WeChat Pay Coming to the US

By Bridget O’Donnell

WeChatis teaming up with a Silicon Valley startup to bring its payment system to theUnited States.

TheTencent-owned company will partner withmobile payment firm Citcon to bring its services to the American market,China Dailyreports.

The service makes it easier for users to make payments inrenminbiwithout actual cash on hand. That will no doubt be welcome news to Chinese toursits visiting the United States, said to number3.1 million in 2014.

Chuck Huang, CEO of Citcon, welcomed the partnership, saying:

“Last year, over 100 million Chinese people traveled outside of China. Once they see this place can accept WeChat Pay, they can use their mobile phones. They certainly receive much warmer welcomes‍ from foreign countries.”

WeChat Pay is currently available in 15 countries and regions, covering payments in 12 different currencies. As many as300 million cardsare believedto be attached to the service.

WeChat is the world’s largest mobile messaging and social media platform with more than846 million users signed up through the end of 2016.

AsPeople’s Dailynotes, WeChat Pay and competitor Alipay already have presence in dozens of markets, including Japan, Finland, Singapore, Thailand,France, South Korea and India.

You May Also Like…

Russia Blocks WeChat, China’s Most Popular Social Media App

So Should You Really Change Your Chinese Bank Card?

Chongqing Metro Station in the Middle of Nowhere Goes Viral

For more China news, click “Read more” below.