PayPal Boosts China Tourism as US Visitors Access Advanced QR Payment Ecosystem Easily

Written By: Binoy Mehera

Binoy Mehera

A curious mind driven by a passion for storytelling, I find inspiration in uncovering hidden perspectives, exploring diverse experiences, and shaping ideas into narratives that leave an impact. With three years of experience in journalism and content creation, I have developed a strong instinct for identifying meaningful stories, blending research with creativity, and presenting information in a way that connects with readers. My storytelling journey is guided by a fascination for culture, travel, lifestyle, and the human experiences that define our world. I aim to create narratives that not only inform but also spark curiosity, evoke emotions, and offer audiences a deeper understanding of every story.

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August 12, 2026 4:31 PM |

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PayPal now supports payment at over 60,000 brick-and-mortar stores across China via scanning QR codes at Point of Sale terminals. Traditional payments involved setting up multiple digital wallets and opening local Chinese bank accounts. Now, PayPal consolidates all those steps into one and allows US customers to pay at Chinese stores via the PayPal application.

China has developed one of the world’s most advanced QR payment ecosystems, where digital scanning has become the everyday payment method for millions of consumers. From shopping centres and restaurants to convenience stores and major tourist attractions, QR codes are widely used across the country for fast and convenient transactions.

The new capability is powered by PayPal World, a global cross-border payment network connecting major payment platforms and digital wallets worldwide, together with TenPay Global, Tencent’s international payment service. Through this collaboration, US visitors can use the familiar PayPal app to access China’s digital payment environment while following the same payment habits used by local consumers.

The launch comes as China experiences strong growth in international tourism. The country welcomed more than 68 million international visitors in 2025, representing a 15.5% increase compared with the previous year, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council.

For many overseas travellers, managing payments in a foreign country can be one of the biggest challenges during a trip. PayPal World aims to simplify this process by allowing US PayPal users to pay at participating Weixin Pay merchants without changing their usual payment experience.

Travellers can complete purchases by scanning merchant QR codes or displaying their own payment QR code where supported. The service enables visitors to enjoy the convenience and security of PayPal while accessing the same QR-based payment culture that has become a key part of daily life in China.

“Travel should be about experiencing a new destination, not figuring out how to pay,” said Alexander Bellabarba, Senior Vice President, Global Product Solutions, PayPal.  “As more people travel internationally, they expect payment experiences to be as seamless abroad as they are at home. PayPal World gives users a simple, familiar way to pay overseas using the PayPal app they already have. It’s another step toward making cross-border payments as convenient and intuitive as paying at home.”

“TenPay Global is committed to working with PayPal World, to build a more open and inclusive global payment network together. We believe the next phase of borderless payments will be driven by greater interoperability and deeper ecosystem collaboration,” said Wenhui Yang, CEO of TenPay Global (Singapore). “We will work with PayPal World to further connect more international digital wallets with the Weixin Pay merchant network. Through our collaboration, international visitors will be able to use their home wallets to make QR code payments at tens of millions of Weixin Pay merchants in the Chinese mainland, offering them a familiar and convenient way to pay,” he added.

With PayPal World, PayPal users travelling to China can enjoy a smoother and more familiar payment experience by using the app they already rely on. The service allows visitors to:

• Make payments like local consumers at Weixin Pay merchants across China by scanning a merchant’s QR code or allowing merchants to scan a PayPal-generated QR code through the app.
• Travel with greater convenience and confidence by using the trusted PayPal platform without needing additional payment apps or local banking arrangements.
• Access a seamless international payment solution supported by PayPal World’s global digital wallet connectivity, making cross-border transactions easier for travellers.

Preparing for a China summer trip

Travellers heading to China during the busy summer holiday season can get ready for the new payment experience with a few simple steps:

• Update the PayPal app to the latest available version before travelling.
• Add sufficient funds to their PayPal Balance account and activate Auto Reload to ensure convenient account top-ups when required.
• Turn on location services and become familiar with the in-store QR payment process before arriving in China.

Now available for US travellers

The new in-store QR payment service is available immediately for US PayPal users at participating Weixin Pay merchants throughout China. The launch gives international visitors a simpler way to complete everyday purchases while experiencing China’s advanced digital payment ecosystem.