Thunes launches its QR Code Payments solutions for travelers in China

Following this announcement, the launch will allow members of Thunes’ Direct Global Network, including neobanks, mobile wallets, and banks with mobile capabilities, to connect directly and securely to QR code payment systems operated by the Digital Currency Institute (DCI) and NetsUnion Clearing Corporation (NUCC). 

In addition, users of foreign mobile wallets and financial applications that travel to China will have the possibility to make payments by scanning merchant-present QR codes for payment methods such as e-CNY, Alipay, and WeChat Pay. The company will continue to focus on meeting the needs, preferences, and demands of clients and customers in an ever-evolving market, while prioritising the process of remaining compliant with the regulatory requirements and laws of the industry as well. 

More information on the QR Code Payments solution launch

Thunes’ launch of the QR Code Payments solution comes at a time when China promotes its visa-free policies initiative, which aims to boost international tourism. With an anticipated surge in foreign travel, the overall ability to pay using a QR code, which represents the preferred transaction method in the region, is crucial for providing customers with a smooth, convenient, secure, and local-like experience while visiting the country. 

Foreign travelers often face significant challenges when paying (such as traditional foreign credit cards being rarely accepted, especially in street shops and at small to medium-sized merchants), being usually required to download and register with local Chinese payment apps that request sensitive personal data, causing inconvenience and friction. With this in mind, Thunes’ QR Code Payments solution was developed to address these pain points by delivering a safe and user-friendly payment experience for end-users of foreign financial apps, such as mobile wallets and neobanks. 

According to officials of the company, Thunes is already working with Members of Thunes' Direct Global Network, such as Airtel, Hanpass (South Korea), m-Pesa (Kenya), and Vodacom (Tanzania), in order to make the QR Code Payments solution available for their customers traveling to China. Other members are also expected to join soon, a process that aims to expand the reach of the solutions and optimise the overall customer experience.