Tencent has launched TenPayGo, a mobile payment app designed specifically for international visitors travelling to China. Developed by the company’s WeChat Pay team, the platform aims to simplify payments for overseas travellers by allowing them to use their existing payment methods without requiring a local Chinese phone number.
The launch comes as China sees growing inbound tourism, with Tencent also preparing for increased international visitors ahead of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Shenzhen. The company unveiled the app at an international payment services event in Shenzhen, Guangdong.
TenPayGo is Tencent’s first mobile payment app specifically developed for international visitors to China. The company already provides digital payment services in mainland China through Weixin Pay (or WeChat Pay internationally), which is integrated into its WeChat ecosystem.
Local Phone Number Not Required
TenPayGo is available now through the Apple App Store and Google Play, and was previously available in limited test versions before its official launch. As mentioned earlier, rather than a Chinese mobile number, the new app allows users to register with an email address and link bank cards issued overseas from seven major international card networks, including Visa and Mastercard.
It also supports around 60 overseas digital wallets, including Hipay, Starryblu, Octopus and several more. However, despite featuring Singapore and Thailand versions, it does not include the ShopeePay Malaysia nor other local e-wallets such as TNG eWallet, Boost and so on.
Once a payment method is linked, travellers can scan and pay through the app at tens of millions of shops, restaurants and attractions that accept payments through Tencent’s WeChat Pay network. This provides an alternative to setting up a local payment account, which can otherwise involve additional requirements for foreign visitors.
Transport And Translation Tools
Apart from payments, TenPayGo also integrates access to public transport networks, though this is currently limited to those in Shenzhen. Visitors can activate a ride code for the city’s buses and metro services directly within the app, without needing a local phone number or a physical transport card.
The app also includes several tools aimed at helping overseas visitors navigate China. These include instant menu translation for ordering food, as well as an object-identification feature that allows users to scan and circle items on their screen. Tencent is also working with local banks to introduce a tax-refund feature to TenPayGo, although the company has not provided details on when this will become available.
(Source: SCMP)
