Kakao Pay Expands Overseas Payments with Alipay+ and Mastercard Partnership
South Korean travelers can now use Kakao Pay to make contactless payments overseas, thanks to an expanded partnership between Alipay+ and Mastercard. This collaboration enables Kakao Pay users to tap and pay at over 150 million merchant locations worldwide.
Kakao Pay is among the first Alipay+ mobile payment partners to introduce NFC payments for international use. The new feature allows users with NFC-enabled Android phones to tap their devices at contactless POS terminals that accept Mastercard. This functionality is available in various markets, including Japan, Southeast Asia, the U.S., Europe, and Oceania.
This new NFC payment option complements Kakao Pay’s existing cross-border payment system, which relies on QR codes and barcodes. The service is currently live on the latest versions of the Kakao Pay app for Android. KakaoTalk for Android will follow in September, with plans for an iOS rollout in the future.
Statements from Kakao Pay and Mastercard Executives
Seung Jun Oh, Head of Payment Group at Kakao Pay, stated, “Just as we do in South Korea, we aim to provide the most convenient and rewarding payment experience overseas. Kakao Pay is becoming an essential travel and payment platform that accompanies users at every moment of their overseas trips and fulfils their needs.”
Sandeep Malhotra, Executive Vice President, Core Payments, Asia Pacific, Mastercard, added, “People today expect payment experiences that are seamless, intuitive, and built into the apps they already trust—like Kakao Pay. Through this partnership, Mastercard is making overseas payments simpler and more secure for Korean users when they travel. Instead of thinking about how to pay, they can focus on what matters—feeling confident and enjoying the moment, wherever they are in the world.”
Alipay+ has been collaborating with Mastercard to broaden the acceptance of digital payments for its partner wallets globally. This initiative aims to create a more unified and convenient payment experience for users worldwide.
Implications for Travelers
For South Korean travelers, this update means greater ease and flexibility when making payments abroad. Instead of relying solely on cash or credit cards, they can now use their Kakao Pay app for seamless transactions at a wide range of merchants. The integration of NFC technology provides a quick and secure payment method, enhancing the overall travel experience.
Future Developments
Looking ahead, the expansion of this partnership could lead to further innovations in cross-border payments. As more mobile payment platforms integrate with systems like Alipay+ and Mastercard, international transactions will likely become even more streamlined and accessible.
Benefits of Contactless Payments
Contactless payments offer numerous benefits, including faster transaction times, reduced physical contact, and enhanced security features. By adopting NFC technology, Kakao Pay is aligning with global trends toward digital and contactless payment solutions.
Conclusion
The partnership between Kakao Pay, Alipay+, and Mastercard marks a significant step forward in the evolution of international payment systems. By enabling contactless payments for Kakao Pay users, this collaboration enhances convenience, security, and accessibility for travelers worldwide. As digital payment technologies continue to advance, consumers can expect even more seamless and integrated payment experiences in the future.
