Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Mainfin Bank –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
How will QR code payments work in China?
The launch of payments via QR codes in China is expected to take place in 2026 – the management has not specified the exact dates. VTB It hasn't been announced yet. However, we already know how the technology will work:
Russian and Chinese QR codes will be matched. The customer will need to open the VTB app in the store and scan the QR code from the terminal. The system will send a request to the bank for a secure payment. A successful transaction message will appear on the terminal, completing the purchase.
The service is essential for Russian tourists in China, as traditional bank card payments are restricted abroad: Visa and MasterCard have left due to Russian sanctions, and UnionPay has been suspended. banks from Russia operates in other countries with significant restrictions.
In which other countries is VTB Bank's service available?
China isn't the only country where VTB Bank offers QR code payments to Russians. The financial institution previously launched a similar service in Vietnam. The service operates through the Russian-Vietnamese Bank and is available in 3,000 stores across the country (primarily in tourist areas).
"We continue to develop payment infrastructure in countries popular with Russian tourists: in Vietnam, we plan to expand the coverage area for QR code payments," said VTB CEO Andrey Kostin.
The technology has already been implemented in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan; the list of countries where VTB provides the service may expand in the future. Sberbank, which previously launched payments via Sber Online in Belarus, Azerbaijan, Vietnam, China, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan. However, the availability of QR code payments depends on the merchant.
09:00 09.12.2025
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