The People’s Bank of China (PBOC), China’s central bank, has released a digital yuan service handbook for foreign visitors, facilitating contactless payments with the e-CNY.
According to a local news report, titled “Explore the Splendors of China with e-CNY Service Guide for Visitors in China,” published by the central bank, international tourists can now utilize the digital yuan for payments through accounts linked to their cards via the official mobile app.
The “e-CNY” app, available for download on the App Store and Google Play, provides registration services for China’s central bank digital currency (CBDC) accounts through authorized operators, namely local banks.
Even if visitors do not hold accounts with Chinese banks such as the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) or Bank of China (BOC), they can still open a wallet. Wallet registration is accessible to users from over 210 countries and regions and does not require in-person visits to banks or the provision of passport or personal information for anonymous wallet users.
Anonymous users are subject to a transaction cap of 2,000 yuan (~$282) per transaction and a daily accumulated cap of 5,000 yuan (~$705).
Upon registration, users only need to link their Visa or Master cards to their wallets to make deposits. The central bank is also working to support additional international card schemes.
To utilize the digital wallet, users must top up their linked accounts. The funds can be used for online purchases and at local vendors that accept digital yuan. Unused funds can be easily transferred back to linked accounts.
The handbook suggests that international users can visit authorized operator bank counters to top up their wallets with RMB banknotes or foreign currency banknotes. Any remaining wallet balance can be exchanged for banknotes at the counter.
For users in Hong Kong SAR, the “Faster Payment System” feature enables fee-free wallet top-ups with Hong Kong banking accounts, including HSBC, Hang Seng Bank (HSB), Standard Chartered Bank, and other options.
According to the guide, users have the option to request a conventional card, a card-shaped e-ink wallet, or make mobile payments by scanning or presenting QR codes and tapping similar to Apple Pay.
