The bilateral QR-code retail payment connectivity between Vietnam and China was officially launched in Hanoi on December 2, offering a faster, safer, and more convenient payment solution while helping Vietnamese businesses better serve one of their largest visitor markets.
The launch ceremony was jointly organised by the National Payment Corporation of Vietnam (NAPAS), UnionPay International (UPI) of China, the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), and the Joint Stock Commercial Bank for Foreign Trade of Vietnam (Vietcombank).
The new service comes after more than a year of technical coordination following the MoU signed between UPI and NAPAS in October 2024, witnessed by senior leaders of both countries.
With the system now in place, Chinese visitors to Vietnam can use their existing mobile payment apps to scan VIETQR Global codes and make direct payments at shopping, dining, and tourist destinations nationwide.
Major retailers and service providers—including Central Retail supermarkets, Highlands Coffee, and Sun World tourist sites—have already enabled QR acceptance for Chinese travellers.
Under the plan, by early 2026, the reverse payment direction will also be deployed, allowing Vietnamese travellers to use mobile banking apps from NAPAS member banks to scan QR codes for payment in China.
Once fully operational in both directions, the system will establish a comprehensive cross-border QR payment ecosystem, boosting tourism, trade, and consumer spending between the two countries.
Google translate