Shanghai Introduces Shanghai Pass to Simplify Travel for Foreign Tourists

Shanghai has unveiled a new multipurpose prepaid travel card, the Shanghai Pass, designed to streamline electronic payments for foreign tourists. This initiative aims to enhance the travel experience for international visitors and support local businesses.

The Shanghai Pass is part of the International Consumer Friendly Zones program launched by Ant Group and Mastercard, in collaboration with 12 overseas payment partners of Alipay+ and other major card organizations. This program covers over 20 key shopping areas, famous tourist attractions, both of Shanghai's international airports, major high-speed railway stations, and a taxi fleet of 25,000 vehicles.

Prominent landmarks, including the Bund, Nanjing Road shopping district, and the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, are participating in this initiative. The program offers two main digital payment solutions: linking major international bank cards to an Alipay app and using Alipay+, which supports 12 leading e-wallets and payment apps in Asia.

The introduction of the Shanghai Pass has significant implications for China's tourism industry and economy, as it aims to attract more international visitors and increase their spending. This initiative could lead to increased revenue and job creation in the tourism sector, which would also contribute to improved economic growth for the city of Shanghai.

These solutions enable travelers to use local Alipay services without needing a local bank account or phone number. Alipay+ facilitates transactions at an extensive network of 80 million merchants across China, making it easier for tourists to make purchases and payments.

To further support international travelers, bilingual support and comprehensive user manuals have been provided. Payment signage at participating merchant locations has been increased to ensure customers are well-informed about available digital payment methods.

Spending by international visitors in Shanghai through these digital payment methods surged 13-fold from January to April this year compared to the same period last year. This significant increase highlights the positive impact of the International Consumer Friendly Zones program on both the tourism sector and local businesses.

Fu Lu, Director of Cross-border Business in Greater China at Ant Group, stated, "The introduction of the International Consumer Friendly Zones in Shanghai signifies a major advancement in our efforts to enhance the inbound tourism experience and bolster local business, especially considering the city's critical role in China's global interactions."

The launch of the Shanghai Pass represents a significant step in enhancing the digital payment options available to international tourists in China. By facilitating easier electronic payments, Shanghai aims to create a more convenient and enjoyable experience for its global visitors.

Key Takeaways

• Shanghai launches Shanghai Pass, a prepaid travel card for foreign tourists.
• Partners with Ant Group, Mastercard, and 12 overseas payment partners.
• Covers 20 key shopping areas, tourist attractions, and transportation hubs.
• Enables digital payments through Alipay and 12 leading e-wallets.
• Aims to increase tourism revenue and job creation in Shanghai.