UnionPay and WeChat Pay Enhance QR Payment Access for Visitors to the Chinese mainland
Travelers to the Chinese mainland can now enjoy more convenient payment options, thanks to a new collaboration between UnionPay International and WeChat Pay. The two leading Chinese financial services providers have expanded QR code payment services, allowing foreign visitors to seamlessly make purchases by scanning WeChat QR codes.
Visitors using any of eight overseas e-wallets, including Bangkok Bank Mobile Banking and NAVER Pay, can now make payments on the mainland with ease. This development aims to offer more diverse and accessible payment methods, enhancing the overall travel experience for international tourists.
According to UnionPay, this upgrade is a significant step in China’s efforts to make mobile payment processes more accessible to foreigners. By integrating with local platforms like Alipay and WeChat Pay, foreign travelers can now link their credit cards from major issuers such as Visa and Mastercard, simplifying transactions across the country.
The impact of this initiative is already evident. In November, the number of WeChat Pay transactions made using foreign card payments increased 6.4 times compared to the figure recorded in July 2023. This surge reflects the growing adoption of mobile payment solutions among international visitors.
China’s focus on enhancing payment services aligns with its broader goal of improving the entry and stay experience for foreign visitors. By providing more convenient financial services, the country is positioning itself as a welcoming destination for travelers, investors, and business professionals alike.
Reference(s):
WeChat QR payment access expanded for visitors to Chinese mainland
cgtn.com
