Int'l tourists can pay in Vietnam using familiar apps through VNPAY-QR

In popular tourist destinations such as Da Nang, Hoi An, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, Hanoi, and Ho Chi Minh City, international visitors are increasingly using familiar payment apps on their smartphones instead of carrying large amounts of cash.

The trend is prompting businesses to diversify payment methods to improve customer experiences and create more opportunities to increase sales.

Hai, the owner of a seafood restaurant in Nha Trang, said the number of international customers at his restaurant has risen significantly during the summer, particularly visitors from South Korea and China.

Many prefer paying through familiar banking apps or e-wallets rather than using cash.

He therefore looked for suitable payment solutions for his customers, including VNPAY's cross-border QR payment service.

Meeting tourists' payment needs makes the payment process more convenient, creates a positive impression, and encourages customers to make larger purchases, Hai said.

According to VNPAY, its cross-border QR payment service allows international tourists to use the payment apps they already use in their home countries to scan VNPAY-QR codes and pay at participating businesses in Vietnam.

Tourists from China can pay using WeChat Pay or UnionPay International, while those from Thailand can use the ITMX system.

Visitors from Laos can use LAPNet, while those from Cambodia can pay through ACLEDA, and South Korean tourists can use apps within the GLN network.

For international visitors, the service simplifies spending in Vietnam. They do not need to install another app and can pay directly from their existing bank accounts or e-wallets.

Payments are made by scanning QR codes. Using funds directly from an existing payment app also means tourists do not need to exchange cash, saving them time and foreign exchange costs.

In turn, VNPAY said businesses can reach and serve more international customers. Offering payment methods that match tourists' preferences can help businesses avoid losing transactions while making the payment process more convenient.

Transactions are also processed quickly, allowing merchants to receive payments and manage revenue more conveniently. The service is particularly useful for household businesses and companies in retail, food service, and tourism during peak seasons.

Beyond providing tourists with more payment options, cross-border QR payments can promote cashless transactions and help businesses benefit from the growth of Vietnam's tourism industry.

In February 2026, VNPAY and the National Payment Corporation of Vietnam (NAPAS) entered into a comprehensive cooperation partnership to deploy cross-border QR payment services at VNPAY-QR acceptance points.

The partnership aims to diversify payment methods, better serve international tourists, and help businesses expand their customer base.