On April 7, according to the Henan Branch of the People's Bank of China, in response to the payment service requirements of international friends visiting Henan for the "2024 ASEAN-China (Henan) Month of People-to-people Exchanges", participants will enjoy a seamless, comprehensive payment experience characterized by high quality, efficiency and convenience. That will be made possible through the provision of flexible and diverse payment methods including acceptance of overseas bank cards, mobile payments, and cash transactions.
Comprehensive payment solutions for international visitors across various scenarios
The People's Bank of China Henan Branch, along with the Bank of China Henan Branch and Henan Airport Group, collaborated to establish a dedicated payment service center for international visitors. Additionally, a new ATM machine has been installed near the exit of Zhengzhou Airport's international flight arrival hall. These facilities offer a range of services for overseas visitors, including consultations, assistance with mobile payment setup, and cash withdrawal.
Photo Zhengguan Media
Besides, hotels and scenic spots have upgraded their hardware and software facilities to accept both domestic and international bank cards, mobile payments, and cash transactions for the convenience of overseas visitors. This ensures that overseas visitors can easily make payments using mainstream international bank cards at various locations such as hotel front desk, merchandise sales points, ticket counters at major tourist attractions, hotels, restaurants, souvenir shops and other establishments.
"Relevant institutions have been directed to introduce foreign currency exchange services as pilot programs in key hotels and tourist attractions which aim to facilitate currency exchange for major currencies frequently involved in transactions during the exchange period, including the Singapore dollar, Thai baht, Malaysian ringgit and RMB,”emphasized by the representative from the People's Bank of China Henan Branch.
Inclusive payment options: cash, card, and mobile payment for your convenience
In addition to traditional payment methods such as cash, the Henan Branch of the People's Bank of China has recommended that relevant institutions enhance the accessibility of mobile payments to meet the demand for QR code scanning with small denominations. Foreign participants of the event have the option to utilize WeChat or Alipay linked to their overseas bank cards for transactions. Alternatively, they can apply for and top up the "Travel Card" online via the UnionPay app using their passport or other identification documents. This facilitates payments through the UnionPay app or enables the use of overseas mobile payment platforms to scan merchants' UnionPay QR codes for transactions.
Photo Xinhua News Agency
Officials from the Henan Branch of the People's Bank of China also highlighted the expansion beyond mobile payments. In addition to facilitating diverse economic entities with small cash transactions, the branch has coordinated commercial banks to offer "Change Packs" exchange services to various businesses, particularly taxi drivers, scenic spots, and merchants in commercial areas. This initiative aims to streamline the process of exchanging small denominations of currency for merchants. The "Change Packs" are available in standardized and customized options, featuring denominations of 20 yuan and below, allowing merchants to conveniently exchange them nearby as needed. Additionally, foreign attendees of the event can easily access "Change Packs" exchange services at currency exchange counters and hotel lobbies, simplifying their spending during their visit.
As of now, in preparation for the Exchange Month event, the Henan Branch of the People's Bank of China has directed banking institutions and payment service providers to install and upgrade numerous POS terminals and ATMs to facilitate foreign card payments. Additionally, collaborative efforts with various currency exchange service banks have been made to ensure that foreign attendees of the event have convenient and efficient options for spending their money.
