Press Release 30 July 2025
Octopus Further Expands Cross-Border Payments:
Now Fully Supports All Weixin Pay QR Codes in Mainland China
Limited-Time Offer: Foreign Exchange Transaction Fees Waived Until 30 September
(Hong Kong, 30 July 2025) — Octopus Cards Limited (“Octopus”) has expanded its mainland China reach, allowing users to scan any Weixin Pay QR code across the country through a major app upgrade.
The enhancement connects Octopus users to millions of mainland merchants. Users can simply scan and pay with their Octopus app, from Beijing shopping centres to Guangzhou street vendors, Shenzhen taxis to small repair shops in Shanghai. Previously, Octopus supported only select Weixin Pay merchants since launching the feature last year.
This removes the final barrier for seamless cross-boundary payments as Hong Kong residents traveling north can now use one app for virtually any purchase scenario.
New Travel Page Streamlines Travel Services
Alongside the payment expansion, Octopus introduced a dedicated "Travel Corner" within its app. The section consolidates cross-boundary trip essentials. Users can book high-speed rail tickets, arrange ride-hailing services¹, and track spending history from a single interface.
The travel hub also provides quick access to Weixin Pay QR scanning and manages balances across Octopus' UnionPay card services, streamlining the typically fragmented experience of cross-border commerce.
Promotional Push Through September
To encourage adoption, Octopus waives all foreign exchange transaction fees until 30 September to coincide with summer travel season, when Hong Kong residents traditionally increase mainland visits for shopping and tourism.
¹ Ride-hailing services (beta) now available in Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia and Vietnam with plan to expand in other countries and regions.
Photo image:
Octopus introduced a dedicated "Travel Corner" within its app.
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