China’s central bank, the People’s Bank of China, has released a comprehensive guide for foreign visitors on how to use the digital yuan, also known as e-CNY. The guide, titled “Explore the Splendors of China with e-CNY Service Guide for Visitors in China,” aims to assist international tourists in making contactless payments using the official mobile app.
The e-CNY app can be downloaded from both the App Store and Google Play and allows users to register for a digital yuan wallet through authorized local banks. This means that tourists don’t need to have an account with Chinese banks like ICBC or BOC to open a wallet. Additionally, wallet registration supports phone numbers from over 210 countries and regions.
Anonymous users have the option to open a wallet without needing to visit a bank in person or provide personal identification. The payment cap per transaction for anonymous users is set at 2,000 yuan (~$282), with a daily accumulated cap of 5,000 yuan (~$705).
To use the digital wallet, users need to link their Visa or Master cards to the wallet and top it up with their linked account. The funds can then be used for online shopping or at local vendors that accept digital yuan. Unused funds can be easily deposited back into the linked accounts.
For international users in Hong Kong SAR, there is the option to use the “Faster Payment System” feature to top up their wallets fee-free with Hong Kong banking accounts, including HSBC, Hang Seng Bank, and Standard Chartered Bank.
The guide also highlights that users can request a conventional card or a card-shaped e-ink wallet for mobile payments, similar to Apple Pay, by scanning or presenting QR codes.
Overall, the guide aims to provide foreign visitors with a convenient and seamless experience when using the digital yuan during their time in China.