Travellers to Armenia can now make seamless and secure cross-border QR payments with Ant International’s Alipay+ solution, enhancing the tourism experience across 85% of the country’s merchants.
Idram’s strategic partnership with Alipay+ positions Armenia within a powerful global digital payment ecosystem, connecting local businesses with global travellers through a comprehensive digitalisation solution that helps drive the country’s tourism economy.
Idram, Armenia’s leading digital payment platform, has partnered with Alipay+—a global wallet gateway operated by Ant International—to officially launch cross-border QR payments for global consumers in Armenia, the first market in the Caucasus region to enable Alipay+ acceptance. The partnership builds upon Idram’s digital infrastructure to connect global travellers with local businesses, helping to scale local merchants through Alipay+’s digitalisation solutions.
With this integration, Alipay+ users can now seamlessly scan Idram QR codes to make cross-border payments at thousands of Armenian businesses using their preferred digital wallets, while also gaining access to local offers and loyalty programs.
“This partnership is a testament to Idram’s commitment to innovation and cross-border collaboration,” said Arsene Kdenian, CEO of Idram. “By opening our QR infrastructure to Alipay+, we are not only embracing the future of international payments but also creating a welcoming and convenient experience for millions of global users engaging with Armenian merchants.”
Over the coming months, more than 85% of Armenia’s retail and hospitality businesses—including top supermarkets and popular tourist locations—will accept cross-border payments from Alipay+ partner banking apps and digital wallets. Once implementation is complete, 25,000 merchant locations across Armenia will become Alipay+-enabled through Idram’s merchant network. Brand visibility will be reinforced through new Alipay+ POS materials to guide international users toward QR-friendly merchants.
Mr. Kdenian also noted that within the framework of the partnership, Idram will continue working with Alipay+ to explore opportunities for Idram wallet users to pay within the Alipay+ global merchant ecosystem. Alipay+ serves 1.7 billion user accounts across 36 mobile payment partners, connecting them to 100 million merchants in 70 markets.
This collaboration positions Armenia within a powerful global digital payment ecosystem, connecting local businesses with international travellers and supporting inclusive growth for businesses across borders.
“We’re delighted to join hands with Idram to enable the launch of Alipay+ in Armenia, enhancing the travel experience for international travellers from around the world,” commented Pietro Candela, General Manager of EMEA at Alipay+. “With Alipay+, Armenian businesses of all sizes can benefit from inclusive digitalisation, helping unlock the economic benefits of global tourism for this popular travel destination.”
Founded in 2004, Idram is Armenia’s premier digital financial platform, offering comprehensive services including e-wallets, QR/NFC payments, money transfers, and other financial tools for individuals and businesses.
Ant International’s Alipay+ is a unified wallet gateway with cross-border payment and digitalisation services that help connect global merchants to consumers. Travellers enjoy seamless payments, a broad range of deals, and the convenience of digital services using their preferred payment apps or e-wallets while abroad. Many small and medium-sized businesses already use Alipay+ digital tools to enhance efficiency and achieve omni-channel growth.
IDRAM IS REGULATED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF ARMENIA.
