Lately, Google has been launching its contactless payment system, Android Pay, in various countries this year, including in the UK and Australia. This time round, Google has launched the mobile payment system in Hong Kong, allowing Android users on the island to make contactless payments in various stores. With Android Pay, residents of Hong Kong will have a much easier time purchasing items in stores, be it groceries, or some famous Hong Kong egg tarts.
Android smartphone users whose handsets come equipped with NFC technology and run on Android 4.4 KitKat or higher, will be able to download the Android Pay app and pay for purchases at over 5,000 locations in Hong Kong. Users with MasterCard or Visa credit cards from six banks in the city, namely HSBC, Hang Seng Bank, Standard Chartered, Dah Sing Bank, DBS and the Bank of East Asia, will be able to link their cards to Android Pay, and make payments at various shops all over the country. These shops include fast food restaurants such as McDonald’s and Pacific Coffee, convenience stores such as 7-Eleven and Circle K, as well as pharmacies such as Mannings and Watsons. Other outlets include Fortress, Maxim’s Cakes, MX, PARKnSHOP, SmarTone, Wellcome and many more. It should also be noted that there is no limit to the number of cards you can add to your Android Pay account. On top of that, Android Pay will allow you to store your gift cards, loyalty cards and special offers within your smartphone.
Android Pay will also allow you to simplify the process of conducting in-app purchases and apps which are compatible with the mobile payment system include Boutir Collect, Deliveroo, Kaligo, Klook and Snaptee. However, Google is planning to make it compatible with more apps in the future, including the ride-sharing app, Uber. According to Leonie Valentine, the managing director of sales and operation for Google in Hong Kong, 80% of Hong Kong residents own a smartphone and due to the advanced smartphone usage among the populace, the internet giant decided to launch Android Pay in the city. Android Pay is a direct competitor to the likes of Apple Pay, and many other contactless payment options which are already available in Hong Kong.