Alipay, a mobile payment platform operated by Ant Financial Services Group, has joined forces with tax refund agency Global Tax Free (GTF) to introduce a mobile tax refund function in South Korea.
The mobile tax refund service will enable Chinese tourists to apply for and instantly receive tax refunds through the Alipay app.
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By GlobalDataIn order to claim RMB refunds instantly, Chinese tourists need to scan tax refund receipts within 90 days of purchasing through the Alipay app. The app is said to be the first of its kind in the world.
Alipay Korea general manager Danny Chung said: “Since 2013, Alipay has continuously explored ways to expedite tax refunds for Chinese tourists to enhance the outbound travel experience. Alipay users can already receive tax refunds at more than 80 airports and a growing number of in-city shops globally after processing at a tax counter,” said Danny Chung, General Manager of Alipay Korea.
“With this unique new function, Alipay users can skip the queue and process tax refunds on their mobiles, without filling out and submitting any paper work. This will both save time and make it easier to claim refunds.”
Alipay launched a similar service in Europe last year. The service required users to scan their Alipay QR code at airport tax counters in order to secure tax rebates instantly.
Alipay and GTF intend to eventually roll out the tax refund service to more Asian countries.
