Ant Group, Mastercard launch International Consumer Friendly Zones program in Shanghai

It will improve the travel experience for global visitors and boost local businesses in China.

Ant Group and Mastercard, alongside 12 overseas payment partners of Alipay+ and other major international card organisations, have announced the launch of the International Consumer Friendly Zones program in Shanghai.

The initiative aims to improve the travel experience for global visitors and boost local businesses in China.

Under the program, which has received support from relevant authorities and local governments, more than 20 primary shopping areas, renowned tourist attractions, both of Shanghai's international airports, key high-speed railway stations, and taxi services with a fleet of 25,000 vehicles in the city will participate. Iconic landmarks such as the Bund, Nanjing Road shopping district, and Oriental Pearl TV Tower are also amongst the collaborative partners.

Ant Group now offers two digital payment alternatives for overseas visitors in China. Travelers can bind major international bank cards, including Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Discover®, and Diners Club International, to an Alipay app, granting access to a wide range of local Alipay services, from shopping and dining to ride-hailing and public transportation, without the necessity of a local bank account or phone number.

With inbound travel on the rise, spending by international visitors to Shanghai via Ant Group's digital payment alternatives surged 13 times year-on-year between January and April.

"The introduction of the International Consumer Friendly Zones in Shanghai signifies a major advancement in our efforts to enrich inbound tourism experience and bolster local business, especially considering the city’s critical role in China’s global interactions,” said Fu Lu, director of cross-border business in Greater China at Ant Group.