Alipay+ links Argentina to global digital payments
Argentina’s national QR payment system will soon accept cross-border digital payments from travelers using Alipay+ partner wallets, giving millions of merchants access to new customers.
The integration links Alipay+, a global payment gateway run by Ant International, with Transferencias 3.0, Argentina’s interoperable instant payment network created by the Central Bank. PVS, a Latin American fintech that builds payment solutions, arranged the partnership.
Users of over 50 global digital wallets and banking apps connected to Alipay+ will scan Argentina’s national QR codes at restaurants, shopping centers, and tourist spots. The setup works the same way travelers pay at home, removing the need for cash or local apps.
Millions of merchants, one QR code
Argentina’s mobile payment system ranks among the world’s most advanced, with QR transactions part of everyday commerce. Transferencias 3.0 lets consumers pay with any participating wallet or bank app by scanning a single QR code—now including Alipay+ partner apps for international transactions.
Alipay+ connects 150 million merchants to over 2 billion user accounts worldwide. The merchant network includes those connected through over 10 national QR schemes across Asia and the Middle East. The move into Argentina is its first major step into Latin America’s shared payment networks.
Lucio Colunga, CEO of PVS, said merchants need payment methods that keep pace with consumer habits. “Through our collaboration with Alipay+, we provide businesses across Latin America access to one of the largest digital payment networks, connecting them with more than 2 billion user accounts worldwide,” he stated.
Local stores keep their existing QR setups while reaching more shoppers. Small vendors especially gain from extra foot traffic without buying new equipment.
Tourism and economic impact
Officials expect the change to increase spending by visitors, a vital part of Argentina’s tourism sector. The country has faced currency controls and cash dependence, making payments difficult for foreigners.
Related: Swift Teams with Itaú to Accelerate Brazil Transfers
Weixiao Jiang, General Manager for North Asia and the Americas at Alipay+, called Argentina’s interoperable system a strong base for digital commerce. “We’re honored to integrate with the national QR payment scheme through the partnership with PVS. By connecting travellers from key international markets with a broad network of merchants, we hope to help boost inbound visitor spending, supporting the country’s tourism economy while bringing more opportunities for local businesses,” he said.
The timing matches broader efforts to update Argentina’s financial tools. The Central Bank has focused on instant payments, with Transferencias 3.0 handling an average of over 20 million daily transactions. Ant International, which owns Alipay+, supports financial institutions and merchants globally with digital payment solutions.
Ant International has worked in Argentina before. In March 2026, it became the Argentina National Football Team’s official sponsor for Asia, excluding the Middle East. Beyond Argentina, Ant International is expanding partnerships in Latin America, including initiatives in Mexico.
The shift shows how national QR systems can open doors for global transactions. For Argentina, it may ease tourist payments while helping local merchants compete in a region where digital adoption varies.
Obstacles remain. Currency swings and regulations have slowed cross-border payment advances in Latin America. Argentina’s inflation, which recently topped 200%, adds another hurdle. Yet the Central Bank’s support for Transferencias 3.0 signals confidence in digital infrastructure as a stabilizing tool.
The phased launch will start in major cities before spreading nationwide. No exact date was given, but officials said the service should be fully active by early 2027.
This latest initiative follows Alipay+’s partnership with PVS in May 2026 to roll out cross-border mobile payment service in Argentina and Chile.
Most Americans now use AI tools for shopping, a trend that mirrors the growing reliance on digital payment methods like those expanding in Argentina.
