Alipay, the world’s leading payment and lifestyle platform operated by Ant Financial Service Group, announced that it is partnering with UK mobility start-up Splyt Technologies to give the payment platform’s hundreds of millions of users access to a global ride-hailing inventory via its in-app mobility marketplace mini program. Through this first integration of its kind by a global digital payment platform, Chinese tourists are now able to quickly and easily hail taxis from leading local mobility service providers all through Alipay, without downloading a new app, when traveling overseas.

“Consumers don’t want 100 different apps; they want tools that make their lives easier,” said Kiki Wu, Director of Business Development, Cross-Border Business, 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 travelling easier than ever before.”

The Splyt platform, which reaches 1.5 billion users in over 50 countries and territories, will provide Alipay users access to its network of transport partners in over 1,000 cities. In addition, Splyt has created a custom-built user interface designed to meet the needs of users when traveling. All payments is processed in the user’s preferred currency. In addition to 24/7 customer support, an in-app chat function is available to help passengers communicate with drivers even if they don’t speak the same language. All of these features combined ensure ease-of-use and safety for users, wherever they are travelling in the world.

“Splyt is the world’s leading mobility marketplace and roaming enabler. We’re delighted to launch this groundbreaking collaboration with Alipay to help ease the journeys of its users when abroad,” commented Philipp Mintchin, Splyt CEO. “With the number of Chinese tourists growing every year, the strength of our platform will ease and support tourism in some of the fastest-growing commercial corridors worldwide. As a London-based company, this is also a testament to the UK tech industry and our ability to reach a global mobility market.”

At launch, Alipay users from the Chinese mainland are able to use mobility services from Splyt partners in the UK, UAE, and Southeast Asia, with further coverage across the globe being rolled out later this summer.

The Alipay Mini Program helps merchant partners acquire customers and operate more efficiently while enhancing the Alipay user experience. Through the Alipay Mini Program, Alipay can provide its comprehensive capabilities, including payment, marketing, and risk management, to its partners.

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