Chinese Cross-Border Payments Expand in Southeast Asia

QR code payments have become standard in China, and they are now being expanded across the subregion. Photo by GREG BAKER / AFP

Cross-border payments using QR codes between China and several Southeast Asian countries took a leap forward this week. Chinese travelers to Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia can now use cashless QR code-based payments, eliminating the need for currency conversion.

The initiative was spearheaded by the Chinese credit provider UnionPay, in collaboration with local banks in each country and other Chinese banks. The plan will also see payments within China by citizens from these countries from early 2026.

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by CGSP Staff

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