Chinese Tourists Can Now Enjoy Seamless QR Payments in Vietnam: A New Era of Cross-Border Travel in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Sun World

Published on December 3, 2025

In a game-changing development for cross-border payments, Vietnam and China have launched a seamless QR payment system that is set to transform both tourism and trade between the two nations. As of December 2, 2025, Chinese tourists visiting Vietnam can now conveniently use their existing mobile payment apps to make purchases at various locations, from shopping malls and restaurants to tourist attractions. This move is poised to improve the travel experience for Chinese visitors, making their spending easier and faster while boosting local businesses in Vietnam.

This innovative payment system marks the beginning of a broader initiative aimed at facilitating trade and economic exchanges between the two neighboring countries. In the coming months, the reverse payment system will also be rolled out, allowing Vietnamese tourists to use NAPAS member bank apps to make payments in China. This reciprocal arrangement will form a complete cross-border payment ecosystem, expected to benefit tourism, trade, and consumer spending.

Seamless QR Payment System Enhances Travel Experience

The introduction of QR payments enables Chinese travelers to use popular mobile payment apps like UnionPay to scan VIETQR Global codes while shopping, dining, and sightseeing in Vietnam. Well-known establishments such as Highlands Coffee, Central Retail supermarkets, and popular Sun World tourist sites are among the first to accept these payments, ensuring Chinese visitors have access to familiar payment methods, eliminating the need for currency exchanges or international credit cards.

With Vietnamese merchants now equipped to handle QR payments, this breakthrough initiative provides faster, more secure, and user-friendly payment options. It reflects a growing trend in the global travel industry to streamline payment systems for international visitors, creating smoother travel experiences and encouraging spending in local economies.

Expanding Economic and Tourism Opportunities

This payment connectivity is expected to be a significant catalyst for tourism in both countries. China is a key tourist market for Vietnam, with millions of visitors each year. By allowing Chinese tourists to use their familiar mobile apps for payments, Vietnamese businesses are tapping into a highly lucrative market, enhancing the tourism sector while providing greater economic stability to local merchants.

The system also enhances trade by making transactions between businesses in Vietnam and China more seamless, encouraging smoother exchanges of goods and services. This system supports local currency payments, promoting the internationalization of the renminbi (RMB) and potentially opening doors for further collaboration in financial services between the two nations.

What Travelers Should Know About the New QR Payment System

For travelers, the implementation of QR payments offers several benefits. Chinese tourists can now enjoy a cashless and hassle-free experience while exploring Vietnam. They no longer need to worry about currency exchange or international card fees. Instead, they can simply scan the QR codes displayed at participating shops, restaurants, and tourist destinations. This new payment system ensures that Chinese tourists can access a wide range of services across the country, enhancing their vacation experience.

Travel Tips for Vietnamese Tourists Heading to China

In the coming months, when the reverse payment system becomes available, Vietnamese travelers will be able to use their NAPAS member bank apps to make QR payments in China. This will streamline travel experiences for Vietnamese visitors, offering them the same convenience and security as Chinese tourists in Vietnam. For now, Vietnamese tourists can enjoy smoother transactions when visiting Chinese businesses equipped with QR code payment systems.

What Does This Mean for the Future of Cross-Border Payments?

This new payment infrastructure symbolizes the ongoing efforts by both Vietnam and China to deepen their economic ties and cultural exchanges. As the system becomes fully operational, it will enhance the tourism industry in both countries, making cross-border travel more appealing and accessible. It also contributes to the broader goal of establishing more efficient financial systems that benefit businesses and consumers alike, creating a win-win situation for both countries.

Looking ahead, this initiative could serve as a model for other nations looking to improve cross-border payment systems, further streamlining the flow of people, goods, and services across borders. The integration of QR codes in retail payments has the potential to become a global trend, simplifying international transactions and opening up more opportunities for tourism and trade worldwide.

Exploring the Bigger Picture

The Vietnam-China QR payment system is just one example of how technology is reshaping the global tourism industry. With the rise of mobile payments, travelers no longer need to worry about carrying cash or managing multiple currencies. Payment systems like this provide a safer, more efficient way to conduct transactions and reduce the risk of fraud or loss, making them a preferred choice for both travelers and businesses.

As more countries adopt similar cross-border payment initiatives, travelers will benefit from seamless transactions and improved travel experiences. Additionally, this move reflects the growing trend of financial inclusivity in global markets, where mobile payments can help bridge the gap between different financial systems and create a more connected world for tourism and trade.