Alipay goes live in Hong Kong

Supporting an astounding 8.5 million daily transactions in China, the payment-by-smartphone app from Alibaba is taking its first step to offering non-yuan payment options in Hong Kong. The launch of AlipayHK allows users to top up their account in local currency by showing the in-app QR code and paying cash at convenience stores across the territory. It is now available at 2,000 and counting stores, with some 8,000 previously accepting the yuan-based app also giving green light to Hong Kong dollars. Despite Hong Kong’s long history with electronic payments, AlipayHK is still optimistic towards expanding their consumer base.