China has unveiled a new pilot program aimed at enhancing payment services for international travelers, marking a significant step toward improving the visitor experience in the country.
On Monday, the State Administration for Market Regulation and the National Data Administration issued a circular detailing measures to streamline the process for individual business entities to obtain mobile payment codes that accept foreign credit cards. This initiative is designed to support mobile payment platforms in verifying the information of these businesses, thereby facilitating smoother transactions for foreign visitors.
The pilot program will be launched in eight cities: Suzhou, Hangzhou, Jinan, Wuhan, Changsha, Shenzhen, Chengdu, and Xi’an. These cities are not only key economic hubs but also popular tourist destinations, making them strategic choices for the pilot.
The program is expected to impact over 11 million individual business entities, representing approximately 9.3 percent of the total nationwide. By enabling these businesses to accept foreign credit cards through mobile payment codes, China aims to create a more welcoming environment for international travelers and boost economic activity.
In the first nine months of this year, the Chinese mainland welcomed an estimated 95 million inbound tourists, marking a substantial 55.4 percent increase compared to the previous year. This surge is partly attributed to the country’s expanded visa-free transit policy, which has made travel to China more accessible.
China’s commitment to enhancing payment accessibility for foreign visitors is part of a broader effort to improve the overall tourism experience. In March, the State Council released guidelines aimed at optimizing bank card payment services, promoting the use of cash, and facilitating mobile payments. Furthermore, a circular issued in April mandated that major tourist attractions accept both domestic and foreign bank cards, ensuring that visitors have multiple payment options.
This pilot program symbolizes China’s proactive approach in embracing global tourism and fostering international business relationships. By easing payment processes, the country not only enhances convenience for travelers but also positions itself as a more attractive destination for future visits.
Reference(s):
China launches pilot to enhance payment services for foreign travelers
cgtn.com
