Alipay+ Expands Cross-Border QR Payments Across Argentina, Connecting Global Travelers With Millions of Merchants
Alipay+, the global digital payment gateway operated by Ant International, is expanding access to cross-border digital payments in Argentina through a new integration with the country’s national interoperable QR payment scheme, Transferencias 3.0.
The initiative, developed in partnership with PVS, a Latin American fintech company specializing in customized payment solutions, will allow international travelers to use participating Alipay+ partner payment apps to make QR code payments at millions of merchants across Argentina.
The collaboration represents another step toward creating a more connected and interoperable global payments ecosystem. By linking international digital wallets and banking applications with Argentina’s national QR payment infrastructure, the initiative is designed to make digital payments more convenient for travelers while creating additional opportunities for local businesses.
Under the new arrangement, travelers from international markets will be able to use participating Alipay+ partner apps to scan the national QR code displayed by merchants across Argentina. The payment experience is designed to be similar to the digital payment process consumers already use in their home markets.
The service will enable travelers to make payments at a wide range of locations, including restaurants, shopping malls, tourist attractions and other retail establishments.
For international visitors, the ability to use familiar digital payment applications can reduce the need to carry cash or navigate unfamiliar local payment systems. For merchants, the integration provides an opportunity to accept payments from international customers through existing QR code infrastructure.
Connecting Global Wallets to Argentina’s Digital Payment Ecosystem
Alipay+ has developed a broad global network connecting more than 150 million merchants with over 50 digital wallets and banking applications worldwide.
The platform reaches approximately 2 billion user accounts and continues to expand its network through partnerships with financial institutions, digital wallet providers, payment service providers and national QR payment schemes.
The merchant network includes businesses connected through more than 10 national QR payment schemes across Asia and the Middle East.
The expansion into Argentina builds on this broader strategy of connecting local payment ecosystems with international digital financial services.
Alipay+ partner payment apps will be enabled for cross-border payments in Argentina in phases. As additional partners are added, more international travelers will be able to use their preferred digital wallets and banking applications to make payments throughout the country.
The initiative could be particularly beneficial for small and medium-sized businesses. Rather than requiring merchants to adopt entirely new payment systems, the integration allows them to continue using existing QR acceptance infrastructure while gaining access to a broader base of international customers.
This approach can help reduce barriers to cross-border digital payments and make it easier for local businesses to participate in international tourism spending.
Transferencias 3.0 Provides National QR Infrastructure
Argentina has developed one of the most advanced mobile payment ecosystems in Latin America, with QR code payments becoming an important part of everyday commerce.
At the center of the country’s interoperable digital payment infrastructure is Transferencias 3.0, the national instant payment system developed by the Central Bank of the Argentine Republic, or BCRA.
The system allows consumers to make payments by scanning a single interoperable QR code using participating digital wallets or banking applications.
This interoperability is important because it enables customers to pay merchants without requiring both parties to use the same financial institution or payment application.
By connecting Alipay+ partner applications with Transferencias 3.0 through PVS, international travelers can access Argentina’s established QR payment network using payment applications they already know.
The integration demonstrates how domestic payment infrastructure can be connected to international digital payment networks to support cross-border commerce.
New Opportunities for Merchants
The partnership is expected to provide local merchants with new opportunities to serve international visitors.
Argentina attracts tourists from around the world, including travelers from Asia, Europe, North America and other regions. As international tourism continues to evolve, travelers increasingly expect digital payment options that are fast, convenient and familiar.
The ability to use a preferred digital wallet while traveling can improve the customer experience and potentially encourage greater spending at local businesses.
For merchants, international payment acceptance can create opportunities to serve more customers without requiring major changes to their existing payment infrastructure.
Lucio Colunga, Chief Executive Officer of PVS, said payment experiences must continue to evolve as consumer behavior changes.
“The way people pay is changing rapidly, and merchants need payment experiences that evolve at the same pace,” Colunga said.
He added that the partnership with Alipay+ will provide merchants across Latin America with access to one of the world’s largest digital payment ecosystems.
According to Colunga, the network connects businesses with more than 2 billion user accounts globally, allowing international travelers to pay using wallets they already know and trust.
He also said the partnership could create new growth opportunities for businesses across the region and contribute to the development of a more connected and interoperable global payments ecosystem.
Supporting Tourism and Inbound Spending
The expansion of cross-border digital payments in Argentina comes at a time when payment convenience is becoming increasingly important to international tourism.
Travelers often face challenges when using payment systems in foreign countries, including currency conversion, cash requirements and unfamiliar payment applications.
By enabling international visitors to use their existing digital wallets, cross-border payment platforms can reduce friction during the travel experience.
