Alipay partners with major tourist sites across the UK

Alipay today announced that it is partnering with Merlin Entertainments to enable Chinese tourists to use their Alipay app across all of Merlin’s London attractions, including the Coca-Cola London Eye, London Eye River Cruise, Madame Tussauds London, SEA LIFE London and the London Dungeon.

This will include making payments in their home currency to purchase both tickets and souvenirs. The visitors will be able to collect an e-coupon once they book their flights to London and will receive discounts before they arrive.

Through the Alipay app, Merlin will push notifications to help Chinese tourists find attractions nearby and receive tailored promotional information. Alipay users with higher membership level also receive preferential foreign exchange rates.

“Alipay is focused on enabling Chinese tourists to experience seamless travel – from the moment they book their flight, through to their transport, shopping, eating and entertainment during their trip,” Tao Tao, Business Development Director, EMEA, Alipay, said.  

“By partnering with Alipay, we can help Chinese tourists to feel more at home when visiting London and our attractions in the city,” Dominique Sidley, Global Trade Strategy Director Merlin, added.

Alipay is available for Chinese visitors to pay at bricks-and-mortar shops in 18 European countries, while its tax-refund service is supported at airports in 76 European airports. UK retailers include Harrods, Selfridges, Holland and Barrett, and Heathrow Airport.

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