To further accommodate overseas travelers in payment with a better payment environment, demonstration zones of payment service for overseas visitors, jointly established by the People’s Bank of China (PBC) and the People’s Government of Beijing Municipality, were put into operation yesterday at the Capital International Airport and Daxing International Airport. It allows easy cash exchange in 20 foreign currencies through self-service machines and payment via various channels at designated merchants. In addition, the demonstration zones will be equipped with staff to provide change for foreign visitors purchasing tickets for the Capital Airport Express.

Photo by Bai Jikai

Mobile payment – linking foreign cards to local payment apps

The Payment Service Center, located right across Gate B of International/Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan (Regional) Arrivals on the second floor of Beijing Capital International Airport, has made its debut, offering payment service assistance and guidance to foreign visitors upon their arrival. The electronic screen displays various payment methods and scenarios in China, with passengers frequently approaching for inquiries and taking away promotional leaflets.

“Mobile payment is very convenient in China,” said Mike, a traveler from the United States. Nowadays, it is easy to scan and pay by simply downloading Alipay or WeChat and linking the card, without having to exchange a large amount of cash when arriving at the airport as in the past. It is convenient to pay by card or cash as well.

In recent years, the booming mobile payment in China has become almost ubiquitous in people’s daily lives. However, such an environment and relevant facilities have proven to be challenging to many overseas visitors who are traditional card or banknote users. In response, the PBC has leveraged China’s edge in mobile payment to remove the barriers for foreign users. Specifically, it has guided Alipay, Tenpay, China UnionPay, and NetsUnion Clearing Corporation (NUCC) to introduce products that enable foreigners to pay by linking their cards to China’s payment apps or with their overseas e-wallets, along with innovative e-CNYservices. These efforts aim to offer secure, convenient, and diverse payment options for inbound travelers.

According to statistics, in 2023, millions of foreign visitors have enjoyed greater convenience by using mobile payment. In particular, the fourth quarter of that year has seen an upsurge in the volume of mobile payment transactions by inbound travelers, with a total of 35 million transactions amounting to 5 billion yuan.

Acceptance of international cards at POS and cash exchange at ATMs

On the fourth floor of the Capital International Airport, bookstores, shops selling cultural and creative products, among many others, have set up signs on their counters showing that they accept multiple payment methods, including cash, e-CNY, UnionPay, VISA, Mastercard, Alipay, and WeChat. “Customers from abroad are big fans of cultural and creative products with Beijing elements, and many of them favor cards or mobile payments. We are at their service if they have any payment problems,” said a staff member at the Tuye Arrivals.

Considering inbound visitors’ preference for card payment, the PBC has also propelled the adaptation of POS terminals at major sites frequented by international guests, such as airports, hotels, and scenic spots, so that foreign bank cards can be by local more merchants. For example, the Capital International Airport has largely achieved full acceptance of overseas bank cards, making card transactions more convenient.

For cash payers, the PBC has provided more convenient currency exchange services through channels like bank branches, ATMs, and foreign currency exchange facilities. For example, at the counter of the Payment Service Center, “red change purses” , each containing 100 yuan in several tens and fives, have become widely popular. Next to the counter are ticket vending machines for the Capital Airport Express, allowing overseas visitors to change money before buying tickets.

Upgrade payment services in key scenarios

According to relevant information, under the guidance of the PBC, over 3,000 bank branches in Beijing, Shanghai, and other key regions have refined account opening procedures and introduced multilingual support. This has further improved account services and made account opening smoother. Statistics reveal that by the end of 2023, over 20 million bank accounts had been opened by overseas users in China.

Beijing has enhanced international card acceptance in key scenarios such as major business districts, tourist attractions, parks, and hotels, along with extensive public communication and guidance. It has also promoted the upgrading of payment services for overseas visitors in Beijing with top standards, and continued to create a world-class business environment that is market-oriented, law-based, convenient, and up to international standards.