Tencent is allowing US-based PayPal users to complete transactions in China by scanning Weixin Pay QR codes, part of a broader upgrade to its payment infrastructure ahead of the APEC 2026 summit.
The company announced the 2026 Inbound Payment Service Upgrade Initiative alongside the People’s Bank of China Shenzhen Branch and PayPal World.
The measures aim to simplify digital payment access for international visitors.
Expanding PayPal integration
Under a partnership between Tencent’s cross-border platform TenPay Global and PayPal World, PayPal users travelling in China can use their existing wallets.
They can scan or be scanned at tens of millions of Weixin Pay merchants.
The service will initially be available to US-based users before expanding to other markets.
“Through PayPal World’s partnership with TenPay Global, we are committed to ensuring that international visitors can enjoy frictionless payments using a wallet they already know and trust,”
said Otto Williams, Senior Vice President of PayPal World.
The initiative builds on Tencent’s earlier cross-border efforts, such as the integration of 36 overseas wallets into its network since 2018.
Fee waivers and tax refunds
Tencent is also offering a 90-day waiver on the 3% transaction fee. The waiver applies to first-time users who link an international bank card to WeChat.
This waiver applies to daily spending of up to RMB 1,000.
The company reported that transactions made by foreign travellers using Weixin Pay linked to international bank cards increased by nearly 80% year-on-year.
This was recorded between January and April 2026.
TenPay Global has partnered with domestic institutions to digitise departure tax refunds.
The service allows overseas e-wallet users to receive refunds directly into their preferred local wallets. This starts with WeChat Pay HK in Shenzhen.
To further support visitors, Weixin Pay has added in-app payment guidance in 16 languages. Tencent will provide offline support desks at major entry ports, airports, and commercial districts in Shenzhen.
“We hope tangible benefits and a friendlier experience will reflect the warmth of a host, and lower the cost for our international friends to pay while in China,”
said Daniel Hong, Vice President of Tencent Financial Technology.
Featured image credit: Edited by Fintech News Hong Kong, based on image by Tencent