On August 11, 2026, PayPal said US PayPal users can now pay in stores at Weixin Pay merchants across China by QR code, straight from the PayPal app. No extra app, local wallet or Chinese bank account is needed. The link runs through PayPal World, PayPal’s cross-border wallet network, and TenPay Global, Tencent’s cross-border payment platform.
What changed
- Newin-store QR payments at Weixin Pay merchants in China from the US PayPal app
- FromAugust 11, 2026 (“available today”)
- WhoUS PayPal users traveling in China
- Howscan the merchant’s QR code, or show a PayPal in-app QR code where supported
Source: PayPal Newsroom, August 11, 2026 · Checked on September 27, 2026
Why it matters
PayPal notes that QR codes are the everyday way to pay in China, from malls and restaurants to convenience stores. This lets a US traveler pay from a PayPal balance instead of setting up a local wallet or bank account.
PayPal’s own checklist tells travelers to load the PayPal balance before the trip and to turn on Auto Reload for top-ups, so plan the funding step before you land rather than at the register.
What to do
- Update the PayPal app to the latest version before departure.
- Load your PayPal balance ahead of time and consider Auto Reload, as PayPal suggests.
- Turn on location services and look at the in-store payment screen before you need it.
- Check the amount and currency before you confirm each payment.
If a top-up or payment shows as pending, see our guide to PayPal payment pending.
