Global Blue has extended its long-term partnership with UnionPay International by creating a destination for Chinese Globe Shoppers on UnionPay International’s new tax free shopping portal.

The portal provides an easy way for UnionPay customers to discover more about tax free shopping. Hosted on UnionPay International’s mobile and PC websites, the solution is also available on its WeChat account. From early 2019, the service will also be launched on the UnionPay app, the unified mobile application of China’s banking industry.

This collaboration builds on recent ventures between Global Blue and UnionPay International, which have been designed to enhance the tax refund experience. This is part of their joint commitment to better serve Chinese Globe Shoppers.

Such ventures include early refunds for UnionPay cardholders in Global Blue lounges and downtown refund locations at over 800 stores in 10 European countries. These are Austria, Czech Republic, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

PRIORITY ACCESS

In addition, UnionPay Platinum and Diamond cardholders receive priority access to Global Blue’s network of VIP lounges.

By creating a destination on UnionPay International’s portal, Global Blue will be able to reach more UnionPay cardholders— a significant segment of the high-value Chinese Globe Shopper market –with tax free shopping information and access to a selection of its traveller services, which will be integrated into the portal.

These include Global Blue’s refund calculator, helping Globe Shoppers to understand the eligible refund on purchases in different countries, Global Blue’s refund tracker, enabling customers to track the status of their refund and a refund office locator, providing details of the nearest Global Blue refund locations, country by country.

Other services include enrolment onto the Shop Tax Free Card, allowing Globe Shoppers to claim their tax savings without the hassle of filling in tax free forms; and an option to download the Shop Tax Free mobile app, giving travellers everything they need on their tax free shopping journey.

NEW PLATFORM

Tomas Mostany, Senior Vice President Product, Tax Free Shopping, Global Blue commented: “This new platform is a natural extension of our commitment to bring our innovations and services to more Chinese travellers, enhancing their entire tax free Shopping journey.

“We value our long-term relationship with UnionPay International and look forward to future collaboration and innovation.”

Shuan Ghaidan, Product Director, UnionPay International added: “We know that tax free shopping is a popular part of international travel for our cardholders and our continued collaboration with Global Blue is an important way to add value to this experience.

“With this latest initiative, our cardholders can quickly find out how and where to shop and save at some of the best brands in the world. Integrating the Global Blue customer tools with the UnionPay mobile sites will help to simplify cardholders’ tax free shopping journey, making it a seamless experience.”