More Chinese tourists are returning to Canada, and many of them are heading straight for the places that define our local flavour: wineries in the Okanagan, distilleries in Alberta, and boutique liquor stores across B.C. and Ontario.
These travellers expect to pay the same way they do at home—with a quick scan of a QR code using Alipay, WeChat Pay, or UnionPay. That’s why more Canadian alcohol retailers are starting to ask:
Is it worth it to accept cross-border payments?
Not as a trend—but as a way to serve more customers, sell more product, and stay one step ahead.
What Happens When You Offer QR Payment?
You give your customers what they already use, and in return, you earn their trust, and their business.
We’ve seen liquor stores, tasting rooms, and wine boutiques increase average order value simply by offering familiar payment methods. When people don’t have to think twice about how they’ll pay, they’re more likely to buy that second bottle, try the limited-edition release, or pick up a gift set.
And with services like UnionPay QR and Alipay, the transactions are seamless. Customers pay in RMB, and merchants receive CAD to avoid exchange fees.
A Practical Addition to Your Current System
Integrating cross-border payments is more than just a convenience for international shoppers. It’s also a practical way to improve the customer experience and remove barriers to purchase.
For many visitors, especially from China, seeing familiar payment logos like Alipay, WeChat Pay, or UnionPay QR at checkout signals that they can transact confidently, without currency confusion or added fees. It also streamlines operational details, such as generating receipts in multiple languages or supporting tax refund documentation when applicable.
These minor additions help streamline the purchasing experience without disrupting your existing operations.
Simple Integration
AlphaPay’s payment solutions are built to work with the systems many Canadian retailers already use, including Clover, Moneris, Chase, and others. Implementation is fast, with no hardware overhaul required.
We provide branded signage, onboarding support, and staff training to ensure a seamless transition. There are no long-term contracts, and the pricing is transparent.
What Else You Gain by Going Global
UnionPay and Alipay regularly offer promotional programs for international shoppers such as seasonal discounts or holiday campaigns. Participating merchants benefit from increased visibility and foot traffic, with minimal effort required.
AlphaPay helps businesses access these programs, offering an additional layer of marketing value tied directly to customer conversion.
What This Means for You
Cross-border mobile payments are no longer limited to airports or large franchises. They’re becoming standard in retail environments that serve global customers—including wineries, distilleries, and liquor stores across Canada.
For businesses located in high-traffic tourist areas or targeting international shoppers, enabling QR-based payments isn’t just worth considering—it’s a smart, low-effort way to support growth, meet expectations, and compete on a global scale.
Get in touch with us to see how this could fit your business!
