Chinese mobile payment platform Alipay is bringing ride-hailing services to its users through a new partnership with Splyt Technologies.
The integration will allow Chinese tourists to hail taxis from local transportation providers through Alipay, eliminating the need to download a new app while traveling overseas.
The partnership, part of the Alipay Mini Program, was announced at the Money20/20 Europe fintech conference in Amsterdam this week.
London-based Splyt, which also has partnerships with the likes of Ctrip and CarTrawler, reaches 1.5 billion users in more than 50 countries and territories.
With Alipay, users will be able to access Splyt’s network of mobility partners in more than 2,000 cities and have their payments processed in their preferred currency.
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Splyt will also provide 24/7 customer support and an in-app chat function to help passengers communicate with drivers outside their native language.
“Consumers don’t want 100 different apps - they want tools that make their lives easier,” says Kiki Wu, director of business development, cross-border business, at Alipay.
“This brand-new taxi-hailing mini program makes it possible to search, book and pay for taxi rides in our users’ native currency. Partnering with Splyt gives us unparalleled access to a roster of transport providers across the world that will make getting around when traveling easier than ever before.”
The service for Alipay’s Chinese users will first be available from Splyt partners in the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates and Southeast Asia, with more coverage areas rolling out later this summer.
Alipay, which is affiliated with Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba, serves more than one billion users through its local e-wallet partners.