China enhances payment services at key tourism sites

Chinese authorities recently released a circular with specified measures to further optimize payment services and improve convenience in major tourist attractions across the country.

The diverse payment needs of senior citizens, foreign and other visitors in the cultural and tourism sectors will be better met, according to the circular jointly issued by the People's Bank of China, Ministry of Culture and Tourism, State Administration of Foreign Exchange, and National Cultural Heritage Administration.

Local cultural, tourism and heritage administrations are instructed to better coordinate with local branches of the PBOC to improve domestic and overseas bank card acceptance and cash usage, and promote mobile payment convenience at major tourism venues.

The circular requires all three-star and above tourist hotels, national 5A and 4A-level scenic areas, national and provincial tourist resorts, and national-level tourist districts to achieve full acceptance of domestic and foreign bank cards.

Major tourist attractions are asked to maintain manned ticketing services and support cash payments, according to the circular.

Foreign currency exchange services at cultural and tourism sites frequented by international visitors will be further promoted. Mobile payment services should be continuously upgraded with streamlined processes and improved online and offline mobile payment convenience, the circular said.

Coordinated efforts will be made to continuously optimize payment services for senior and foreign visitors and more, better serve people's livelihoods, improve business environments and promote high-level opening up, said the circular.