Tinaba Extends Alipay+ Pact, Enabling Payments in China
Targeting visa-free Italian travellers navigating China's cashless landscape, Tinaba enables Euro payments at 80 million merchants via QR code without a local bank account.
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Tinaba with Banca Profilo has announced the launch of digital payments in the Chinese mainland. This move extends its strategic partnership with Ant International’s Alipay+.
The new service enables Tinaba users to pay at over 80 million merchants across China. Customers can complete these transactions by simply scanning a QR code directly within the app.
Through the Pay Worldwide with Alipay+ feature, travellers can conduct transactions in Euros with transparent exchange rates. This eliminates the need to install local applications or open a Chinese bank account.
Such a feature proves vital in the Chinese mainland, where digital payments dominate, and cash usage continues to fade.
Matteo Arpe, President of Tinaba with Banca Profilo, described the entry into the Chinese market as a strategic step for the company’s global positioning.
Matteo Arpe
“Being able to offer our customers simple, secure and fully integrated access to this ecosystem means strengthening Tinaba’s international positioning as an open, innovative financial platform truly focused on global mobility,” Arpe said.
The initiative supports the growing travel corridor between Italy and China, currently boosted by visa-free entry for Italian visitors.
Pietro Candela, General Manager of EMEA at Alipay+, noted that the collaboration allows Italian travellers to “shop and dine like a local”.
He emphasised that this benefit is delivered while maintaining a familiar user experience.
The launch follows strong growth in cross-border digital wallet usage. Notably, Tinaba recorded a 133% increase in transaction volume through Alipay+ in 2025.
In the coming months, the app plans to integrate Alipay+ Voyager, an AI-powered travel companion.
Users can rely on the tool to assist with itinerary planning and bookings.
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