Vietnam Joins China, Thailand, Singapore Malaysia, Kazakhstan and Others as Cross-Border QR Payments Simplify Travel Spending and Trnsforming it Into Digital Revolution : Find More About it Now

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Vietnam Joins China, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, and Kazakhstan as Cross-Border QR Payments Simplify Travel Spending

Vietnam has just introduced a game-changing step to make travel easier for Chinese tourists visiting the country. In a landmark move to enhance cross-border tourism and trade, the two nations have expanded their cross-border QR payment system, allowing Chinese visitors to use China’s popular Alipay app for direct payments in Chinese yuan at millions of outlets across Vietnam.

This partnership, launched in Hanoi on April 3, 2026, by the National Payment Corporation of Vietnam (NAPAS), Vietcombank, and Ant International, is set to transform the way Chinese tourists experience Vietnam. With seamless digital payments becoming a reality, Chinese travellers can now scan the VietQRGlobal codes to make payments in their home currency without the hassle of currency exchange or dealing with complicated payment systems.

What Does This Mean for Chinese Tourists in Vietnam?

For Chinese visitors, the new system means they can pay for goods and services just as they would back home—using their Alipay app and in Chinese yuan. This instant, real-time exchange between the Chinese yuan and the Vietnamese dong offers a smooth, ‘home-like’ payment experience at millions of merchant locations across Vietnam, from hotels and restaurants to shopping malls and tourist hotspots.

The system uses a sophisticated integrated settlement infrastructure developed by NAPAS, Ant International, and Vietcombank, making it easy to connect China and Vietnam’s digital financial networks. So whether you’re visiting a renowned restaurant in Hanoi or a boutique in Ho Chi Minh City, this payment method guarantees a swift transaction, allowing travellers to focus on enjoying their time rather than worrying about payment logistics.

A Boost to Vietnam’s Tourism Industry

The expansion of this cross-border payment system is expected to boost tourism flows significantly. Vietnam has long been a top destination for Chinese travellers, and with the introduction of this new payment option, the ease of spending will make the country even more attractive. The announcement comes as Vietnam is already seeing strong growth in international tourism, with China being one of the largest source markets for travellers.

In 2025, Vietnam welcomed over 21.2 million international visitors, and among these, nearly 5.28 million were Chinese tourists—accounting for a quarter of all foreign arrivals. This influx of Chinese visitors is a testament to the growing tourism ties between the two countries, and the new payment system aims to strengthen this relationship even further.

A Seamless Experience Across Vietnam

With over 21 million international tourists flocking to Vietnam in 2025, the need for a smooth, hassle-free experience for Chinese travellers has become more pressing. The new payment service allows visitors to pay using Alipay at a variety of merchant locations across Vietnam. Shopping malls, hotels, retail outlets, restaurants, and even tourist destinations are now part of the expansive network supporting these transactions.

Imagine being able to explore the bustling markets in Hanoi, visiting the ancient temples in Hoi An, or enjoying the beach resorts in Da Nang, all while paying in Chinese yuan through your Alipay app. This system eliminates the need to carry cash, wait in line for currency exchange, or worry about credit card fees that can often add to the cost of a trip.

China-Vietnam Tourism Relations: What’s Next?

The introduction of these new payment systems is just one of many steps in strengthening China-Vietnam relations, especially in the tourism sector. China remains one of Vietnam’s largest source markets, and with the growing number of Chinese tourists, the two countries are continually exploring new ways to improve the travel experience. The Vietnamese government and financial institutions are working hard to ensure that all aspects of tourism—from payment to services—are optimised for international visitors.

Furthermore, as both countries look toward the future, the expectation is that this collaboration will foster even deeper economic and digital ties, making travel between the two nations easier and more efficient.

Looking Ahead to Future Growth

As this new payment system continues to roll out across Vietnam, the tourism sector will likely experience further growth, driven by increased ease of travel for Chinese tourists. Tourists can now immerse themselves in the beauty of Vietnam without worrying about payment methods, ensuring they can enjoy a ‘seamless’ travel experience.

Vietnam’s tourism landscape is also benefiting from an expanding global reputation. With improved financial integration and cross-border services, the country stands poised to attract even more international visitors. This move comes at a crucial time, as the global tourism industry looks to bounce back from challenges posed by previous global events.

The new payment system not only makes travel more convenient for Chinese tourists but also provides local businesses with a competitive edge, as they can cater to a larger market of Chinese visitors who are eager to spend and explore. For Vietnamese merchants, this payment integration ensures they are well-positioned to tap into the Chinese tourism market, bringing more business to the country’s rapidly expanding tourism economy.

What This Means for Vietnamese Merchants

For local businesses in Vietnam, this initiative is a game-changer. As millions of Chinese tourists use Alipay to make payments, Vietnamese merchants will see increased sales, especially in key tourism hubs. The payment system also offers an opportunity for businesses to streamline their operations, as transactions are processed quickly and directly in local currency, simplifying the entire payment process.

Moreover, merchants in Vietnam’s tourism hotspots, including cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang, will benefit from the increased ease of transactions, attracting more Chinese visitors who are eager to spend in their own currency. From local shops to luxury resorts, the integration of this payment system promises to enhance the consumer experience and drive growth in Vietnam’s tourism and retail sectors.

Conclusion: The Future of Cross-Border Travel Payments

The expansion of the cross-border QR payment system between China and Vietnam is a vital step toward increasing the efficiency of travel between the two nations. As Chinese tourists enjoy a frictionless payment experience using Alipay in their own currency, the broader tourism industry will benefit from higher footfall, more seamless spending, and a strengthened economic partnership between the two countries. With millions of merchants now on board, this collaboration is poised to elevate Vietnam as an even more attractive destination for Chinese travellers, ensuring the continued growth of bilateral tourism.