Alipay+, the international mobile payment and digital solutions platform by Ant International, is making its mark in Nepal. In a significant move to enhance the travel experience for tourists, Alipay+ has partnered with Himalayan Bank, a local acquirer, to enable cashless payments at over 25,000 merchants across the country. This expansion allows travelers from 10 regions to conveniently pay using the MOCO Unified QR Code, a key component of Alipay+’s cross-border payment system.
This partnership marks a major step forward for cashless payments in Nepal. Tourists can now enjoy a seamless payment experience at various businesses, including retail stores, restaurants, and tourist attractions. Notably, the MOCO Unified QR Code system has been accepting Alipay, a key partner of Alipay+, since 2019, catering to the increasing number of Chinese tourists visiting Nepal.
As of September 2024, a total of 12 Alipay+ partner payment apps are accepted in Nepal. This includes familiar names like Alipay (Chinese mainland), AlipayHK (Hong Kong SAR), Tinaba (Italy), and GCash (Philippines), among others. The list is expected to grow even further in the coming months, making Nepal an even more attractive destination for international travelers.
The impact of this collaboration is already being felt in the tourism sector. According to the Nepal Tourism Board, tourist arrivals increased by 8.3% in August 2024, with over 720,000 visitors recorded in the first eight months of the year. Alipay, a key Alipay+ partner, has also reported a threefold increase in transactions by Chinese tourists from January to August 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. This surge in tourist arrivals and transactions signifies the positive impact of Alipay+ on Nepal’s tourism industry.
Behind the scenes, FOCUSONE Payment Solutions Pvt. Ltd., a fintech company in Nepal, plays a crucial role in facilitating QR payment services for Himalayan Bank and other acquiring banks. Their MOCO Unified QR Code system, introduced in 2019, is Nepal’s first cross-border, cross-currency unified QR payment solution, paving the way for seamless and convenient cashless payments.
Launched in 2020 by Ant International, Alipay+ is rapidly expanding its global reach. It now connects over 90 million merchants across 66 countries and regions to 1.6 billion consumer accounts from more than 30 e-wallets and banking apps. Alipay+ is empowering a future where individuals can travel and pay easily across borders, fostering a more connected and accessible global marketplace. The collaboration with Himalayan Bank is a testament to Alipay+’s commitment to facilitating seamless cross-border payments, making Nepal a more attractive destination for international travelers and boosting the country’s tourism industry.
