Beijing has taken a significant step to enhance convenience for foreign visitors by introducing dedicated mobile payment devices. These devices aim to overcome common barriers faced by international tourists when using local mobile payment platforms like WeChat Pay and Alipay, which often require a Chinese bank account or phone number.

Travellers arriving at Beijing Capital Airport are now able to rent dedicated mobile payments and local communications devices, Beijing Pass device, from a service desk in the Terminal 3 arrivals hall, making it quick and easy to access local mobile payments services during their visit to China.

“The Beijing Pass device, co-developed by UnionPay, Bank of Beijing, and Beijing Unicom, is a compact terminal that functions as a power bank, SIM card, and payment device,” the China.org website explains.

“It supports Wi-Fi, QR code payments, and voice translation, making it a versatile tool for travellers.

“Foreign visitors can easily rent and return the device at the airport service counter, located within 100 metres of the international arrival hall.

“After presenting their passports, tourists can choose a short-term communication package, rent the device, open a Beijing Pass card account with the Bank of Beijing, and top it up — all in just five minutes.

Key Features of the Initiative:

1. Seamless Mobile Payments: The devices allow foreigners to link international credit and debit cards directly to popular Chinese payment platforms.
2. Temporary Accounts: Visitors can set up temporary accounts without needing a local phone number or bank account.
3. Wide Acceptance: The payment devices are compatible with an extensive range of services, including transportation, dining, and shopping.

Benefits for Foreign Visitors:

• Simplified Travel: Travelers can easily pay for metro rides, taxis, and other services that traditionally rely on mobile payments.
• Reduced Hassle: No need for cash or complex workarounds to access the country’s digital payment infrastructure.
• Enhanced Tourist Experience: Effortless payments align with Beijing’s broader push to attract more international tourists.

“The device supports both UnionPay QR code payer-initiated and payee-initiated payment methods, allowing foreign visitors to conveniently and efficiently pay at shopping malls, restaurants, and specialty stores.”

“Tourists can top up the card using cash or by swiping another card. After that, they can insert the physical UnionPay card into the device to make QR code-based payments,” a service counter staff member told the news organisation.

The Beijing Pass card, introduced in July 2024, is a multi-purpose, reloadable prepaid card that can be used to make payments in stores, in taxis, at tourist sites, and on public transportation in 300 cities across China.

The card has a maximum balance of 1,000 yuan (US$136.38) that can be topped up at any of 490 stations across the city’s 27 subway lines or online via the SilkPass mobile app.

Broader Implications of Beijing Pass Device

This move reflects China’s commitment to fostering a more welcoming environment for global travelers, particularly as tourism recovers post-pandemic. By bridging the gap between international and local payment systems, Beijing could set a precedent for other cities in China to adopt similar measures.

Such initiatives not only simplify travel logistics but also promote international tourism by addressing one of the primary challenges faced by visitors in cashless economies.