UnionPay Expands Payment Acceptance Throughout Europe, Reaching Over 90% of Countries

UnionPay's Expansion in Europe: A 90% Acceptance Rate

In a remarkable stride towards enhancing its global presence, UnionPay International (UPI) has announced that its payment services are now accepted in over 90% of the countries and regions across Europe. This extensive network not only caters to local residents but also provides international travelers with a reliable and convenient payment solution, setting a new standard in the world of financial transactions.

Key Highlights of UnionPay's Presence in Europe

UnionPay's footprint in Europe is significant, as it encompasses over 80% of merchants who now accept its cards through Point of Sale (POS) terminals. Moreover, more than six million retailers across the continent acknowledge UnionPay’s contactless payment method, UnionPay QuickPass. This includes a wide range of venues from public transport systems, hotels, supermarkets, to ticket sales for various tourist attractions. The success of UnionPay QuickPass is evident, as it has seen more than double the number of transactions since its introduction in 2025 across various European markets, indicating a rising trend in adoption among both users and retail businesses.

Retailers Joining the UnionPay Bandwagon

Many prominent brands in the retail and hospitality sectors have integrated UnionPay into their payment systems. Notable mentions include major European duty-free shops, iconic department stores like Galeries Lafayette in France, Harrods in the UK, and El Corte Inglés in Spain, alongside several premium locations of Value Retail. These establishments not only accept UnionPay cards but have also embraced mobile payments linked to UnionPay. Moreover, restaurants, ranging from high-end dining to fast-food outlets and cafes, have also rallied behind the UnionPay brand, enhancing its visibility and usability among consumers. Renowned hotel chains such as Four Seasons, Shangri-La, and Park Hyatt have begun offering UnionPay payment options in their premier European properties, attracting a wider audience.

UnionPay in the Travel and Tourism Sector

UnionPay has seamlessly integrated itself into the travel and tourism landscape within Europe. Its payment solutions have found their way into urban transportation systems and car rental services in key markets such as Germany, Spain, and Italy. Visitors to popular attractions like the London Eye, Disneyland Paris, and the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona can effortlessly purchase tickets online using UnionPay cards. Additionally, approximately 40,000 Selecta vending machines across Europe accommodate UnionPay transactions, further solidifying its position in everyday consumer transactions.

The Rise of Local UnionPay Card Issuance

UnionPay's commitment to enhancing its local services is exemplified by the issuance of over one million UnionPay cards across 13 countries, including Serbia, Italy, and Spain. Residents in Spain, France, Germany, and other European Economic Area (EEA) markets can conveniently apply for UnionPay PecunPay cards through the “Yi An” app, which operates throughout UnionPay’s European network and in 183 countries. These cards are compatible with Weixin Pay (internationally recognized as WeChat Pay) and Alipay, simplifying transactions for European travelers heading to China.

With China emerging as a key destination for European tourists—thanks in part to more visa-free agreements and direct flights—UPI's Excellence Project is geared towards refining the ease of incoming payments. The widespread acceptance of UnionPay within China, along with direct tax refund services to UnionPay cards in key entry cities like Beijing, Guangzhou, Chengdu, and Nanjing, ensures that European visitors have a smooth payment experience.

Conclusion: A Future-Oriented Payment Solution

UnionPay’s expansive infrastructure not only meets the daily and travel needs of European residents but also attracts UnionPay cardholders globally, including a growing number of Chinese tourists visiting European markets. As UnionPay continues to roll out exclusive offers in collaboration with local merchants and Chinese issuers, the anticipation for an enriched consumer experience remains strong. Beyond Europe, the issuance of hundreds of millions of UnionPay cards across 83 countries is set to bolster cross-border travel and trade worldwide, marking a confident stride into the future of payments.

For further inquiries and insights on the UnionPay expansion and updates, we invite readers to stay tuned as we explore more about this dynamic payment service.