Thunes, a global payment network, has introduced a new QR code payment solution that allows travelers to use their home country’s mobile wallets, neo-banks, and mobile-enabled banks to pay for goods and services in China.

This eliminates the need for travelers to download local Chinese payment apps or carry cash.

The service connects to major Chinese payment platforms like e-CNY, Alipay, and WeChat Pay, as well as QR code payment systems operated by the Digital Currency Institute (DCI) and NetsUnion Clearing Corporation (NUCC).

Travelers can simply scan a merchant’s QR code with their own banking app to complete a purchase.

This launch coincides with China’s efforts to increase tourism by relaxing visa policies.

With mobile payments accounting for over 85% of all transactions in China, this solution allows travelers to easily use familiar payment methods while visiting the country.

Several mobile wallets and financial institutions, including Airtel, Hanpass, m-Pesa, Singtel Dash, and Vodacom, have already partnered with Thunes to offer this service to their customers.

Floris de Kort, CEO of Thunes, said,

“Our Direct Global Network continues to break down barriers for our Members, enabling them to offer their customers unrivaled access to local payment systems worldwide. With this launch, we’re empowering our members to provide their app users the convenience of paying like a local in China, quickly, dependably, and with full transparency.

By enabling Thunes’ Chinese QR code payments into their apps, mobile wallets, neo-banks, and financial institutions can enhance the user experience while unlocking new revenue streams and leading the way in global payment innovation.”

Featured image credit: Edited from Freepik