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December 30, 2025.
Shanghai-based online travel agency Trip.com has begun accepting USDT (Tether) and USDC (USD Coin) stablecoins for prepaid hotel and flight bookings on its international platform.
The feature targets overseas users in select markets, allowing payments via multiple blockchains while navigating China's strict cryptocurrency regulations.
Key Takeaways
- Trip.com accepts USDT and USDC for prepaid overseas hotel and flight bookings via Triple-A gateway.
- Feature available in select markets like Vietnam, offering up to 18% savings on flights.
- Payments support multiple blockchains for faster, lower-cost transactions.
- Excludes mainland China users due to PBOC crypto restrictions.
- Enhances privacy with minimal data required for bookings.
Development Details
Trip.com, the global brand of Ctrip Group, integrated stablecoin payments through Singapore-licensed payment gateway Triple-A.
Users can complete transactions using USDT or USDC on networks including Ethereum, TRON, Polygon, Solana, Arbitrum One, and TON.
The option appears dynamically during checkout for eligible prepaid bookings, based on user location and IP address. A Trip.com customer service representative confirmed the feature's rollout, noting it became available around October 2025 but gained wider notice in late December.
Practical tests conducted by reporters in Vietnam demonstrated successful bookings. One reporter completed a hotel reservation in Nha Trang and a flight from Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh City using USDT, with transactions processing in under 10 minutes.
Stablecoin payments required minimal personal information, typically just a name and email, for hotel bookings, enhancing privacy compared to traditional methods.
User Benefits and Incentives
Stablecoin payments offer lower effective prices in certain markets. Tests in Vietnam showed discounts of up to 18% on flights and 2.35% on hotels versus equivalent bookings on Ctrip's mainland China app or via fiat payment methods.
These savings stem from reduced intermediary fees and currency conversion costs. Stablecoins provide near-instant settlement and USD pegging, benefiting users in regions with volatile local currencies or limited access to international credit cards.
The streamlined process appeals to crypto holders seeking real-world utility, positioning Trip.com to capture demand in emerging markets where USDT serves as a de facto settlement tool amid currency depreciation.
Regulatory Context
The pilot excludes users in mainland China, aligning with Beijing's cryptocurrency restrictions. China's People's Bank of China (PBOC) maintains bans on crypto trading, mining, and related services, classifying cryptocurrencies as virtual commodities rather than legal tender.
In November 2025, the PBOC reiterated that stablecoins fail to meet anti-money-laundering standards. Financial institutions and payment providers remain prohibited from handling crypto transactions for mainland residents.
Trip.com's overseas focus allows compliance by limiting the feature to international users. This cautious approach mirrors strategies by other Chinese firms testing crypto applications offshore, avoiding direct conflict with domestic policy.
Broader Industry Implications
Trip.com joins a growing list of platforms integrating stablecoins for cross-border payments. Global stablecoin transaction volumes exceeded $9 trillion in 2025, driven by adoption in travel, e-commerce, and remittances.
The move highlights stablecoins' role in reducing friction for international bookings, particularly in high-inflation economies. Competitors may follow suit, accelerating mainstream crypto payment infrastructure.
Triple-A's involvement underscores the gateway's expansion, following partnerships with entities like Grab for crypto-to-fiat conversions.
Conclusion
Trip.com's stablecoin pilot represents a tactical expansion into crypto payments for global users, delivering cost savings and efficiency while adhering to China's regulatory boundaries.
This positions the platform to attract crypto-savvy travelers in volatile currency markets.
Read Next:
- Best Stablecoins for Cross-Border Payments in 2025
- The Role of Stablecoins in Monetary Policy Transmission
- The Neobank Transition Report
FAQs:
1. What stablecoins does Trip.com accept?
USDT (Tether) and USDC (USD Coin).
2. Which bookings qualify for stablecoin payments?
Prepaid hotel and flight reservations on the international Trip.com platform.
3. In which markets is the feature available?
Select overseas regions, such as Vietnam; availability depends on user IP and location. Not offered in mainland China.
4. What blockchains are supported?
Ethereum, TRON, Polygon, Solana, Arbitrum One, and TON.
5. Are there price advantages?
Yes, reported savings include 18% on flights and 2.35% on hotels in tested markets like Vietnam.
6. How does this comply with China's regulations?
The feature targets international users only, bypassing domestic crypto bans.
Disclaimer:
This content is provided for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, legal, or tax advice; no material herein should be interpreted as a recommendation, endorsement, or solicitation to buy or sell any financial instrument, and readers should conduct their own independent research or consult a qualified professional.
