Vietnam And China Forge A Digital Pathway For Tourists As NAPAS And UPI Launch Seamless QR Payments

Published on December 3, 2025

The financial landscape between Vietnam and China has been significantly transformed through the official launch of a cross-border retail payment system based on QR codes. This landmark achievement, announced following extensive cooperation, signifies a major step forward in financial connectivity and is set to greatly simplify transactions for travelers crossing the border. The formal announcement ceremony, which was meticulously organized in Hanoi, showcased a unified effort by several key financial institutions. These included the National Payment Corporation of Vietnam (NAPAS), the primary retail payment processor in Vietnam, working in coordinated partnership with UnionPay International (UPI), a globally recognized card scheme headquartered in China. Crucially, the practical implementation of the system was facilitated through the involvement of both Vietcombank and the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, ensuring the necessary infrastructural linkage was established.

Contextualizing the Financial Diplomacy

The foundation for this technological integration was meticulously laid at the highest levels of government. This project was formally recognized as one of the essential initiatives destined to advance the robust cooperation framework detailed within the Vietnam-China Joint Statement. This pivotal statement was finalized during the official visit of Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang to Vietnam in October 2024. The inclusion of this digital payment scheme in such a high-level bilateral agreement underscores the economic and strategic importance placed upon enhancing connectivity between the two nations. The project is not merely an operational upgrade; it is a tangible outcome of diplomatic efforts aimed at forging closer economic ties and shared prosperity within the region.

Operational Mechanics: The Initial Implementation Phase

The system has been designed with an emphasis on seamless user experience, with the initial phase concentrating on facilitating payments for Chinese visitors within Vietnam. Under this established framework, travelers from China are now afforded the ability to utilize the UnionPay mobile application, along with various linked e-wallets, to complete purchases. This is achieved by simply scanning the proprietary VietQRGlobal codes presented at participating merchant locations across Vietnam. This mechanism effectively translates the transaction and currency conversion in real-time, removing complexity for both the consumer and the retailer. The rollout has been comprehensive, ensuring that acceptance is widespread across high-traffic tourist areas. Merchants ready to accept these new QR payments include several major retail and tourism brands of significant scale and reputation. Notable participants include the supermarket network of Central Retail Vietnam, the ubiquitous Highland Coffee shops, and various attractions operating within the extensive Sun World tourism network.

The Promise of the Two-Way Connection

While the initial focus has been placed upon welcoming Chinese travelers to Vietnam, the ultimate vision for the project is that of a fully reciprocal, two-way payment corridor. The efforts to realize this reciprocal connectivity are currently being undertaken by the teams at NAPAS and UPI. Their focus is squarely set on completing the necessary reverse connection infrastructure. Once finalized, this phase will empower Vietnamese users to seamlessly utilize payment applications issued by NAPAS member banks to scan and process transactions against QR codes at various merchants throughout China. This reciprocal arrangement is anticipated to unlock similar levels of convenience for Vietnamese citizens traveling for business or leisure.

The expected timeline for the full operational status of the two-way system has been clearly articulated. According to Nguyen Quang Minh, the Chief Executive Officer of NAPAS, the complete bilateral system is forecast to be fully operational during the first quarter of 2026. This target date reflects the complex technical work involved in standardizing payment protocols and ensuring security across two distinct financial ecosystems. The successful implementation of the second phase will solidify the system as a truly integrated service, maximizing the potential economic benefit for both economies. The reciprocal functionality is considered a crucial element in achieving the goal of promoting balanced and sustained cross-border consumption.

Economic Impact and Future Trajectories

The long-term implications of this payment integration are substantial, extending far beyond the immediate convenience afforded to individual tourists. The system is designed to act as a powerful catalyst for stronger cross-border consumption between the two economies. This sentiment was echoed by Larry Wang, the Vice-President and CEO of UPI, who highlighted the benefits inherent in the new service. It was noted that the system allows Chinese visitors to leverage the UPI app and connected e-wallets to execute QR payments across a wide array of shopping and tourism venues throughout Vietnam. The implementation of this advanced system is expected to significantly improve both the safety and the convenience for travelers, simultaneously opening up new and lucrative commercial opportunities for Vietnamese merchants who are now connected to a vast consumer base.

The strategic decision to launch this service was intrinsically driven by market demand. Vietnam has firmly established itself as one of the most highly favored destinations for Chinese tourists in the region. This sustained popularity naturally drives an increasing demand for seamless, efficient payment solutions that match the digital preferences of modern travelers. By proactively addressing this need, the respective financial institutions are not only facilitating trade but are also positioning both nations at the forefront of digital finance adoption within Asia. The collaborative approach demonstrated by NAPAS, UPI, Vietcombank, and the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China serves as an exemplary model for regional financial integration.