitalization technology solutions that the company operates.

The total number of visitors to Hong Kong was about 34 million in 2023, with the Southeast Asian market showing the most robust recovery. In December, tourist arrivals from the Philippines and Thailand have recovered to 116 percent and 106 percent respectively of pre-pandemic levels

More than 90 percent of Hong Kong outlets now accept these wallets, and there’s no need for investment in upgrading equipment as the merchants can receive payments from users of these e-wallets by using their existing AlipayHK QR codes.

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“This allows hassle-free payments, promotes the development of Hong Kong’s tourism industry, and helps local merchants enhance the effectiveness of their promotional activities through digital technology,” said Venetia Lee, CEO of AlipayHK and general manager for Greater China at Ant International.

Encouraging the industry to seize the opportunities brought by the recovery of the tourism sector, Becky Ip Ching-tak, deputy director of the Hong Kong Tourism Board, said, “We hope that businesses can roll out new products to enhance visitors’ experience in Hong Kong and stimulate consumption.”

The total number of visitors to Hong Kong was about 34 million in 2023, with the Southeast Asian market showing the most robust recovery. In December, tourist arrivals from the Philippines and Thailand have recovered to 116 percent and 106 percent respectively of pre-pandemic levels.

The e-wallets and bank apps newly brought to the city by Alipay+ include Changi Pay and OCBC Digital from Singapore; GCash and HelloMoney from the Philippines; TrueMoney from Thailand; as well as those commonly used in Macao, Mongolia, South Korea, Malaysia, and Italy.

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With about 500,000 Thai tourists visiting Hong Kong every year, the city has always been on the list of preferred destinations for Thai travelers, owing to its lively urban atmosphere, extensive shopping options, diverse culinary experiences, and iconic attractions, said Korakrit Mekbunsonglap, head of Offline Payment and Partner Business Success of Ascend Money, the operator of TrueMoney.

The use of Thailand’s e-payment solution in Hong Kong enables Thai visitors to pay with more ease and convenience, he added.

Alipay+ and its wallet partners also announced on Thursday the creation of a joint mechanism — Alipay+ Service Collaboration Mechanism — in Hong Kong to help partners improve cross-border payment experiences and customer services.

Contact the writer at irisli@chinadailyhk.com