Google’s new Traveler QR feature uses the Alipay+ network to let users pay by scanning QR codes at supported shops, hotels, restaurants and transport services abroad.
Google Wallet has gained support for overseas QR payments through a new feature called Traveler QR, allowing users to pay by scanning QR codes while travelling internationally.
The feature has arrived with the latest version of Google Play Services and is designed to make digital payments easier in countries where contactless card payment infrastructure is less widely available.
Once the feature becomes available, users should find an Overseas QR payments option in the Google Wallet settings. This setting provides access to the new payment capability.
Google Wallet uses the Alipay+ network to support Traveler QR. The network says it operates across more than 210 markets worldwide, with acceptance particularly concentrated in tourist areas and popular travel destinations.
These locations include retail stores, duty-free shops, hotels, restaurants, tourist attractions and public transport services.
Alipay+ connects more than 50 mobile payment providers, allowing users to access different local payment networks through a single platform. Supported services include Alipay in mainland China, AlipayHK in Hong Kong, GCash in the Philippines, Touch ‘n Go eWallet in Malaysia and TrueMoney in Thailand.
Other participating providers include Hipay in Mongolia, Kakao Pay, Naver Pay and Toss Pay in South Korea, as well as OCBC Digital in Singapore.
With Traveler QR, Google Wallet users should be able to scan payment QR codes and complete transactions at locations where participating Alipay+ payment providers are accepted.
Google says the feature is enabled automatically when users travel to supported destinations. This means eligible users should not need to manually activate it every time they enter a new country.
The addition could make Google Wallet more useful for international travellers, particularly in markets where QR-code payments are more common than contactless card transactions.
However, availability will depend on the supported destination and participating payment providers.