Tourists have the option to reload their e-CNY wallet with physical cash at local banks and return any remaining balance back to their original bank card or account.
China’s digital yuan app It now has a “recharge first and use later” feature that allows tourists to top-up their wallet using MasterCard visa Payment. Tourists can pre-charge their e-CNY wallet before traveling and avoid the inconvenience of foreign exchange transactions.
The e-CNY app, which is part of the country’s central bank digital currency (CBDC) is available in Pilot, iOS and local Google Play Store users. It allows users to create and manage personal digital yuan wallets that can be used to pay for goods and services with participating local merchants. The latest update to the iOS version (version 1.1.1.) was released on September 22 and allows visiting tourists to use their local phone number to create an e-CNY wallet.
The update coincides with the Asian Games, a major global sporting event hosted by the country that can attract viewers from around the world. The Chinese government has extensively tested the digital yuan as a payment option for visitors. The Beijing Winter Olympics in 2022 was the first time tourists were able to pay local merchants using digital currency.
Tourists also have the option to reload their e-CNY wallet with physical cash at local banks and refund any remaining balance back to their original bank card or account. This update enables visitors to have the same payment experience as locals who are accustomed to mobile payments. It streamlines transactions, increases payment efficiency and reduces payment verification time.
According to Digital Pound Foundation, visitors will be able to transact at physical stores participating in the CBDC trial and with digital platforms including Didi, Meituan, Ctrip, and JD. Banking experts believe that the update will not only facilitate tourists but also increase the prominence of the digital yuan in international transactions, paving the way for its adoption around the world.
China is working towards ensuring widespread availability of e-CNY as a payment option for retail payments. Changchun Mu, director of the Digital Currency Research Institute of the People’s Bank of China, speaking at the annual China International Services Trade Fair where did it go e-CNY has undergone “a major upgrade” in terms of its “organizational forms” and business models and said wallet providers should facilitate digital yuan payment options in all retail scenarios.

Mercy Mutanya is a tech enthusiast, digital marketer, author and IT Business Management student. She enjoys reading, writing, doing crossword puzzles, and watching her favorite TV series.
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