MANILA, Philippines (Sep 2026) : Small street vendors, local cafes, and neighborhood shops across the country can now collect digital payments from international tourists without buying extra equipment. Through a new integration between Philippine Payments Management, Inc. (PPMI) and Ant International’s global gateway Alipay+, foreign travelers can scan national QR Ph codes using their preferred home e-wallets and banking apps.
More sales for micro and small businesses
Local merchants, especially micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), can accept cross-border payments right out of the box. Store owners do not need to generate new display prints or register for separate international payment processors. The system works directly with existing QR Ph codes already displayed at cash registers nationwide.
This shift opens doors for Pinoy entrepreneurs to capture spending from tourists and returning overseas travelers. Visitors can pay in their native currencies while local shopkeepers receive the funds in pesos through their regular merchant accounts.
Supporting national digital goals
The initiative aligns with the digital payments transformation goals set by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). By connecting the national QR network to international wallet networks, the project helps integrate small Pinoy businesses into the global digital economy.
Note: Specific transaction fee structures and merchant commission rates were not disclosed in the official announcement.
