PayPal users allowed to pay via WeChat's merchant network in China

Video by Wang Haolan

International PayPal users visiting China can now make payments through the WeChat Pay QR-code merchant network, according to an announcement at the 20th Shenzhen International Financial Expo (FINEXPO), which opened in Futian District yesterday.

Representatives from Tencent and partner organizations attend the launch ceremony for Tencent’s inbound payment service upgrade initiative at the Shenzhen International Financial Expo (FINEXPO) yesterday. Photos courtesy of WeChat Pay unless otherwise stated

Tencent Financial Technology said that the service is initially available for U.S. Paypal users, with plans for a phased rollout to other international markets in the future.

The initiative is powered by a partnership between TenPay Global, the cross-border payment arm of Shenzhen-based social media and gaming giant Tencent Holdings, and PayPal World, a global platform connecting payment systems and digital wallets.

The integration simplifies the purchasing process for international visitors, allowing them to leverage WeChat Pay’s extensive QR-code merchant network across China.

The move marks a significant step in cross-border digital payments as China continues to expand payment access for overseas visitors and international consumers.

Tencent is also introducing incentives to encourage the use of foreign bank cards linked to WeChat Pay. These measures include temporary fee waivers that will remain in effect through 2026.

Tencent said it will further expand language support and on-the-ground assistance for international users in Shenzhen ahead of the APEC meeting scheduled for November.

A snapshot from a Tencent promotional video demonstrates how international PayPal users can make payments through WeChat Pay’s QR-code merchant network in China.

China’s digital payment industry is primarily dominated by Ant Group’s Alipay and Tencent’s WeChat Pay. The two platforms support a wide range of daily transactions across retail, transportation, and services in what is considered the world’s largest mobile payment market.

WeChat has evolved into a broader “super app” ecosystem developed by Tencent. The platform combines messaging, social networking, and digital payments into a single application and has more than 1.3 billion active users.

WeChat also offers features such as voice notes, video calling, and built-in real-time text translation, which are widely used by international users.

The app also includes “Mini Programs,” which allow users to access services such as shopping, ride booking, and gaming without downloading separate applications.

Staff members demonstrate inbound mobile payment services to an international visitor. Photo courtesy of People's Bank of China

PayPal operates as a digital wallet and online payment platform that allows users to send and receive money without directly sharing banking or card information with merchants.

The platform enables users to connect bank accounts or credit cards to make purchases, transfer money, and manage international business transactions.