Foreign Guest Payment Service Center: 2024 Updates

Payment Service Center in Chengdu

Smooth Payments Abroad: Discover the Foreign Guest Payment Service Center

The Foreign Guest Payment Service Center (境外来宾支付服务中心) is tailored to cater to the payment requirements of international visitors in China. Strategically positioned in key hubs such as international airports and major tourist destinations, these centers streamline payment processes for overseas travelers, particularly those arriving at their first entry port in the country. By offering consultation and guidance, the Foreign Guest Payment Service Center facilitates seamless payments abroad, fostering a more accessible and globally friendly business environment. Services provided typically include:

Bank Account Service Consultation

At the center, staff (often fluent in English) offer guidance and support to foreign visitors regarding the utilization of their international cards within China, the process of opening a bank account in the country, and other relevant inquiries.

Mobile Payment Service Consultation

Additionally, the center serves as a resource for information and assistance regarding the utilization of popular mobile payment applications in China, such as Alipay, WeChat Pay, and the digital Yuan (E-CNY), including instructions on making payments through QR code scanning or display.

✓ How to Use Alipay (Zhifubao) in China
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Self-Service ATMs & Currency Exchange Machines

Visitors can access a range of self-service banking terminals at the center, including ATMs and foreign currency exchange machines, which accommodate various international cards such as Visa, Mastercard, JCB, American Express, and others.

Bilingual Signage and Brochures

To facilitate understanding of available services, the center employs bilingual signage and offers bilingual brochures, ensuring that foreign visitors can navigate their options with ease.

Current Payment Options for Foreign Travelers in China

Despite the rapid adoption of mobile payment systems like WeChat and Alipay in China, they may not be accessible to every foreign tourist. Credit cards, particularly in small stores and local markets, are not widely accepted. As a result, cash remains the preferred method of payment for international tourists. It's wise to plan your currency exchange needs in advance to ensure you have sufficient funds throughout your stay in China. Consider exchanging some Chinese currency in your home country as an "emergency fund." Learn more about making payments in China and currency exchange.

Where to Find Foreign Guest Payment Service Centers

In light of the increasing number of international visitors, many cities throughout China have set up Foreign Guest Payment Service Centers. Regardless of your destination, these centers ensure a effortless travel experience awaits you.

Full List of Foreign Guest Payment Service Centers Available (June 2024 Update)

  • Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu, Zhangjiajie, Guilin, Kunming, Lijiang, Dunhuang, Nanjing, Guangzhou, Hangzhou
  • Xining, Hohhot, Changsha, Wuhan, Nanning, Lhasa, Shenyang, Lanzhou, Zhengzhou, Hefei, Wenzhou, Ningbo

Chengdu Tianfu International Airport

To better cater to the needs of international travelers, Chengdu Tianfu International Airport proudly presents the currently most comprehensive one-stop foreign guest payment service center among all airports nationwide. Situated right beside the international arrival exit of Terminal 1, this center comprises service areas provided by Bank of China and China Telecom, offering a wide array of services including cash withdrawals (ATM), currency exchange, mobile payment setup, as well as the purchase of cell phones and SIM cards. With just a foreign passport in hand, travelers can enjoy a seamless travel experience with the assistance of the dedicated staffs at the center.

Guide to Foreign Guest Payment Service Center at Chengdu Tianfu International Airport

Beijing Capital International Airport and Beijing Daxing International Airport

To enhance payment convenience for foreign visitors in China, payment service centers were launched at Beijing Capital International Airport and Beijing Daxing International Airport on February 5, 2024. Near international arrival exits, these centers offer various payment services, assistance with mobile payment apps, and ATM cash withdrawals. They provide guidance through consultations, electronic displays, and brochures, ensuring swift understanding and mastery of Chinese payment methods for foreign guests. The airports now host 5 bank branches, 7 exchange franchise outlets, 24 ATMs, and 1 self-service currency exchange machine, enabling comprehensive acceptance of foreign bank cards.

Payment Service Center at Beijing Airport Payment Service Center at Beijing Airport

Xi'an Xianyang International Airport

On March 28, 2024, the foreign guest payment service center at Xi'an Xianyang International Airport was officially put into use. Located opposite the international arrival exit, the center offers services including consultation, ATM cash withdrawal, and currency exchange, aiming to provide foreign guests with immediate payment assistance and guidance to help them quickly understand and master payment methods in China. Additionally, on April 15, two more service centers were opened in Xi'an's Big Wild Goose Pagoda and Tang Paradise scenic areas. The expansion underscore Xi'an's dedication to enhancing travel convenience for overseas visitors.

Payment Service Center at Xi'an Airport Payment Service Center at Xi'an Airport

Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport

On April 23, 2024, Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport inaugurated its foreign guest payment service center, located within the international arrival hall. This center offers a diverse range of payment services tailored to international travelers, concerning cash payment, card payment and QR code payments. It also facilitates exchanges for six major foreign currencies, including USD, KRW, JPY, GBP, EUR, and HKD. The center boasts a professional team to provide travelers with immediate guidance and assistance. In the future, the airport aims to deepen its partnership with financial institutions, striving to develop an international tourism airport that complements top-tier global destinations.

Payment Service Center at Zhangjiajie Airport Payment Service Center at Zhangjiajie Airport

Guilin Liangjiang International Airport

On May 23, 2024, Guilin Liangjiang International Airport launched its Overseas Guests Payment Service Center, the first of its kind in Guangxi Province. The center enables overseas visitors to gain a thorough understanding of Guilin's tourism and domestic payment scenario right from their first entry. Located near the international arrival hall, it provides tourism promotion, consumption guidance, and payment experience services. Equipped with two electronic map navigation screens, it offers tutorials on "binding foreign cards for domestic use" and maps of key tourist spots in Guilin. Bilingual promotional materials and service guides are available, along with 24-hour "manually-assisted + self-service" support.

Payment Service Center at Guilin Airport Payment Service Center at Guilin Airport

Kunming Changshui International Airport

On April 10, 2024, the first center for foreign guest payment services opened its doors in Yunnan Province at the B2 hall of Kunming Changshui International Airport. The center boasts a team of professionals fluent in various foreign languages, dedicated to assisting international visitors with a range of payment needs. They provide helpful resources such as the "Bank of China's Guide to Payment Services for Foreigners in China" and brochures on account opening, available in both Chinese and English. These materials detail the procedures for foreign guests to link their foreign bank cards to domestic e-wallets for seamless payments within China and for utilizing foreign e-wallets at local businesses . Furthermore, ATM cash withdrawal machines that accept Visa, Mastercard, JCB, UnionPay, and other international card networks are conveniently installed in both the international departure and arrival areas.

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