NCB launches cross-border QR code payment solution for international customers

In the context of a strong rebound in international travel, convenient payment options for foreign visitors are becoming a key factor affecting the attractiveness and revenue of destinations. According to the Statistics Office, in 2025 Vietnam welcomed about 21.2 million international visitors, up 20% from the previous year. Mainland China was the largest source market, with over 5.28 million arrivals in 2025, up 41% from 2024 and accounting for 25% of the total market share of visitors to Vietnam.

Along with this growth, tourist spending experiences have evolved. Domestic and international travelers increasingly prefer cashless payments, especially via QR codes and e-wallets. A smoother shopping experience can therefore encourage spending decisions and increase transaction value.

NCB and NAPAS launch cross-border QR payments for international wallets

To respond to this trend, Vietnam Joint Stock Commercial Bank (NCB) in collaboration with the Vietnam Payments Corporation (NAPAS) launched the cross-border QR payment solution VIETQRGlobal. The solution allows merchants in Vietnam to accept payments from multiple international wallets using a single QR code.

NCB said the payment process is executed directly in the customer’s app. The system automatically handles the transaction, converts exchange rates, and records payments in real time, aiming to make the experience fast, accurate, and seamless.

Connected markets and planned expansion

The solution has been connected to multiple markets, including:

• China (Alipay, UnionPay)
• Korea (GLN, Hana Financial Group, Naver Pay)
• Thailand
• Laos
• Cambodia

NCB also stated that it is expanding to Japan and Singapore.

In addition, NCB said it will continue expanding two-way payments in the future, allowing NCB customers to use the NCB iziMobile app to scan QR codes for payments in other countries, creating a more modern and convenient payment experience.

Use at tourism sites and benefits for businesses

NCB said VIETQRGlobal is now widely used at Sun World amusement parks across three regions, as well as at Sun Group resorts including Capella Hanoi; Oakwood Ha Long; Serena Resort; InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort; Novotel Da Nang Premier Han River; and Ba Na Hills Golf Club (Da Nang).

It is also used at JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa, La Festa Phu Quoc, and Eschuri Vung Bau Golf (Phu Quoc), along with Sun PhuQuoc Airways and other payment-accepting facilities within the network.

Beyond improving payment convenience for international visitors, NCB said the solution helps merchants manage cash flow and monitor revenue more easily. With a single QR code, small businesses do not need to integrate multiple systems or reconcile manually. Transactions are recorded immediately and transparently.

NCB added that the service supports easy onboarding for merchants, stores, and businesses, helping reduce operating costs and enabling the use of modern digital payment methods. The bank said this contributes to sustainable revenue growth.

Impact on tourism and digital economy development

NCB and NAPAS said the initiative supports digital economy development by turning transactions into experiences and payments into a competitive advantage for Vietnam in tourism. The bank also stated it is partnering with tourism businesses at destinations to maximize international traveler flows, from increasing revenue to enhancing the visitor experience.

NCB said it will continue developing safe and convenient payment solutions aligned with global digital consumption habits, aiming to improve tourism service quality in Vietnam and support the business community toward sustainable growth.

For more information, customers can visit the NCB website, contact NCB branches nationwide, or call Hotline (028) 38 216 216 - 1800 6166.