Digital yuan accessibility expands: Foreign visitors can now use CBDC app in China

In a groundbreaking move, China is allowing foreign visitors to access and use its digital yuan via the central bank's official CBDC mobile app. This development comes as part of China's efforts to showcase its Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) on an international stage, particularly during the ongoing Asian Games in Hangzhou.

A new opportunity for foreign travelers

Foreign travelers can now download the digital yuan app from app marketplaces and create e-CNY wallets online, with a minimum initial top-up requirement of 100 yuan (approximately $14). The central bank has even introduced an English-language customer services helpline and in-app chat-based help services to assist international users.

Versatility in digital payments

Unlike previous events, where international athletes and coaches were encouraged to use digital yuan "hard wallets" (wearable devices and smart cards), this time, foreign visitors have the freedom to use the digital yuan not only at physical vendors but also online. They can make payments on popular platforms such as DiDi, JD.com, and Meituan. This opens up a plethora of possibilities, from ride-sharing apps to purchasing food and other goods online.

Seamless transactions & widespread acceptance

For added convenience, travelers who have funds remaining in their e-CNY wallets upon leaving China can request a refund, with the funds being automatically transferred back to their bank accounts. Furthermore, digital yuan payments are now widely accepted, with 121 designated Asian Games hotels, 55 medical clinics, over 30 major shopping centers, and almost 80 tourist attractions in the region now offering digital yuan payment options.

This initiative aligns with Beijing's ambition to make the Asian Games a showcase for the digital yuan and offers an unprecedented opportunity for foreign visitors to experience the benefits of China's CBDC. It not only simplifies transactions for international guests but also demonstrates China's commitment to modernising its financial ecosystem through digital innovation.

As the Asian Games continue to unfold, the world watches closely as China sets new milestones in the adoption of digital currencies, creating a more inclusive and accessible financial landscape for both its citizens and international visitors.