China’s PBOC facilitates global access to e-CNY payments

The People’s Bank of China (PBOC) has recently released a comprehensive service guide aimed at facilitating international visitors’ use of the digital yuan, officially known as e-CNY. The guide, titled “Explore the Splendors of China with e-CNY Service Guide for Visitors in China,” seeks to streamline the process for foreign tourists to make contactless payments using China’s central bank digital currency (CBDC). This initiative marks a significant step towards enhancing the convenience of international tourists in navigating China’s digital economy.

Available on both the App Store and Google Play, the e-CNY app allows users to register for a digital yuan account through authorized local banks without the necessity of having a pre-existing account with Chinese financial institutions. This move is particularly noteworthy as it broadens access to China’s digital payment system for tourists, who may not have bank accounts in the country. The app supports registration using phone numbers from over 210 countries and regions, emphasizing the PBOC’s effort to accommodate a wide range of international visitors.

Digital Yuan wallet registration made simple

The registration process for a digital yuan wallet through the e-CNY app is designed to be inclusive and user-friendly. International visitors can opt for an anonymous wallet, which does not require a bank visit or the provision of a passport and other personal information. Such wallets have a transaction cap of 2,000 yuan (approximately $282) per transaction and a daily cap of 5,000 yuan (around $705), ensuring a balance between convenience and security. To top up the digital wallet, users simply need to link their Visa or Mastercard to the account, with further expansions to include more international card schemes in the works.

Payments with the digital yuan can be made for a variety of services, including online shopping and transactions with local vendors that support the CBDC. The PBOC has made it possible for users to easily deposit unused funds back into their linked accounts, adding a layer of flexibility to the digital currency’s usage. For tourists from Hong Kong SAR, the app also offers a “Faster Payment System” feature for topping up wallets without fees using Hong Kong banking accounts, highlighting the PBOC’s commitment to facilitating cross-border financial transactions.

China’s digital currency integration: Tourist-friendly features

The service guide not only details the registration and top-up processes but also outlines the various ways in which the digital yuan can be used for payments. Users have the option to request a conventional card, a card-shaped e-ink wallet, or utilize mobile payments through QR codes and tap-to-pay functions similar to Apple Pay. This versatility in payment methods ensures that international visitors can choose the option that best suits their preferences and needs.

Furthermore, the PBOC has provided provisions for users to top up their wallets with RMB banknotes or foreign currency at authorized bank counters. This flexibility extends to the exchange of remaining wallet balances for banknotes, ensuring that international visitors can manage their digital currency with ease. The introduction of the e-CNY service guide for visitors underscores China’s commitment to integrating its digital currency into the global financial ecosystem and enhancing the overall experience for international tourists in the country.