UnionPay International Collaborates with Weixin Pay to Facilitate Payments for International Visitors in Mainland China

Enhancing Payment Experience for International Travelers in China

In an effort to streamline payment processes for international visitors traveling to mainland China, UnionPay International has announced a significant partnership with Weixin Pay. As of December 17, 2024, this collaboration enables users of various international electronic wallets to pay conveniently by scanning Weixin's QR codes, thus improving the overall experience of cashless transactions in one of the world's largest markets.

A Breakthrough in Mobile Payments

This initiative allows users of eight specific international wallets to utilize their UnionPay services directly in mainland China. These wallets include BoC Pay from the Bank of China (Hong Kong), Octopus, PayMe from HSBC, and Tap Go in Hong Kong SAR, alongside Bangkok Bank Mobile Banking and K PLUS from KASIKORNBANK based in Thailand, Naver Pay from South Korea, and ICBC Mobile Banking (ICBC Pay) in Malaysia. By linking their physical UnionPay cards or activating their digital UnionPay cards within these wallets, international visitors can easily scan Weixin Pay codes and make transactions in RMB, which will be automatically converted from their home currencies.

This innovative feature greatly enhances access to mobile payments for foreign visitors, making it more convenient to shop, dine, and engage with local businesses throughout mainland China.

Journey Towards a Unified Payment Experience

Since the launch of Project Excellence 2024, UnionPay has played a pivotal role in fostering open collaboration with industry partners to facilitate payment solutions for tourists entering mainland China. The capability to scan various Weixin Pay codes has been available to users of the UnionPay app since June 2024, allowing them to settle payments with increased ease. The recent integration with international wallets marks yet another milestone in UnionPay's efforts to enhance payment interoperability and convenience through its partnership with Weixin Pay.

UnionPay aims not only to simplify transactions but, more importantly, to create robust connectivity with key stakeholders in the payment industry. This initiative provides international visitors with increased options and more comfortable payment methods, thus contributing to China's higher-level opening strategy.

A Long-standing Commitment to International Travelers

UnionPay’s collaboration with Weixin Pay is not a new concept; back in 2018, the payment network formed alliances to tackle cross-border payment challenges between the Hong Kong residents and merchants in mainland China. This partnership had earlier facilitated cross-border consumption for Hong Kong residents at millions of mainland merchants.

In recent years, UnionPay has continually enhanced its localized offerings, ensuring that an increasing number of customers outside mainland China can access practical services made possible by UnionPay payment products. So far, over 250 million UnionPay cards have been issued across 83 countries and regions, while more than 200 UnionPay-compatible wallets have activated their services in 36 different countries.

Today, travelers can confidently navigate their spending using UnionPay’s extensive acceptance network spanning the globe. This move not only provides overseas customers with reassuringly familiar transaction methods but also integrates seamlessly with local payment systems, aiding in a smoother travel experience.

Conclusion

By extending their services in collaboration with Weixin Pay, UnionPay International addresses the vital necessity of accommodating international visitors in mainland China. This partnership exemplifies a strategic embrace of technology and cooperation aimed at streamlining payment processes. As mobile payment solutions continue to grow, UnionPay remains dedicated to ensuring that travelers can engage creatively and economically within the rich tapestry of Chinese commerce. It heralds a future where payments and transactions can transcend borders, providing unparalleled convenience to every visitor exploring the vibrant landscape of China.