Users in Hong Kong can now use the WeChat payment app to make purchases as Chinese merchants.
This was through a partnership between Tencent, China UnionPay, and its subsidiary UnionPay International.
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The service will be available from next month. It enables Hong Kong users to make purchases at a number of Chinese vendors. These range from the ride-hailing service Didi Chuxing, to group buying firm Meituan-Dianping, and also train booking website 12306.
The app will automatically convert yuan to Hong Kong dollars, using exchange rate quotes and automatic exchange services. Furthermore, the app will be connected to UnionPay to facilitate money transfers.
Tencent vice president and Tencent Financial Technology head Jim Lai said: “The cross-border mobile payment will greatly increase the collaboration opportunities for both Hong Kong and Mainland Chinese businesses.
“This exchange of culture, talent and the stimulation of economic activity across a wide variety of sectors will serve to strengthen the mutual relationships between Hong Kong and Mainland China.”
Tencent launched its wallet services in Hong Kong in 2016. Previously, the payment app service could be used by Hong Kong users only to settle local payments.
