Vietnam and China Launch New Cross-Border QR Payment Systems for its Tourists, Enhancing Tourism Experiences, Business Transactions and Economic Growth

Published on December 2, 2025

This marked a milestone in the development of tourism and trade relations between the two countries, as for the first time, NAPAS and UPI launched the cross-border QR payment system. Starting December 2, 2025, this service will allow Chinese visitors to make direct payments using their familiar mobile payment apps at shopping, restaurants, and tourist spots throughout Vietnam.

In that respect, the initiative will make Vietnam even more accessible to Chinese tourists, securing a travel experience free from either of these hassles. Combined with the already fast-growing tourism industry, such a digital payment system is likely to further enhance tourist flows and economic exchange between the two countries, another milestone in tourism digitalization.

Tourism Impact: Expanding Travel Opportunities for Chinese Tourists in Vietnam

The launch of the cross-border QR payment system will directly impact tourism growth in Vietnam by simplifying financial transactions for Chinese tourists. Visitors can now make payments through UnionPay, WeChat Pay, and other familiar mobile apps, ensuring a smoother and more convenient travel experience. This will attract more tourists, particularly those who may have previously hesitated to travel due to the complexities of currency conversion or payment limitations.

Tourism businesses in Vietnam, from local retailers and restaurants to tour operators and tourist attractions, will benefit from this initiative by attracting a larger customer base. The ability to easily accept QR payments from Chinese visitors will open new revenue streams for small businesses, especially in tourist-heavy areas like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hạ Long Bay, and Phu Quoc.

This payment system will also streamline the tourism experience, making it easier for tourists to spend money on local goods and services, thus increasing tourist spending and boosting the local economy. The tourism impact of this service will help Vietnam maintain its position as a leading destination for Chinese travelers, further solidifying its reputation in Asia.

Supporting Bilateral Tourism Growth and Cultural Exchange

Carolina Tinangon, the Indonesian Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City, stressed the importance of fostering two-way tourism with China through this payment system, highlighting how it will not only attract Chinese visitors to Vietnam but also encourage Vietnamese tourists to explore China. This cross-border payment system is expected to facilitate the growth of tourism flows between the two nations, with tourism exchanges becoming increasingly easier and more accessible.

The cultural exchange between Vietnam and China is also expected to increase, as more visitors from both countries are likely to engage in cross-cultural experiences. As Vietnam continues to promote its cultural tourism—with historical sites, traditional festivals, and local cuisine—the seamless payment experience will encourage more travelers to explore deeper aspects of the country’s rich heritage. In return, Chinese travelers will be drawn to Vietnam’s cultural richness, especially its food culture, arts, and craftsmanship, increasing interest in cross-border tourism.

Business Tourism and Economic Benefits for Local Enterprises

The cross-border QR payment system also plays a key role in supporting business tourism between the two nations. Business travelers from China will be able to conveniently pay for business expenses in Vietnam without the hassle of currency exchange. This simplicity encourages more business tourism between Vietnam and China, contributing to greater business collaboration and trade relations between the two countries.

Local businesses will see the economic impact of this system as Chinese business travelers spend more easily on hotel stays, conference fees, and local services. By attracting more business events and conferences, particularly in cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, Vietnam’s tourism economy will continue to thrive, strengthening its MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) offerings and creating new economic opportunities in both the business and tourism sectors.

The Future of Tourism Growth: A Complete Cross-Border Payment Ecosystem

Looking ahead, the cross-border QR payment system will not only simplify the travel experience but also increase the volume of tourism between Vietnam and China. The system, expected to be fully operational by early 2026, will allow Vietnamese tourists to use NAPAS member bank apps to scan QR codes for payments in China, completing the two-way payment cycle. This cross-border payment ecosystem will support the growth of tourism, trade, and consumer spending, further enhancing economic cooperation between the two nations.

As digital payment systems continue to grow globally, this system will contribute to the future growth of both countries’ tourism sectors, making Vietnam and China even more interconnected in terms of economic exchange, tourism development, and cultural promotion. The integration of digital payments into the tourism industry will also pave the way for greater cross-border cooperation, improving the experience for travelers and businesses alike.

A Bright Future for Cross-Border Tourism and Economic Cooperation

Cross-border QR payments launched between Vietnam and China will go a long way in improving the tourism experience and enabling economic growth for both countries. The convenience in the payment process will go a long way in ensuring that Chinese tourists have an easy time making payments in Vietnam, with a two-way payment system that will ensure long-term tourism growth and facilitate business exchanges and cultural interactions.

Fully operational in both directions, the system will increase tourism flows, trade, and economic cooperation between Vietnam and China, securing their positions as leading destinations for international travelers for years to come.