Who are we

UnionPay International

UnionPay International (UPI) is the driving force behind the world’s largest cardholder base, connecting Mauritius to the global economy. We provide high-quality, cost effective and secure cross-border payment services tailored to the needs of modern consumers and businesses.

183

Global reach

Accepted in 183 countries and regions.

50

African nations

ATM and POS acceptance across 50 African nations.

12

Countries across Africa

Including Mauritius, now issue our cards, with the Mauritian cardholder base expanding rapidly.

Our brand promise is simple :

UnionPay Your Way. We put you in control, wherever your journey takes you.

Premium Cards for
Every Lifestyle

We’ve partnered with Mauritius’ premier banks to issue a tailored suite of cards. Find the one that matches your ambition:

ABC Banking

Designed for the global citizen, ABC Banking offers elite tiers packed with luxury travel and lifestyle benefits.

abc banking card

Diamond Card (The 1st in Africa):
Unlock the ultimate VIP experience. Enjoy access to over 800 airport lounges worldwide, international medical assistance, 24/7 concierge services and exclusive discounts through the UCollection program.

Get your card now >

State Bank of Mauritius (SBM)

Versatile, secure and rewarding options for daily use and smart travel.

State Bank of Mauritius (SBM)

Classic Cards:
Your reliable companion for secure online payments via the expansive UnionPay global network.

Get your card now >

Banque Patronus

Versatile, secure and rewarding options for daily use and smart travel.

Bank Patronus

Platinum Cards:
Bespoke financial tools offering high-net-worth clients seamless global spending power, elite security and premium banking convenience.

Get your card now >

Why Choose UnionPay
in Mauritius?

Stop worrying about payment barriers. A UnionPay card is the only tool you need to bridge the gap between local living and global commerce.

Acceptance

100% Local
Acceptance

Swipe or tap with total confidence as UnionPay is accepted everywhere in Mauritius.

Frictionless e-commerce

Frictionless
e-commerce

The absolute easiest way to shop online on major e-Commerce platforms across the world.

ironclad security

Ironclad
security

Shop and travel with peace of mind using 3D Secure technology and One-Time Password (OTP) identity verification.

convenience

Tap & Go
convenience

Fully enabled for swift, contactless Touch and Pay transactions

the ultimate travel hack

The ultimate
travel hack

One simple, unified payment method for stress-free transactions when traveling through the China-Africa corridor.

Nihao China APP

Nihao China is your all-in-one travel companion for visiting China. This single app gives international visitors everything they need to navigate the country effortlessly.

From secure mobile payments and travel bookings to destination guides and local lifestyle offers, Nihao China simplifies your journey so you can focus on exploring.

Download on App Store Download on Google Play

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - Mauritius

  • 1. What is UnionPay?

    UnionPay is a global payment network providing high-quality, cost-effective, and secure cross-border payment services to the world’s largest cardholder base. As a leading global brand, it is accepted in over 180 countries and regions around the world.

    2. What type of card is a UnionPay card?

    UnionPay offers a variety of products, mainly including Debit, Prepaid physical and virtual cards. In Mauritius, our Physical Debit cards are popular for their security and ease of use for both local and international transactions.

    3. What is the difference between UnionPay and Visa or Mastercard?

    While all three are global payment networks, UnionPay offers unique advantages in cross-border transactions, particularly in the Asia-Africa corridors. UnionPay often provides cardholders with exclusive merchant discounts and specialized value- added services that differ from other networks.

  • 4. Where can I get a UnionPay card in Mauritius?

    UnionPay cards are issued through our partner banks and financial institutions in Mauritius, such as ABC Banking, State Bank of Mauritius (SBM) and Banque Patronus.

    5. Is UnionPay accepted at local stores and ATMs in Mauritius?

    Yes. You can pay with your UnionPay card at the all local merchants and retail stores across Mauritius. You can also withdraw cash at most ATMs nationwide, including key business hubs like Ebene. Look for the UnionPay logo at the terminal or ATM.

    6. What are the fees for using my card in Mauritius?

    Fees are typically determined by your issuing bank. However, UnionPay is known for competitive currency conversion rates and transparent fee structures for international travelers and local users alike.

  • 7. Can I use UnionPay for online shopping?

    Absolutely. UnionPay is the absolute easiest way to shop online on major e-Commerce platforms across the world, such as Netflix, Shein, AliExpress, Temu. Simply select “UnionPay” at checkout and follow the secure payment prompts.

    8. Is UnionPay better than other cards for international travel?

    UnionPay is highly optimized for the global travelers. With extensive acceptance in major tourist destinations and business hubs, it provides a seamless experience for those who shop, dine, and travel internationally, often with lower transaction hurdles compared to other brands.

    9. How do I use my UnionPay card to pay at major global retailers?

    Whether shopping in-store or online, look for the UnionPay logo. For online transactions, you may be asked to enter your card number and complete a secure verification (OTP) sent to your registered mobile device.

  • 10. How does the payment method work for online security?

    We use advanced encryption and 3D Secure technology to ensure that every transaction is protected. Your peace of mind is our priority when you shop on global e-commerce sites.

HelloChina App & UnionPay

  • 1. What is the HelloChina (Nihao China) App?

    The HelloChina app is a one-stop digital service platform launched by UnionPay specifically for international visitors to China. It integrates essential travel services—such as payment, transportation, and cultural tourism—into a single user-friendly interface.

    2. How does the app work with UnionPay?

    The app acts as a digital gateway for your UnionPay cards. It allows you to link UnionPay cards issued outside of Mainland China (including those from Mauritius) to pay for services both online and offline throughout the country.

