The Chinese online and mobile payment platform operated through Ant Financial Services Group will work with Finpro in Finland, Svensk Handel in Sweden and the Scandinavian Tourist Board to provide Chinese tourists the same payment experience as in their own country.
"Alipay has been leading the trend of smart living in China," Douglas Feagin, president of international business for Ant Financial, said in a Sept. 22 press release.
"People not only use Alipay for payment, but also for settlement of all types of needs in their daily life," Feagin added. "As part of our globalization strategy, we are focused on working with local partners to bring this smart lifestyle to Chinese tourists, no matter where they go."
More than 500 merchants in Finland already accept Alipay. ePassi, the country's largest e-wallet provider, will work with Alipay to further promote retail, transportation and hospitality in the country that can be paid for through Alipay.
"Together with Alipay, we are building a smart tourism ecosystem for Chinese tourists," Alexander Yin, chief financial officer of ePassi, said in the release. "Now Chinese users have an easy and flexible way to enjoy a full Finnish shopping experience without a language or currency barrier."
In Sweden, the agreement with trade federation Svensk Handel will allow Alipay to be promoted more often through Business Sweden, a joint venture of the country's government and leading businesses.
In Norway, 2paynow, a leading mobile payment and tax refund marketing provider in Europe, and its sales partner APay are working with the Scandinavian Tourist Board to introduce Alipay services to the Norwegian market.
Meanwhile,
Alipay says it is now accepted by more than 10 million merchants across China and by bricks-and-mortar shops in 32 countries and territories.
