Vietnam, China launch cross-border QR payments for tourists

Vietnam and China on Tuesday announced the launch of a cross-border retail payment system based on QR codes, marking a new step in financial cooperation and making cross-border spending easier for travelers from both countries.

The announcement ceremony was held in Hanoi by the National Payment Corporation of Vietnam (NAPAS) in coordination with UnionPay International (UPI), the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, and Vietcombank.

Under the initial phase, Chinese visitors in Vietnam can use the UnionPay app and linked e-wallets to scan VietQRGlobal codes at participating merchants, including shopping malls, tourist sites, restaurants, and retail outlets.

According to Pham Anh Tuan, director of the Payment Department at the State Bank of Vietnam, the project is one of the key initiatives that advance cooperation set out in the Vietnam-China Joint Statement during Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang's visit to Vietnam in October 2024.

It focuses on strengthening cross-border QR connectivity and encouraging greater use of local currencies in transactions.

Tuan noted that Vietnam welcomed more than 15.4 million international visitors in the first nine months of the year, with Chinese arrivals leading at nearly 3.9 million, an increase of 43.9 percent year on year.

He said the new QR payment connection will not only create more convenience for travelers from both countries but also support bilateral trade, tourism, and overall economic activity.

Several major retail and tourism brands in Vietnam are now ready to accept QR payments from Chinese visitors, including Central Retail Vietnam supermarkets, Highland Coffee shops, and attractions within the Sun World tourism network.

The broader acceptance network is expected to help Vietnamese businesses draw more Chinese customers while providing visitors with a faster and safer way to pay.

NAPAS and UPI are working to complete the reverse connection that will allow Vietnamese users to scan QR codes in China using payment apps from NAPAS member banks.

Nguyen Quang Minh, CEO of NAPAS, said the two-way system is expected to be operational in the first quarter of 2026.

Larry Wang, vice-president and CEO of UPI, said the new service allows Chinese visitors to use the UPI app and connected e-wallets to make QR payments at shopping and tourism venues throughout Vietnam.

He said the system will improve safety and convenience for travelers, create new opportunities for Vietnamese merchants, and support stronger cross-border consumption between the two economies.

Wang added that Vietnam has become one of the most popular destinations for Chinese tourists, driving demand for seamless payment solutions.