    3. How does this app differentiate our UnionPay card offering from competitors like Visa or Mastercard?

    While other schemes often rely on third-party digital wallets that can be complex for foreigners to register, the HelloChina app is a UnionPay-native solution. It provides seamless, “plug-and-play” access to China’s QR-dominant economy, giving your UnionPay portfolio a distinct competitive advantage for the high-value “Business Traveler” segment.

  • 4. Can I use the HelloChina app if my card is not from China?

    Yes. A key feature of the app is its support for “top-ups” and direct linking of UnionPay cards issued in over 83 countries and regions. In addition to UnionPay, the app also supports certain international card schemes to ensure seamless entry for all travelers.

  • 5. How do I pay for public transport using HelloChina?

    The app enables “Mobile QuickPass” and QR code functionality for public transit. You can use it to access subway systems and bus services in major Chinese cities without needing to purchase physical tokens or local transit cards.

    6. Does the app help with local navigation and discovery?

    UnionPay is highly optimized for the global travelers. With extensive acceptance in major tourist destinations and business hubs, it provides a seamless experience for those who shop, dine, and travel internationally, often with lower transaction hurdles compared to other brands.

  • 7. Can I download and set up the app before I leave Mauritius?

    Yes, it is highly recommended to download the app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store and link your Mauritian UnionPay card (such as those issued by ABC Banking, SBM or Banque Paronus) before your trip to ensure immediate connectivity upon arrival.

    8. Are there any specific benefits for Mauritian cardholders?

    Mauritian users can take advantage of UnionPay’s competitive foreign exchange rates. Additionally, by using the HelloChina app, you gain access to exclusive merchant discounts and “lifestyle” modules in China such as discounts for dining, transport as well as site seeing—that were previously difficult for international tourists to access.

  • 9. How does the HelloChina app help me at the Canton Fair?

    The Canton Fair is massive and can be overwhelming. By using the Nihao China app at the Canton Fair, you will enjoy:

    • Exclusive Transport Discounts: You can use the app to pay via UnionPay for Guangzhou Metro rides for as low as ¥0.01.
    • “Fair2City” Benefits: The app supports the “Fair2City” initiative, which offers over 50 exclusive discounts for Canton Fair attendees across five categories, including shopping (up to 70% off), dining, and leisure.
    • Convenient Payment Setup: It facilitates easy, secure, and instant QR-code payments by allowing you to link your overseas UnionPay card.

    10. Can I use the app to pay for small wholesale samples?

    Yes. Many smaller vendors at the fair or in local wholesale markets (like those in Yiwu or Guangzhou) prefer QR code payments. By linking your Mauritian UnionPay card to the app, you can scan and pay instantly, avoiding the need to carry large amounts of cash.

  • 11. How do I manage my purchasing budget within the app?

    The app allows you to track your spending in real-time. For a business owner, this is crucial for:

    • Expense Tracking: Seeing exactly how much you have spent on samples, logistics, and travel.
    • Currency Conversion: Viewing the conversion from Chinese Yuan (CNY) back to your local currency (e.g., ZAR, MUR, KES, GHS) instantly at UnionPay’s competitive rates.
  • 12. I don’t speak Mandarin. How can I negotiate with suppliers?

    The HelloChina app includes a Real-Time Translation tool. You can use the voice-to-text feature to negotiate prices and specifications with suppliers at the Canton Fair. The app also features an OCR (Optical Character Recognition) Scanner to translate business cards, contracts, and product catalogs instantly.

    13. Does the app help with business “Verification” or “Trust”?

    While the app doesn’t perform full factory audits, using the UnionPay ecosystem adds a layer of security. Paying via the app creates a digital paper trail of your transactions, which is much safer and easier to track than untraceable cash payments for deposit receipts.

  • 14. How do I get around Guangzhou and other manufacturing hubs?

    The app integrates with local transportation networks. You can:

    • Book e-Hailing Services: Similar to Uber, but integrated for the local market.
    • Subway QR Codes: No need to stand in long queues for tokens at the Guangzhou Metro; simply scan your app at the turnstile.
  • 15. Is my data secure when using the HelloChina app?

    The app utilizes UnionPay’s global security standards, including advanced encryption and real-time fraud monitoring. All transactions are protected by the same rigorous protocols as physical UnionPay card transactions.

    16. Is it safe to link my business bank account to the app?

    The HelloChina app uses bank-grade encryption and multi-factor authentication (MFA). Since the app is built on the UnionPay network, your card details are tokenized, meaning the actual card number is never shared with the merchant or the supplier.

  • 1. What is the HelloChina App’s primary objective in our partnership?

    The HelloChina app is designed to eliminate the “payment friction” often experienced by international cardholders in Mainland China. By offering a localized digital interface, it encourages higher transaction frequency and larger basket sizes among your cardholders when they travel, directly increasing your interchange revenue.

    2. Does the app require additional technical integration from the issuing bank?

    No. The app leverages the existing UnionPay 3D Secure (3DS) and tokenization infrastructure. As long as your cards are enabled for international online transactions, your cardholders can link their cards to the HelloChina app without any further development on your side.

    3. How does the app address AML and KYC requirements?

    The HelloChina app adheres to stringent global and Chinese regulatory standards. User identity verification is handled within the app’s secure environment, ensuring that all cross-border flows facilitated through the app remain compliant with international AML (Anti-Money Laundering) protocols.

Ready to Unlock
Global Access?

Fill out the form below and our partner banks will contact you with the next steps.

Registration Form