China is taking significant steps to make financial transactions more convenient for foreigners in the country. On Thursday, the People’s Bank of China (PBOC), the nation’s central bank, called for concerted efforts to simplify payment services for international visitors.
At a conference focused on optimizing payment solutions, PBOC Governor Pan Gongsheng emphasized the need for comprehensive and coordinated actions. He urged stakeholders to achieve tangible results in the near future, highlighting the importance of seamless payment experiences for foreigners in China.
Alipay, one of China’s leading payment platforms operated by Ant Group, has already made strides in this direction. The app now allows foreigners to link their overseas bank cards through its international version. Additionally, visitors can use their familiar home e-wallets by scanning Alipay QR codes, integrating global payment methods into China’s digital ecosystem.
Looking ahead, Ant Group plans to address challenges that foreign visitors face when using Alipay for public transportation. Efforts are underway to enable smoother transactions for subway and bus services in major Chinese cities, further enhancing the travel experience.
Meanwhile, Chinese banks are expanding the acceptance of overseas bank cards. These measures aim to facilitate not only digital payments but also the use of cash by foreigners, ensuring that they have multiple options to manage their finances while in the country.
These initiatives reflect China’s commitment to embracing global connectivity and providing an inclusive environment for international tourists, business professionals, and expatriate communities.
Reference(s):
China moves to provide convenient payment services for foreigners
cgtn.com
