#Europe #UnionPay #QuickPass

UnionPay's Expansion in Europe

UnionPay International (UPI) has made notable strides in establishing a comprehensive payment ecosystem throughout Europe, now being accepted in more than 90% of countries and regions. This significant development allows both local residents and international visitors to enjoy secure and hassle-free payment solutions.

The reach of UnionPay in Europe is extensive, with over 80% of merchants accepting its cards at point-of-sale (POS) terminals. Notably, more than six million merchants have integrated UnionPay's QuickPass contactless payment system, which covers various sectors, from public transportation to dining, hotels, supermarkets, and major tourist attractions.

Since the inception of this service, there has been a remarkable increase in the usage of QuickPass, with transactions more than doubling across various European markets. This surge indicates a growing acceptance and trust among both users and merchants. Major retail and hospitality figures are on board, with reputable names like France's Galeries Lafayette, the UK's Harrods, and Spain's El Corte Inglés accepting UnionPay cards. Many of these institutions also facilitate mobile payments, enhancing consumer convenience.

Dining options are equally extensive, encompassing a wide range of establishments from upscale restaurants to popular fast-food chains and coffee outlets. Furthermore, global hotel chains like Four Seasons, Shangri-La, and Park Hyatt are adapting to the trend by allowing UnionPay payments at their prominent European locations. A partnership with Dojo further facilitates UnionPay card transactions at over 110,000 merchants across the UK, particularly in the hospitality sector, creating a more integrated travel experience.

UnionPay's influence extends into travel and tourism, seamlessly fitting into both urban and intercity transportation systems as well as car rental services in key markets such as Germany, Spain, and Italy. Popular attractions including the London Eye, Disneyland Paris, and Barcelona's Sagrada Família now enable online ticket purchases using UnionPay cards. Additionally, around 40,000 vending machines across Europe are equipped to accept UnionPay payments, demonstrating the versatility of the system.

To further strengthen its presence, UnionPay has initiated local card issuance within Europe, having distributed over one million cards across 13 countries, including Serbia, Italy, and Spain. Residents of several European Economic Area (EEA) markets, including Spain, France, and Germany, can conveniently apply for PecunPay UnionPay cards via the