Asia United Bank (AUB), one of the country’s leading digital banking innovators, has taken another bold step in 2025 by expanding the global acceptance of its e-wallet, HelloMoney. The service now works seamlessly in mainland China and nearly 60 other countries, giving more than six million HelloMoney users the ability to pay abroad by simply scanning QR codes supported by Alipay+.
For me, this expansion feels like a milestone not just for AUB but for every Filipino traveler. China, known as one of the most advanced QR-driven payment markets, is now within reach for HelloMoney users. This builds on its existing footprint in Japan, Hong Kong, South Korea, Malaysia, and Singapore. Just last December, HelloMoney added 48 countries to its network, including Australia, Switzerland, Turkey, the United States, and 30 destinations across Europe.
AUB president Manuel A. Gomez captured the spirit of this move when he said: “Our partnership with Alipay+ empowers Filipinos with unprecedented international payment access. With this expansion, HelloMoney is removing long-standing barriers in foreign travel and ensuring that every Filipino can enjoy safe and convenient digital payments abroad.”
From my perspective as a traveler, the convenience is clear. No more worrying about currency exchange or carrying bulky amounts of foreign cash. With HelloMoney, I can open the app, scan an Alipay+ QR code, and pay directly in Philippine pesos. Transactions are transparent, real-time, and secure—giving me control over my spending without hidden steps or currency confusion.
Wilfredo Rodriguez Jr., AUB’s executive vice president and head of IT and Operations, emphasized this mission: “HelloMoney was built to make everyday transactions simpler, and that mission extends to the way Filipinos move and pay around the world. By expanding our Scan-to-Pay feature to China and other countries with Alipay+, we are giving our users a safer and more seamless way to pay internationally, without the usual challenges of handling foreign cash.”
For millions of Filipinos, this rollout transforms HelloMoney from a local e-wallet into a true travel companion. It’s not just about payments—it’s about freedom, safety, and confidence when exploring new destinations.
AUB has made it clear that this is only the beginning. As international travel becomes increasingly digital, the bank aims to continuously enhance payment accessibility for Filipinos wherever they go.
With its growing acceptance network, secure Scan-to-Pay experience, and customer-first innovation, HelloMoney is shaping the future of travel. For me, it’s more than just an app—it’s a symbol of how Filipino resilience and innovation can make global journeys easier, safer, and, as AUB puts it, “as easy as saying hello.”
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