More and more travellers demand seamless cross-border payment experiences. With PayPay's expanded partnership with Alipay+, Japan is responding to this demand, making it easier than ever for international visitors to pay with their preferred e-wallets at over three million merchants across the country.
PayPay and Alipay+ expand their partnership, connecting over three million merchants in Japan to international payment systems.
Alipay+ transactions in Japan have nearly tripled in 2024, with increased spending on local experiences.
The partnership supports local SMEs by facilitating seamless cross-border payments and driving economic growth.
PayPay and Alipay+ expand digital payment accessibility in Japan
Japan's QR code payment service PayPay is extending its partnership with Alipay+. This initiative marks a great stride towards opening Japan to visitors by allowing them to pay using their local wallets. Among these are Alipay, GCash andKakao Pay.
Broadening payment options for three million merchants nationwide
The alliance between PayPay and Alipay+, Japan steps into a digitally integrated economy. There are currently three million local merchants on the network. These include guesthouses near Mount Fuji or even the neighbourhood snack shops that may not have a system for accepting international payments. These businesses are now on Alipay+ and can access a portal for international payments.
Surge in cross-border transactions
The partnership seeks to meet the increasing demand for smooth cross-border transaction flows. The volume of transactions made through Alipay+ from January to October this year has almost tripled compared to the same period last year. Mmore than double the number of travellers who used their domestic payment apps in Japan during the same period spent the most on local experiences like food and beverage as well as entertainment.
Supporting local Businesses and Regional Growth
The network helps local businesses get more customers as foreign tourists can easily use their native e-wallets in Japan. During holidays, shops offer discounts and cashback to international users of select e-wallet apps, leading to increased foot traffic in stores.
Today, Alipay+ engages with 90 million merchants in 66 countries, enabling small businesses to serve tourists. Masayoshi Yanase, corporate officer of PayPay said that by connecting local businesses with international travellers through simple and secure payment methods, they can contribute to economic growth in Japan.