Guizhou to improve payment convenience for overseas visitors

According to a press conference held on Jan 29, Southwest China's Guizhou province aims to take measures to enhance its payment services for overseas visitors.

By the end of 2023, Guizhou recorded 19,500 stores that accepted overseas bank cards, 630 bank branches that offered currency exchange services, and 3,889 ATMs that supported overseas bank card withdrawals in Chinese yuan.

To further provide convenience for overseas visitors, Guizhou has focused on optimizing payment services in airports, scenic spots rated national 4A-level and above, hotels rated four stars and above, and key business districts. The province has also instructed financial institutions to enable merchants to accept overseas bank cards.

At the same time, guidance has been provided to optimize the bank account opening process for overseas visitors in China. Guizhou also plans to improve facilities so that foreign permanent resident ID cards are more accepted and easy to use.

Currently, Alipay, WeChat Pay and UnionPay support the use of overseas bank cards. Additionally, ten payment application software systems from seven countries and regions are able to scan Alipay QR codes for transactions.

Financial institutions have renovated ATMs to support overseas bank card withdrawals in Chinese yuan, and Guizhou has investigated and punished public service institutions, transportation hubs, large and medium-sized business organizations, parks and scenic areas that reject payment in cash.