PayPal has enabled US app users to make QR code payments at Weixin Pay merchants across China through PayPal World and TenPay Global.
The capability applies to purchases made in shops, restaurants, and other venues that accept Weixin Pay.
QR codes are widely used across China as a method of payment, covering purchases at shopping centres, restaurants, convenience stores, and tourist attractions. The new functionality is built on PayPal World, a cross-border network linking payment systems and digital wallets internationally, in cooperation with TenPay Global, Tencent's cross-border payment platform. Through this connection, US travellers can pay at Weixin Pay merchants either by scanning a merchant's QR code or by presenting a QR code generated within the PayPal app for the merchant to scan.
Moreover, according to PayPal, the update is intended to reduce the friction travellers may experience when paying for everyday purchases in an unfamiliar market, allowing them to use an app they already hold an account with rather than adopting a new local payment method for the duration of a trip.
Context of rising travel to China
The rollout coincides with continued growth in international arrivals to China. Citing the World Travel & Tourism Council, PayPal noted that the country recorded more than 68 million international visitors in 2025, an increase of 15.5% compared with the previous year. The timing, during the northern hemisphere's summer travel period, is presented by the companies as a factor behind the launch.
Alexander Bellabarba, Senior Vice President, Global Product Solutions, PayPal, said the company aims to make cross-border payments more consistent with the domestic payment experience travellers are accustomed to. In addition, Wenhui Yang, CEO of TenPay Global (Singapore), said the collaboration with PayPal World is intended to extend interoperability between international digital wallets and the Weixin Pay merchant network, with plans to connect additional wallets over time.
Preparing to use the service
PayPal has outlined steps for travellers ahead of a trip to China. These include updating the PayPal app to its latest version, ensuring sufficient funds are held in a PayPal Balance account, and optionally setting up automatic top-ups. PayPal also recommends enabling location services and reviewing the in-store payment process before departure.
The in-store QR payment functionality is available immediately for US PayPal users at Weixin Pay merchants across China. The launch follows the broader rollout of PayPal World, which PayPal has positioned as a mechanism for connecting payment systems and wallets across different markets, with this integration representing its application to the Chinese market specifically.
