How Alipay+ expansion to 100+ countries is digitizing world travel

The modern traveler no longer relies on a money belt full of foreign currency. They rely on their phone. The expansion of the Alipay+ cross-border payment network to over 100 countries and regions is not just a technological milestone; it signals a fundamental shift in global commerce, transforming everything from traveler behavior to the economic structure of local communities.

Operated by Ant International, the Alipay+ platform now supports 40 partner wallets and banking apps, connecting merchants to a staggering 1.8 billion consumers globally. This massive expansion is proving that the future of global travel is truly mobile-first, interoperable, and driven by the consumer’s desire for familiar convenience.

The core analytical takeaway from this expansion is the acceleration of the “pay like a local” trend. The data clearly shows a rising consumer demand for this seamless experience. In the first half of 2025, over 6.5 million people used Alipay+ for cross-border payments for the first time. This surge contributed to transactions across online travel agents and in-store merchants rising by more than 30% compared to the previous year.

Travelers are now using the payment app they trust from home—whether it is PayPay in Japan, KBank in Thailand, or one of the many other partner wallets—to pay abroad. This ability to bypass complex currency exchange and traditional card fees eliminates major friction points, driving higher spending and greater consumer confidence.

The true insight lies in how this digital infrastructure is decentralizing the economic benefits of tourism. Mobile wallets are now a critical tool for inclusive growth, extending the reach of global tourism dollars far beyond international airports and chain hotels.

“Travel has a significant impact on local economies, and we believe that mobile wallets can be a catalyst for growth, connecting travelers and businesses in more ways than ever,” said Douglas Feagin, President of Ant International.

Alipay+ is achieving this by deepening collaborations with national payment networks, nearly doubling transactions made through standardized QR codes. This inclusive approach means small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) now gain access to a global customer base without complex infrastructure, while travelers can easily pay at merchants in smaller cities and towns, such as Shikokuchūō in Japan or Semporna in Malaysia, driving economic growth in previously overlooked destinations.

Mobile wallets are not just changing how people pay; they are changing where they spend. Data shows that travelers are shifting away from traditional retail spending toward more localized, authentic experiences.

The ability to seamlessly pay for daily services has led to significant increases in transactions across:

• F&B and Attractions: Spending at these merchants has seen significant growth, fueling the experiential economy.
• Transportation: Transactions on ride-hailing and public transport have increased dramatically, reflecting a trend toward more independent exploration.
• Local Services: Spending on services like K-beauty in South Korea has surged by 115% year-on-year, showing that visitors are using their digital wallets to truly “live like a local”.

Looking ahead, Alipay+ is leveraging its massive network to introduce new AI-powered services that move beyond payments into full-stack travel assistance:

• Alipay+ Voyager: A built-in AI travel agent that integrates partners like Trip.com, Agoda, and Grab, offering an end-to-end travel companion within the consumer’s familiar mobile wallet.
• Alipay+ GenAI Cockpit: An AI-as-a-Service solution that helps partner digital wallets build their own AI-native solutions.

These digital lifestyle services, from booking and local marketing to in-app tax refunds, position the mobile wallet as the ultimate, indispensable travel super-app.

The expansion of the Alipay+ network is a clear indicator that digital payments are more than a convenience—they are a catalyst. By fostering interoperability, supporting local economies through standardized QR codes, and enhancing the entire travel experience with AI, mobile wallets are making global travel more accessible, more localized, and more economically beneficial for everyone. The next time you travel, you will not just be paying with your phone; you will be participating in a new era of global economic connectivity.