China’s central bank, the People’s Bank of China, recently released a digital yuan service guide aimed at assisting foreign visitors in making contactless payments with e-CNY. This move is designed to enhance the convenience and efficiency of financial transactions for international tourists exploring China.
The official “e-CNY” app, available for download on the App Store and Google Play, enables users to register for a China central bank digital currency (CBDC) account through local banks acting as authorized operators. This means that visitors do not necessarily need an account with a Chinese bank to open a digital wallet and start using the digital yuan for payments.
Registration for the digital wallet only requires a phone number, which can originate from over 210 countries and regions worldwide. For those opting for an anonymous wallet, there is no need to physically visit a bank or provide personal identification details such as a passport. The payment cap for anonymous users is set at 2,000 yuan per transaction and 5,000 yuan daily.
Users can easily link their Visa or Master cards to the digital wallet for seamless deposits. The central bank is also in the process of incorporating more international card schemes to further enhance payment flexibility. Topping up the digital wallet is essential for making online purchases and transactions at local establishments that accept the digital yuan. Any unused funds can be conveniently transferred back to the linked accounts.
International visitors, including those in Hong Kong SAR, can top up their wallets through authorized operator bank counters with RMB or foreign currency banknotes. For users in Hong Kong, the “Faster Payment System” feature enables fee-free wallet top-ups using local banking accounts from institutions like HSBC, Hang Seng Bank, and Standard Chartered Bank.
The digital wallet provides users with multiple payment methods, including conventional cards, card-shaped e-ink wallets, and mobile payments through QR codes or NFC technology. This versatility ensures that visitors have a range of options for conducting transactions conveniently while in China.
The introduction of the digital yuan service guide for international visitors represents a significant step towards promoting the adoption of digital currencies in everyday financial transactions. By simplifying the process of accessing and using the e-CNY, China’s central bank aims to enhance the overall payment experience for tourists and facilitate seamless interactions with local businesses.
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