A mobile payment program for international visitors, which is not required to be linked to a Chinese bank card, has been launched in Sanya City, according to the Hainan International Communications Network.
The program lets foreign tourists to the island use a variety of local mobile payment systems without the need to register a Chinese bank account or link to a local card.
Various mobile payment platforms have been integrated into the scheme, including WeChat Pay, the digital yuan, and the overseas Union Pay wallet among others.
After registering in the system, international tourists will not have to specify their place of residence, country or visa status.
The program is designed for tourists who only intend stay in the province for a short time.
To register with this service, a tourist will need to go to one of Everbright Bank branches in Hainan to exchange foreign currency and create a special e-wallet WeChat.
The plan has been developed by Everbright bank together with Tencent Financial Technology.
Using the e-wallet WeChat, tourists can pay for any services and purchases in local stores, public transport, car rentals and cab rides etc.
When leaving the country, tourists will then be able to withdraw the remaining sum from any of the branches of the Everbright Bank. The limit for such transactions by foreign tourists is currently set at 10 thousand yuan.
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