The app leverages an international digital payment platform offering more China-friendly payment options and tourist-friendly trip planning features.
In Singapore, a significant challenge faced by retailers has been accommodating the payment and shopping needs of mobile-savvy international travelers, notably tourists from China, who seek seamless cross-border payments and tailored retail assistance amid their home country’s strict regulatory enforcement of highly cashless payment services.
Without integrated payment systems and personalized digital interfaces, retailers in Singapore and in many tourist destinations risk losing sales opportunities and delivering fragmented shopping experiences.
Addressing this gap, on 29 September 2025, FairPrice Group announced that its network of more than 500 retail outlets will be able to include 18 more international digital wallets and bank applications.
This integration enables visitors to use their preferred home e-wallets or banking apps for smooth and efficient payments, reducing friction caused by currency conversion and unfamiliar payment options.
Complementing this payment expansion is the launch of a dedicated ‘virtual concierge’ mobile app designed for Chinese tourists. The app supports visitors throughout their journey — from pre-arrival planning with product recommendations and shopping lists, through in-country location-based offers and interactive challenges, to pre-departure gift purchases with convenient store mapping.
This digital layer enhances retail engagement by harnessing AI-driven location services and personalized offers, increasing customer satisfaction and spending. Technologies and concepts used include:
- Cross-border mobile payment integration across multiple international financial platforms
- Location-based services delivering personalized shopping recommendations
- AI-powered tools enhancing consumer engagement and security
- A dedicated mini app embedded within a widespread digital wallet ecosystem
- Staff language training to improve service quality for target customers
The firm’s Group CEO, Vipul Chawla, acknowledged, “Alipay’s platform… enables us to seamlessly deliver discovery, transactions, and rewards to tourists.”
According to Peng Yang, CEO, Ant International, which runs the global payment platform: “AI-powered digitalization tools enable richer, safer, and more imaginative consumer engagement. We look forward to collaborating with partners like FairPrice Group… to unlock (new) growth opportunities.”
