AUB’s Digital Payment Revolution
Asia United Bank (AUB), a prominent universal bank in the Philippines, has taken a significant step forward in the digital payment landscape. The bank has expanded its reach, allowing local merchants to accept cross-border digital payments from Hong Kong SAR, South Korea, and Malaysia through Alipay+ and AUB PayMate.
Empowering Travellers with Home Comforts
This strategic move ensures that travellers from these regions can effortlessly use their native e-wallets for a myriad of purchases in the Philippines. Whether it’s tourism, retail, F&B, entertainment, or attractions, the integration covers it all. Notably, this includes e-wallets like AlipayHK, Kakao Pay, and Touch ‘n Go eWallet, joining the already accepted Alipay from the Chinese mainland since 2017.
AUB PayMate: The All-In-One Solution
Currently, over 5,000 stores in Manila and Cebu, two of the Philippines’ prime travel destinations, have integrated Alipay+ through AUB PayMate. This comprehensive digital payment solution from AUB ensures that merchants can accept a plethora of digital payments, be it from local or foreign e-wallets, bank payments, or cards.
Exclusive Promotions at MCIA
SSP Mactan, a global leader in F&B outlets at travel locations, stands out as one of the early adopters of Alipay+ in the Philippines. Tourists arriving at the bustling Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) from mid-September to mid-November can anticipate a smoother payment experience and exclusive promotions at Alipay+-enabled outlets, thanks to collaborations between AUB, SSP Mactan Cebu, and Alipay+.
Mags V. Surtida, the senior vice president and Cards & Acquiring Group head of AUB, commented, “We see a resurgence of inbound personal travels this year so our partnership with Alipay+, the first in the Philippine banking industry, will give a much-needed boost to merchants serving the tourism sector,” said Mags V. Surtida, senior vice president and Cards & Acquiring Group head of AUB. “Expect more foreign wallets to be added under this unified QR code.”
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Boosting Digital Tourism
The Department of Tourism (DOT) is not far behind in this digital revolution. Their intensified efforts to digitalize tourism services align with the rising trend of e-payments. As of June 2023, the Philippines has welcomed 2.67 million tourists, with South Koreans leading the pack and Malaysia securing a spot in the top 10.
Dr. Cherry Huang, General Manager of Alipay+ Offline Merchant Services, Ant Group, shared, “We are strengthening our partnership with AUB, our pioneering bank partner in the Philippines, to enhance the travel experience for tourists as they return to visit. Digital payments have become more important than ever, particularly for international visitors who have become so used to using their e-wallets and bank apps for day-to-day purchases. Through our local partners, we aim to help more businesses integrate Alipay+, creating a positive digital ecosystem, driving more opportunities for partners, and merchants, while making it more convenient and seamless for travellers.”
Alipay+: A Global Digital Payment Powerhouse
Operated by Ant Group, Alipay+ is a comprehensive suite of global cross-border digital payments, marketing, and digitalization solutions. It empowers local businesses, especially SMEs, to process a vast array of mobile payment methods and connect with over 1.4 billion regional and global consumers. With its one-time integration and straightforward technical adaptation, Alipay+ is not just making waves in the Philippines but also in other popular travel destinations like the Chinese mainland, Macao SAR, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Japan, and South Korea, to name a few.
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