diff --git a/gui/qt/main_window.py b/gui/qt/main_window.py
index a261e6db..e49e178e 100644
--- a/gui/qt/main_window.py
+++ b/gui/qt/main_window.py
@@ -768,7 +768,7 @@ class ElectrumWindow(QMainWindow):
     def save_payment_request(self):
         addr = str(self.receive_address_e.text())
         amount = self.receive_amount_e.get_amount()
-        message = str(self.receive_message_e.text())
+        message = unicode(self.receive_message_e.text())
         if not message and not amount:
             QMessageBox.warning(self, _('Error'), _('No message or amount'), _('OK'))
             return