Chinese financial services corporation, UnionPay International (UPI), has recently expanded acceptance across Europe, making its services available in over90% of European countries and regions.
UnionPay has steadily expanded its presence across Europe, with its cards now accepted at over 80% of merchants equipped with POS terminals. More than six million merchants also support UnionPay QuickPass contactless payments, making it easy to pay for everyday experiences like dining out, staying at hotels, shopping at supermarkets, exploring tourist attractions, or even hopping on public transport. Since its launch in 2005, QuickPass transactions have more than doubled in several European markets, reflecting the growing number of users and merchants embracing the service. This expansion is creating a truly seamless payment environment across the continent, offering both local residents and international travelers a secure and effortless way to pay wherever they go.
Several major retail and hospitality companies in the region have also integrated UnionPay into their services, including European airport duty-free stores, France’s Galeries Lafayette, the UK’s Harrods, Spain’s El Corte Inglés, and nine Value Retail premium outlets. You can also pay with your UnionPay cards or via mobile wallet at several dining experiences, from fine dining restaurants to fast-food chains and coffee shops. Looking for a luxurious stay? You can make bookings for rooms and other experiences with UnionPay at several major hotel group properties, including Four Seasons, Shangri-La, and Park Hyatt. UnionPay cardholders can also make payments at over 110,000 UK merchants through a partnership with Dojo.
UnionPay makes exploring Europe smoother than ever. Its services are seamlessly integrated into urban and intercity transport networks, as well as car rental services in travel hotspots like Germany, Spain, and Italy, perfect for those spontaneous road trips. Travelers can also use UnionPay to book tickets to some of Europe’s most iconicattractions, including the London Eye, Disneyland Paris, and Barcelona’s breathtaking Sagrada Família. Even everyday moments are covered, with around 40,000 Selecta vending machines across the continent now accepting UnionPay, making it easy to grab a quick drink or snack on the go.
UnionPay has also issued over one million cards across 13 countries, including Serbia, Italy, and Spain. Residents in Spain, France, Germany, and other European Economic Area (EEA) markets can apply for PecunPay UnionPay cards via the “Yi An” app, which can be used across UnionPay's European network and 183 countries and regions worldwide. It’s also compatible with Weixin Pay, a.k.a. WeChat Pay, and Alipay for QR code transactions, providing convenient payments for European travelers to China.
With visa-free agreements and more direct flights, China is fast becoming a top destination for European travelers. UPI is making the journey even smoother through its “Project Excellence,” which enhances payment convenience for inbound visitors. From seamless card acceptance across China to instant tax refunds on UnionPay cards in gateway cities like Beijing, Guangzhou, Chengdu, and Nanjing, travelers can enjoy a hassle-free experience from arrival to departure.
This strong payment network also benefits European merchants, attracting a growing number of global UnionPay cardholders, including Chinese tourists, with exclusive offers and partnerships. Beyond Europe, hundreds of millions of UnionPay cards are now issued in 83 countries and regions, powering cross-border travel and commerce worldwide, making transactions easier and more convenient all around.
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