Chinese tourists can hail taxis globally via Alipay and Splyt partnership

Ant Financial Service Group’s Alipay has partnered with Splyt Technologies, a UK mobility startup, to provide Chinese tourists with the ability to hail taxis via the in-app Alipay mini programme when travelling overseas. 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, without the need to download a new app.In addition, Splyt has created a custom-built user-interface designed to meet the needs of users when travelling. This includes 24/7 customer support and an in-app chat function for passengers communicating with drivers (even if they don’t speak the same language), with all payment processed in the user’s preferred currency. “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.”Alipay users from China are now able to use mobility services from Splyt partners in the UK, UAE, and South-East Asia, with further coverage across the globe being rolled out later this summer.“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,” said Philipp Mintchin, CEO of Splyt.