According to the estimates of China Tourism Academy, 7 million Chinese tourists 
choose to spend the 2019 Chinese New Year Holiday in about 90 countries and 
regions outside mainland China. So far, the UnionPay acceptance network has 
expanded to 174 countries and regions, covering almost all the destinations of 
Chinese tourists. 200,000 merchants outside the Chinese Mainland accept 
UnionPay QR code payment, driving the amount of UnionPay QR code payment 
increase significantly year on year during the Holiday.

Eturbonews.com, a US travel news website, reported that with the continuous 
expansion of the UnionPay acceptance network, it is more convenient than ever 
before for Chinese tourists to travel overseas. To date, UnionPay is accepted 
at more than 26 million merchants outside the mainland China, including an 
increasing number of merchants catering for independent travelers. For example, 
UnionPay is accepted at over 70% of the hotels of the top 10 hotel brands as 
well as all the five major car rental brands.

Due to its increasing card acceptance scenarios, the number of UnionPay's 
active merchants outside mainland has increased by about 30% in 2018. Chinese 
tourists are more confident in using UnionPay cards. In answer to the changes 
in Chinese tourists' payment habits, more markets are accepting UnionPay mobile 
payment products to attract Chinese customers. To date, UnionPay cardholders 
can enjoy UnionPay mobile payment services in 46 countries and regions 
worldwide. The Hong Kong Victoria Park Annual Market, which is popular among 
local residents as well as tourists, has accepted UnionPay QR code payment 
service and has launched special discounts for customers who pay with UnionPay 
QR code payment.

Many cardholders have also received "red packets" offered by UnionPay. During 
the Spring Festival Holiday season, tens of thousands of merchants in 30 
popular destinations are providing up to 30%-off special discounts for UnionPay 
cardholders. After shopping overseas, UnionPay cardholders can experience the 
convenient UnionPay Tax Refund Service, which covers more than 300,000 
merchants in 44 countries and regions. UnionPay offers various options: Early 
Tax Refund, Tax Refund at Airport/Port, and Tax Refund Back in China. The 
refund will be debited in RMB to selected UnionPay cards with no currency 
conversion. UnionPay cardholders can also enjoy special privileges when using 
UnionPay Tax Refund during the Spring Festival.

SOURCE: UnionPay International