Weixiao Jiang, General Manager for North Asia and the Americas at Alipay+, Ant International, said Argentina’s highly interoperable digital payment ecosystem provides a strong foundation for seamless digital commerce.
“We’re honoured to integrate with the national QR payment scheme through the partnership with PVS,” Jiang said.
The initiative is designed to connect travelers from key international markets with a broad network of merchants across Argentina.
Jiang added that the partnership could help boost spending by inbound visitors and support the country’s tourism economy while creating more opportunities for local businesses.
The ability to make payments digitally at restaurants, shopping centers, tourist destinations and other locations could contribute to a smoother travel experience and encourage broader adoption of cashless transactions.
Partnership Builds on Earlier Latin American Expansion
The latest initiative follows an earlier partnership between Alipay+ and PVS announced in May 2026.
That partnership focused on rolling out cross-border mobile payment services in Argentina and Chile.
The latest integration with Argentina’s national QR payment scheme represents a further expansion of that collaboration and demonstrates the companies’ broader focus on developing cross-border payment connectivity across Latin America.
Ant International has also expanded its presence in the region through other partnerships and initiatives.
In March 2026, the company became the official sponsor of the Argentina National Football Team for the Asia region, excluding the Middle East.
The sponsorship provides Ant International with an additional platform to connect with consumers and strengthen its visibility across key markets.
Beyond Argentina, Ant International is continuing to develop partnerships with local and global payment service providers, fintech companies and digital platforms throughout Latin America.
These initiatives are intended to expand access to cross-border payments and support broader financial inclusion for businesses and consumers.
Recent initiatives have included the co-launch of a digital wallet and continued development of digital payment capabilities in Mexico.
The company has also worked to expand access to financing for underserved small and medium-sized businesses and individuals in Brazil.
Ant International Expands Digital Financial Services
Ant International processes more than 20 million transactions on average each day and operates as a global provider of digital payments, digitization and financial technology solutions.
The company supports financial institutions and merchants of different sizes across Asia, Europe and the Americas.
Its solutions cover a wide range of financial services, including payment and account services, embedded credit, treasury management and artificial intelligence-powered financial innovations.
The company’s strategy is focused on helping businesses and financial institutions participate in the global digital economy.
Cross-border payments represent a major part of this strategy, particularly as consumers increasingly rely on digital wallets and mobile banking applications for everyday transactions.
The expansion of digital payment connectivity can also support merchants that want to serve international customers without investing in multiple separate payment systems.
NFC Payments Expand Cross-Border Options
In addition to QR code payments, Alipay+ is also expanding cross-border payment options through near-field communication, or NFC, technology.
Through a partnership with Mastercard, Alipay+ NFC enables users to make contactless payments at Mastercard-enabled merchants around the world.
The service initially includes users of AlipayHK, GCash and Kakao Pay.
NFC payments are available at Mastercard-enabled merchants in Argentina, Brazil, Mexico and other markets across Latin America.
The expansion of both QR and NFC payment capabilities gives travelers additional ways to make digital payments internationally.
QR payments can be particularly useful in markets where interoperable national QR systems are widely used, while NFC payments provide a convenient contactless experience at compatible payment terminals.
Together, the two technologies support the broader development of an international digital payment ecosystem.
Toward a More Connected Payments Environment
The partnership between Alipay+, PVS and Argentina’s Transferencias 3.0 system highlights the growing importance of interoperability in global payments.
As digital wallets become increasingly popular in different countries, consumers are seeking the ability to use their preferred payment applications when traveling abroad.
At the same time, merchants are looking for ways to accept international payments without having to manage a growing number of separate systems.
Interoperable payment networks can help address both needs.
By connecting local QR payment infrastructure with international digital wallets, payment providers can help reduce friction for consumers and increase the potential customer base for merchants.
For Argentina, the initiative provides an opportunity to connect its advanced domestic digital payment ecosystem with a broader international network.
For Alipay+, the partnership expands the reach of its global digital payment gateway into another important Latin American market.
For PVS, the collaboration reinforces its role as a provider of customized payment infrastructure and solutions for businesses across the region.
As cross-border travel, e-commerce and digital commerce continue to grow, partnerships such as this are likely to become increasingly important.
The integration of Alipay+ partner payment apps with Argentina’s national QR payment infrastructure represents a significant step toward more seamless international digital payments.
By enabling travelers to pay at millions of merchants using familiar digital wallets, the initiative aims to improve the customer experience, support tourism spending and create new opportunities for local businesses.
At the same time, the collaboration reflects a broader shift in the global payments industry toward interoperable platforms that connect domestic payment systems with international digital financial services.
As Ant International continues expanding its partnerships across Latin America and other regions, the company is positioning Alipay+ as a key bridge between local merchant networks and the growing global digital wallet economy.
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