Since the second half of this year, a series of services that facilitate payments in Beijing have greatly benefited public transport, shopping and sightseeing for foreigners in the city. As one of China’s top tourist destinations, the capital welcomed more than 1.65 million tourists in the first half of this year, an increase of 245 percent from the previous year, according to official data.
On September 13, the Chinese capital became the first city on the Chinese mainland to allow the use of foreign bank cards for subway travel. Without the need to purchase tickets at ticket windows or download mobile apps, foreign visitors can use their foreign-issued Mastercard or Visa cards to travel on all of the city’s urban train lines. Cards can be used by approaching the turnstiles.
On July 31, the city launched the Beijing Pass, a multi-purpose card designed to increase convenience for international visitors by simplifying payments for transportation and at tourist sites and shopping malls. The accumulated number of card transactions reached 117 thousand, with the highest frequency of use recorded in public transport scenarios.
Additionally, Beijing now has 24 stations along 11 rail transit lines equipped with translation devices as part of a pilot program. Station staff also regularly undergo oral foreign language training to provide foreign passengers with more accurate and comprehensive information.
The city’s public bus routes now offer bilingual reminders in Chinese and English. Its major ride-sharing service providers have launched English versions of their apps.
In the near future, Beijing Railway is expected to introduce an international version of its app that allows registration with foreign mobile phone numbers and supports QR code scanning for entry and exit. The city’s public buses and taxis will also continue to improve their services for foreign passengers, offering a richer and more diverse range of travel options, local authorities said.
Source: https://www.chinahoje.net/servicos-que-facilitam-pagamentos-em-pequim-beneficiam-visitantes-internacionais/
